Barbie museum coming to Les Cours Mont-Royal

The largest permanent, haute couture Barbie exposition in the world is coming to Les Cours Mont-Royal next week.

According to Gilanna Giobbi, the head curator of the museum, it is a celebration of fashion through the little doll.

"Montreal is very fashion-forward, so I think it's going to be well-received here," Giobbi said.

As of Thursday, Feb. 11, more than 1,000 Barbies will be on display, representing all of the different styles she has donned throughout her long life. Barbie was launched by Mattel in 1959.

The dolls featured at Barbie Expo come from collectors across Europe and Australia. Some of the dolls are limited edition.

"We have some one-of-a-kinds that were from other designers and artists," Giobbi said. "There's one in the world, and that's it. They're super unique."

According to Giobbi, some of the dolls went through 200 hours of fittings with their designer.

"It's crazy the amount of people that work on these," she said.

The Barbie museum will feature high-fashion, designer, and even celebrity Barbies. The dolls will be featured wearing designs from Armani, Dior, Versace, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta and many more notable names from the fashion industry.

Celebrity Barbies will include Grace Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Kate Middleton and Coco Chanel — all women who are especially known for their involvement in fashion.  

There will also be a special I Love Lucy feature for the show's 65th anniversary, with Barbies dressed up in Lucy's costumes from the most memorable episodes. (Some spoilers: the chocolate factory outfit, and the banana head.)

Of course, the 464-square-metre museum will include some designer Ken dolls, too, but not as many as Barbie.

"He's becoming more fashionable," Giobbi said.

Entry will be by donation, with all proceeds going to the Make a Wish Foundation.