To celebrate Ken’s 60th anniversary, Berluti has teamed up with Mattel for a unique, cross-platform partnership.
Never far from Barbie’s side, Ken has been a fan favourite since his launch in 1961, daring ever since to make bold fashion choices, and always evolving with the times. Today, Berluti and Mattel are together reimagining a modern, diverse, stylish Ken for the 21st century through an unexpected collaboration.
The project includes three unique one of a kind Ken dolls, developed with Berluti’s Creative Director Kris Van Assche, dressed in Berluti x Brian Rochefort collection looks – a brown leather jacket worn with a short-sleeved printed silk shirt, elasticated trousers and braided calf leather Camden shoes, a Prince of Wales double breasted suit with a Ken & Berluti logo tee and Camden shoes, and a printed shirt combined with black trousers, a belt and braided calf leather Stellar sneakers -, as well as a miniature version of the Nino clutch and the Berluti beach buggy revealed in 2020, manufactured by Hot Wheels.
The dolls will be revealed on social media, making an appearance on Berluti’s Instagram account as well as performing a takeover of the @Barbiestyle account, with a storytelling content that will see them leaving Paris in the buggy and making their way to Los Angeles.
Two dedicated Berluti products have also been created for the occasion: a T-shirt displaying Berluti’s and Ken’s interlaced logos and a Nino clutch. One of the most iconic leather pieces of Berluti, it features the iconic Signature canvas – superimposed with Berluti’s logo – and Venezia leather details with a California Blue patina. Both pieces will be available both in Berluti stores in U.S, France, China and Japan, and worldwide e-shops from March 11th, 2021.
“During such a restrictive time, it felt joyful and liberating going into fantasy mode to create all these products and this storytelling. Ultimately, it all goes back to the idea of dreaming”, says Kris Van Assche. “Throughout Ken’s iconic history, cultural relevance and diversity have been core to his evolution. These themes perfectly align with Berluti’s fashion and values, so it made total sense to come together to celebrate Ken’s 60th anniversary”, adds Mattel Senior Director of Barbie Design, Robert Best.
The Berluti x Ken partnership premieres on Ken’s official birthday on 11 March.
Berluti’s store windows in Los Angeles and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris will be especially dedicated to the collaboration.
The three unique Ken dolls will be digitally auctioned in May with proceeds supporting the children’s charity, Make-A-Wish®. Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. Make-A-Wish has the unique ability to transform a child and their family’s lives during some of their most difficult trials – as a wish creates an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness.
