Mattel Creations has partnered with Italian furniture brand Kartell to present a design-focused Barbie accessory: an entirely pink series of collectible toy-sized and accompanying adult-sized chairs to add a touch of the dreamhouse to your own home, showcased during Milan Design Week 2024.
Barbie x Kartell: in the pink
‘Mattel Creations is our umbrella brand for premium collaborations and collectibles, which is why we are honoured to partner Barbie with Kartell,’ said Kim Culmone, senior vice president and global head of doll design for Mattel. ‘This collaboration truly transforms furniture into art, paying homage to Kartell’s iconic pieces while infusing them with Barbie's timeless style and charm.’
Mattel Creations has previously partnered with Pin-Up to present a book that charts the evolution of the Barbie Dreamhouse. Celebrating Barbie’s 65th anniversary, the new collaboration unites five Kartell chairs – ‘AI’, ‘Venice’, ‘Louis Ghost’, ‘Masters’, and ‘Ero|S|’, all by Philippe Starck – in Barbie’s fun style and distinctive bubblegum Mattel pink.
The collection makes use of innovative materials including bamboo and 100 per cent FSC recycled paper packaging, uniting sustainability and functionality. The collection is recreated in both doll and adult sizes, a fun interpretation of scale that nods to childhood nostalgia.
‘We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Mattel to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Barbie. It highlights the values of creativity, innovation, and elegance that Kartell and Mattel share,’ said Lorenza Luti, Kartell’s marketing and retail director. ‘Our iconic Kartell chairs have always been seen as symbols of design and innovation, much like how Barbie has been a fashion icon for generations. The recent Barbie film highlighted her enduring appeal, further solidifying her status as a role model. By merging our two brands, we are able to offer a fresh interpretation of Kartell design, transforming our chairs into playful toys for fans of all ages.’
The collection is showcased during Milan Design Week 2024 at the Mattel Creations pop-up at Condenast's ‘The Vogue Italia Closet’ from 16 April. The ‘Masters’ and ‘Louis Ghost’ chairs can be purchased exclusively at Kartell.com, for a limited time.
-
Marylebone restaurant Nina turns up the volume on Italian diningAt Nina, don’t expect a view of the Amalfi Coast. Do expect pasta, leopard print and industrial chic
-
Tour the wonderful homes of ‘Casa Mexicana’, an ode to residential architecture in Mexico‘Casa Mexicana’ is a new book celebrating the country’s residential architecture, highlighting its influence across the world
-
Jonathan Anderson is heading to Dior MenAfter months of speculation, it has been confirmed this morning that Jonathan Anderson, who left Loewe earlier this year, is the successor to Kim Jones at Dior Men
-
Inside the Shakti Design Residency, taking Indian craftsmanship to Alcova 2025The new initiative pairs emerging talents with some of India’s most prestigious ateliers, resulting in intricately crafted designs, as seen at Alcova 2025 in Milan
-
Faye Toogood comes up roses at Milan Design Week 2025Japanese ceramics specialist Noritake’s design collection blossoms with a bold floral series by Faye Toogood
-
6:AM create a spellbinding Murano glass showcase in Milan’s abandoned public shower stallsWith its first solo exhibition, ‘Two-Fold Silence’, 6:AM unveils an enchanting Murano glass installation beneath Piscina Cozzi
-
Dimoremilano and Loro Piana channel 1970s cinema in decadent Milan displayAt Milan Design Week 2025, Dimorestudio has directed and staged an immersive, film-inspired installation to present new furniture and decor for Loro Piana
-
In Milan, MoscaPartners presents a poetic exploration of ‘migration’Alongside immersive work by Byoung Cho, MoscaPartners’ Milan Design Week 2025 display features an accessible exhibition path designed for visually impaired visitors
-
The making of PAN and Nike’s euphoric, club-inspired collaboration at Milan Design WeekAlongside a new Air Max 180 release, ‘The Suspended Hour’ display sees Berlin record label PAN imagine the unfolding of a club night, from dusk until dawn
-
Tokujin Yoshioka’s ephemeral ice furniture is made to melt in MilanTransparent chairs of frozen water slowly disappear during Milan Design Week 2025, in an expression of light by Japanese artist Tokujin Yoshioka
-
In Milan, Rooms Studio examines Georgia’s shifting social landscapeExpandable tables that reference recent government protests and lamps held together with ‘chewing gum’ feature in the Tbilisi-based studio’s Milan Design Week 2025 installation
