Reebok and Barbie have unveiled a new collection that goes beyond fashion, aiming to inspire the next generation of footwear industry pioneers. This partnership, coinciding with Barbie’s 65th anniversary, brings together two iconic brands to address the challenges faced by women, particularly Black and Brown women, in the footwear sector.
The collection, set to launch on September 20, 2024, at 12 AM EST, features an array of footwear and apparel for both adults and children. It seamlessly blends Reebok’s athletic heritage with Barbie’s signature style, resulting in a line that’s both functional and fashionable.
At the heart of this collaboration is a powerful campaign inspired by the Barbie Dream Gap Project. This initiative tackles gender stereotypes and aims to boost girls’ confidence from a young age. The campaign showcases a young girl exploring various career paths within the footwear industry, from designer to CEO, highlighting the vast possibilities available to aspiring professionals.
Portia Blunt, Senior Vice President of Global Product at Reebok, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “Working with an iconic brand like Barbie, which has a long history of empowering girls, is truly special. We’ve created not just a beautiful collection, but are telling an important story through our creative campaign. It highlights the barriers Black and Brown girls face within the footwear industry.“
The collection itself is a testament to both brands’ commitment to style and functionality. Apparel offerings include oversized track jackets, hoodies, and wide-leg pants, alongside leggings, bike shorts, and crop tops. Each piece features unique details like novelty stitching, co-branding, and innovative fastenings.
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A standout item is the Barbie x Reebok Graphic Tee, which pays homage to the first Black Barbie doll, released in 1980. This design, featuring subtle Reebok Vector logos on the doll’s iconic earrings, celebrates a significant milestone in Barbie’s history of diversity and inclusion.
The footwear line is equally impressive, with styles that cater to various preferences and age groups. The Barbie x Reebok Club C Extra offers a platform twist on a classic silhouette, while the BB 4000 II brings a retro-basketball aesthetic to the collection. For running enthusiasts, the FloatZig 1 combines Reebok’s performance technology with Barbie’s bold style.
Beyond the products, this collaboration extends its impact through a partnership with Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn. Reebok will make a donation to the organization and host young members at its global headquarters, providing mentorship and insights into the footwear industry.
