Some things get better with age … like designer and renaissance Dapper Dan, from Harlem, NY, now 76 years old (also the inaugural recipient of The Glow Up 50’s “Dap Award”, a tribute for the whole of the work that we named in honor of the fashion legend). But another male cultural icon has recently reached an important milestone – Mattel’s Ken doll. Barbie’s Stedman for Oprah turned 60 this year, and proving that he still has (or at least is perfectly fine with being the old man in the club), the muscular doll received a wardrobe update from the best of Harlem, who dressed him up with capsule wardrobe of more experienced styles and with many logos (because of Dapper Dan).
Barbie, who is this man? Ken has clearly come a long way from the beaches of Malibu, abandoning his blond, Robert Redford-like hairstyle for men and bald men. Is it a pastel-colored jogging pants that we see combined with a blocked colored jacket? Ken’s rocking skinny jeans now – and Timbs ?! (For the sake of little fingers, we expect the jeans to stretch.) Are the leather and skin of the brand’s parka puffer artificial? And that bald and bald Ken doll, who wears an ascot, comes with a pair of sunglasses that are the designer’s signature, so that we can pretend he’s Dan himself? (Editor-in-Chief Genetta Adams: I’m sorry, we have to call him Kenny. He is very elegant for “Ken”.)
We have doubts – and, as always, Dapper Dan (who knows a lot about almost everything, in our experience) has answers, courtesy of Mattel.
With each look I design, you have a strong sense of the user’s personality, and Ken’s personalized looks are no different. I created three looks that were bold and daring because of who Ken is today – he defies expectations, sets trends and is a true original. Our mutual ability to respond and reflect people’s thinking is what has given us longevity. Ken’s looks are suitable for a new era, with high-impact tailoring, a play on logos and powerful color combinations.
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So there you have it – straight from Harlem. According to Mattel, Ken’s new looks will be shown on Barbie global platform on March 14 and 15.