Were only Susan Sontag alive today to rewrite her famous “Notes on ‘Camp,’” she might have had a field day at the “Barbie” movie premiere, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday night (and, for all we know, she might have even been cast in the movie — it seems every other person on Earth appeared in the trailer). If the message of the movie is that all of us are Barbie and Barbie is all of us, the pink carpet did a good job of reinforcing that message (at least that’s what the cryptic trailers imply, but we’re not sure, as no screeners have been made available).
Would Ms. Sontag have found the event sufficiently earnest? Many of the attendees paid homage to the plastic icon’s palette and smoothness of skin, but that’s par for the course in Hollywood. Certainly Mattel must have been pleased with the carnival of branding.
Following a cavalcade of YouTube personalities and influencers like David Dobrik, stars like Greta Gerwig and Issa Rae arrived in head to toe pink. Cast members like Helen Mirren and Will Ferrell did not make appearances on the carpet — a shame, as Mr. Ferrell surely would have looked great dressed as Barbie. Alas.
Nicki Minaj: Most ‘Go Blonde or Go Home’ Barbie!
Classic, “Barbie Tingz,” as Ms. Minaj knows well, includes blond hair that goes on forever.
Greta Gerwig: Most Buttoned-Up Barbie!
The director and co-writer merely had to wear Valentino to be entirely on trend for her own premiere. Easy!
Dua Lipa: Most ‘Barbie Who?’ Barbie!
A shimmery, nearly nude dress made those in attendance forget all about why they were there for a moment.
Billie Eilish: Most Mr. Potato Head Barbie!
Giant shoes, short pants and a shiny red tie. It’s as if Barbie and Mr. Potato Head had a child. The Hasbro-Mattel crossover no one saw coming.
America Ferrera: Most Blushing Barbie!
A halter top and skirt dialed down the pink color palette.
Issa Rae: Most Secure Barbie!
A keyhole cut in a floor-length gown — both elegant and sassy.
Simu Liu: Most Harnessed Ken!
His baby-blue suit included straps around his chest. Is that a passport holder or a deconstructed vest? Either way, he’s ready.
Alexandra Shipp: Most Updo’d Barbie!
The actress brought a touch of class and sparkle.
Haim: Most ‘Too-Cool-for-School’ Barbie
The sister band showed up in coordinated dresses with strategically placed circular cutouts.
Liv Morgan: Most ‘Likely to Crush Ken’ Barbie!
The professional wrestler and actress brought her championship belt to the movie. As a Barbie would.
Kingsley Ben-Adir: Most Debonair Ken!
No pink, no silliness, just pure confidence.
Margot Robbie: Most Barbie!
This woman has probably been mistaken for Barbie in real life. We do like that she wore black for the premiere, giving her a tiny bit of edge in a sea of bubble gum.
Ryan Gosling: Most Ken!
At first, Mr. Gosling seemed like an off-kilter choice to star as Ken. But he’s doing a smashing job of embodying the role.