Photoshoots: WildMomoPhotography
Completed: 2023
Debuted: 2023
Why This Costume
Like many Millenials healing their inner child, the Barbie movie struck a chord with me. I adored the film and immediately set out to make several costumes from it, though so far I’ve only gotten around to two. These are both fantastic dresses for days that I need to be comfortable but still want to look cute.
How I Made It
Both versions of this outfit pulled from the Barbara Bodice (Charm Patterns) as well as IndigoJinjo’s Barbara dress patterns. IndigoJinjo’s pattern is more accurate to the film version of the dress, but I did NOT relish the idea of giving that style of bodice a FBA, so I pulled those pieces from the Charm pattern instead. The skirts for both as well as the heart cutout and bows are all pulled from Indigo’s patterns.
One major change I made with the beach dress was adding a mesh panel to the heart cutout in the back. This was mostly so I could wear a regular bra without it being visible. I used Indigo’s pattern markings as a template, then constructed it as a reverse applique.
Trying to find the perfect pink checkered print was honestly a nightmare, and this fabric was atrocious to work with. Paper thin and it wanted to shred if I so much as looked at it wrong. Flatlining with muslin wound up being my best option, and I think the Beach Dress turned out better overall as a result.
The jewelry for both pieces were Amazon and Etsy specials. The wig is a basic daily wear wig I grabbed from a local Korean beauty shop, though if I remember before my next wear, I’ll grab one that has a different part for easier styling. Fun fact: my pink glasses are from the Barbie Woobles kit!
Thoughts on This Build
Cosplaying Barbie is some of the most fun I’ve had in costume in a long while. Posing is extra ridiculous, and I’m so glad Momo encouraged me to be super over the top. Taking photos at my local botannical garden was honestly a blast. More than one person thought I was one of the art installations, so I’ll take that as a win.
The Geeky Seamstress 