The movie-goers are as much a part of this story as the blockbuster new Barbie feature film itself, as evidenced by brightly flocked patrons queueing up at the corner of Grand Avenue and Lakeside, across from Lake Merritt, for a recent screening at Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater.
“So cute, where’d you get that? Did you make it??” The chatter online ranged from the significance of this feminist icon, nostalgia for childhood innocence and the freedom of play, to, of course, the outfits.
Fits ranged from small pops of pink to fully sequined and dazzling assemblages from across the decades. Some mimicked Barbie’s iconic looks teased in trailers, but most of the outfits were homespun, thrifted, and full of unbridled creative joy.
From sweet pastel couples, Barbie-loving parents and their sweet-cheeked youngins …
… and flamingo head pieces …
… to sequins with bell bottoms and testosterone-vial earrings and a watermelon bag, the fashions did not disappoint.
For those of us on the slightly more obsessive end of the spectrum, deeply involved fits could also be found.
The above-pictured group was out in celebration of Rosie’s bachelorette party.
Others, such as Kieran, Sarah, and Melissa (pictured above), celebrated decades of female friendship.
The crowd was friendly and jovial, excited to be out at a theater and joining in a cultural moment. Deviating from Mattel’s mass-marketed images, many seemed to have created original looks with what they had, and had a grand time doing so.
Within the warm bask of women (and others) complimenting and cooing, praising and sharing tips on where to find the funkiest pink for your next need, I felt safe and appreciated at the Grand Lake..
The friendly compliments and girl-power vibes faded as I lugged my gold-bootied feet and heavy handbag around the lake towards BART on my way home, amid unwelcome glances and remarks.
One man, whose first pass I ignored, somehow reappeared several blocks later. “Why won’t you talk to me?” he pressed. “Why such a bad mood? Are you crazy?”
Within the limited confines of Barbieland here in the Bay, the sun is shining and the vibes are femme and empowering. Once you step foot outside those invisible boundaries, the real world is more than happy to make itself known.
As fresh-to-Venice Beach-Barbie says in the film, “there’s very much an undertone of violence for me.”
