Gap partners with Mattel for apparel collections— will launch with Barbie
Gap is getting on board the Barbie train.
The apparel retailer is teaming up with Mattel on a series of apparel collaborations inspired by Mattel’s portfolio of brands and Gap’s signature icons.
The first of the Gap x Mattel product drops will be the Gap x Barbie collection, which will include tees, skirts, logo hoodies, denim, button-downs and accessories as well as pet apparel. The line, which will feature Barbie branding and Gap’s signature arch typeface, launches on May 23, ahead of the much-anticipated “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Gap X Barbiel will be available on Gap’s website and in select Gap stores globally. In addition, select styles will be offered through Mattel Creations, the company’s collector and direct-to-consumer platform.
Additional Gap x Mattel collaborations will be unveiled later this year, including apparel based on the number-one selling toy in the world: Hot Wheels. Gap credit card holders will have the chance to access and shop all the collections online prior to their official launch dates.
“Gap’s partnership with Mattel represents two iconic brands collaborating on products that customers can wear as a family, pets included, and have fun,” said Christopher Goble, head of merchandising at Gap. “Each launch will celebrate our optimistic spirit of individuality and connection through creative expression and play.”
Gap is not the first brand or retailer to dress Barbie. In June 2022, Forever 21 partnered with Mattel to introduce the limited-edition Barbie Summer 2022 Collection, which included apparel, swimwear, sleepwear, accessories, cosmetics and Barbie DreamHouse-inspired home décor. Also, over the years, several designer fashion brands have outfitted the iconic doll, including Balmain, Moschino and Karl Lagerfeld.
[Read More: World of Barbie to make U.S. debut at Santa Monica Place]
“We are excited to partner with Gap to combine Mattel’s iconic brand portfolio with Gap’s signature products,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer and global head of consumer products at Mattel. “We look forward to working together to offer our fans fun, quality clothing for the entire family, plus a new way to embrace their favorite Mattel brands, franchises, characters and stories.”