The new Barbie movie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, premieres next week on July 21, 2023. Margot Robbie is the perfect real-life Barbie, especially with the spot-on fashions she’s worn to each of the movie media events. When she wore an outfit that transformed from a business suit to a cocktail dress on the red carpet, I was delighted because I had the Day-to Night Barbie who inspired the look. I’ve noticed the “Barbie-core” pink flood of fashion in stores, and I’m here for it. I don’t know if the movie will be good or not, but I already appreciate it because of the sense of nostalgia I’ve experienced. I’ve loved Barbie for virtually my entire life. When I was about four years old, my older cousins asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and “Barbie” popped out of my mouth. They gifted me the Malibu Barbie and Ken complete with dark tans and impressive tan lines, and that was it: I was in love.

Throughout the years, my collection of Barbies grew. My Mom sewed tiny, beautiful clothes for them. One of my most favorite Christmas gifts from my parents was the fabulous Barbie Dreamhouse. My Dad meticulously assembled the impressive structure so that it sat under the Christmas tree ready for play. I cannot count the number of times I dressed my dolls, brushed their hair, and decorated their house. My imagination grew as I weaved stories of their adventures in my head. I posed them in their house and in their remote-control car, which had the remote control attached by an actual wire to the back of the car.

I know that there are body image issues with Barbie. I even used her distorted proportions in a speech I gave in college about skewed portrayals of women’s bodies in the world, which was way before social media created more drastic problems. But I couldn’t help it, I still loved her, and everyone knew it. My law school friends hosted a bridal shower for me complete with a Barbie cake. The cake portion formed a giant ballgown around the doll standing in the center. At the end of my federal clerkship, my co-workers tweaked a Barbie so that she became “Law Clerk Tina.” As an adult, I’ve bought or been given a Bridal Barbie, a Snow White Barbie, an Elvis Ken with a Barbie in a poodle skirt. I bought a President Barbie for my daughter Riley the year she was born. 

Thinking back over my Barbie memories, I’m filled with happiness, comfort, and security. But not just because I enjoyed playing with the toy as a means of entertainment or because it enhanced and strengthened my imagination. I also feel warmth because of the relationships those memories represent. In almost every instance, my family and friends are connected to my recollections. I can still feel their love when I recall my Barbie days. And that is what makes the whole phenomenon more special to me.

The other day, we were at another movie and saw a promotion for the Barbie movie. You could stand in a Barbie box for a photo. I waited in a short line of other middle-aged women who wanted their pictures taken. And then, wearing my “MOM” sweatshirt, I proudly posed for my Barbie moment. Barbie, a beloved part of my core memories – past, present, and forever.