A Real-Life Barbie Dream Come True: Margot Robbie Dazzles in Polka Dots at Palm Springs Fest
Leave it to Margot Robbie to deliver endless inspiration as everyone’s favorite plastic doll come-to-life. The Australian beauty and her stylist Andrew Mukamal have been conjuring up doll-worthy ensembles that pay homage to Barbie’s signature style ever since Robbie kicked off promotions for her highly-anticipated film. Last night at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival, Robbie arrived looking pretty in pink polka dots, channeling a retro Barbie that collectors would covet.
Stepping onto the red carpet in the California desert, Robbie was spotted on the arm of her husband Tom Ackerley looking as loved up as Ken and Barbie themselves. Her girly Balmain mini dress boasted a timeless white collar and dainty rosettes, elevated with the atelier’s signature couture-level craftsmanship in a cotton candy pink and black polka dot silk. Adding to the doll-like charm were pink peep-toe pumps worthy of Barbie’s endless shoe collection. With her glowing skin, blonde waves, and radiant smile, Robbie embodied the essence of Barbie. America Ferrera, her co-star who stepped in to play a new toy named Marisa in the film, joined Robbie to present director Greta Gerwig with an award, reflecting their real-life friendship formed on the set.
Just like Barbie through the decades, Robbie never wears the same outfit twice. At the Los Angeles premiere, she arrived in a flirty Valentino lace confection was a deadringer for ‘Pink & Fabulous Barbie’ from Mattel’s 2015 throwback collection. Keeping the picture-perfect retro Barbie aesthetic going, Mukamal selected dainty bow pumps in a coordinating fuschia, plus opera gloves for added drama. And no Barbie is complete without her accessories – Robbie topped off her L.A. red carpet ensemble with a pastel bag straight out of Barbie’s Dreamhouse.
The dedicated method behind Robbie and Mukamal’s Barbie style choices serves as more than merely a publicity play. By referencing Barbie’s most iconic looks through the years, it represents Barbie’s enduring influence on fashion and changing ideals of femininity decade after decade. Like the film itself aims to do, these nostalgic homages bring back the childlike magic associated with Barbie and everything she represents for collectors and fans worldwide. Robbie tells PEOPLE she hopes to “get [hardcore Barbie fans] excited” through her red carpet style and “pair Barbie references with great designers” to reflect the doll’s high fashion remixes showcased over decades.
If her winning streak at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards serves as any preview, we’re in for more show-stopping Barbie style at future red carpets – including the SAG Awards and the Academy Awards, where her film has been nominated across major categories. This real-life Barbie has no doubt been preserving precious couture in her Dream Closet for the big nights ahead. As the legendary blonde bombshell famously said, “With the right shoes, anything is possible.” If her footwear game at the Palm Springs International Film Festival was merely a teaser, we can only imagine the delightfully daring stilettos, sandals and pumps Robbie has yet to debut. Stay tuned, dolls…this Barbie’s adventures have only just begun.
