Sydney-based luxury label Leo Lin has teamed up with Mattel and Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess to launch a limited-edition 8-piece Barbie capsule range.
The collection is inspired by Hess's newly released book, Barbie: A Fashion Icon, published by Hardie Grant.
Launching globally this week to coincide with the worldwide release of Hess's book, the collection reimagines six Barbie-inspired looks.
"Megan has been a longstanding friend of Leo Lin, and this is a natural extension of our friendship,” founder and creative director Leo Lin said. “We both adore the world of Barbie and how the brand continues to showcase positivity, confidence and joy — that's exactly what we wanted every piece to feel like on the body."
Hess added that she has drawn Barbie in every era of her fashion life, but added the capsule adds a real-life element to this.
“For me it has been a dream come true to collaborate with Leo on this collection,” Hess said. “I’ve worn his designs for so many years, and it has been an honour to work with him to bring this dream of a Barbie capsule collection to life. I can't wait to wear every piece."
Designed in an exclusive signature pink, the eight-piece capsule spans tailoring, eveningwear and luxurious daywear in silk, silk-wool and silk-linen blends. A sculptural bow motif runs throughout, including a single-shoulder statement to hand sewn bows, alongside ruffled, tiered eveningwear and an off-shoulder maxi.
The collection was captured on the streets of Paris for an accompanying campaign, styled against the city's café awnings and the Eiffel Tower.
Retail prices for the capsule pieces range from $599 to $1,599. Each item purchased will come with an exclusively designed Leo Lin scarf featuring Megan Hess’s bespoke illustrations.
Leo Lin will also donate 10 per cent of every item purchased to the McGrath Foundation, which provides cancer care across Australia.