There’s no denying that 2023 was Barbie’s year; from pop culture resurgence, brand collabs galore, Malibu Barbie cafe popups, and Greta Gerwig’s seminal, billion dollar movie. She was everywhere, and culturally, we were all here for it.

But what about her fans who have been there all along? What did they have to say about Barbie, and what does the fan base look like now? I pitched this story, and then flew down to Orlando FL to cover the Barbie Collectors Convention for WSJ, working along side Pia Peterson-Haggarty for 5 days of jam packed Barbie extravaganza.

Barbie is an OG feminist. It’s her house, her career, her car, no husband, and she’s done it all while looking fashionable as fuck. She’s actually really amazing, but her fans have known that all along. The Barbie community welcomed me with open arms, and I’m so grateful for the friendships I made. Thanks to Mattel for letting me join in on the fun.

The Wall Street Journal - Barbie Is So Much More Than a Movie for These Collectors