From Labubu dolls to Lolita: The rise of doll-inspired fashion

Gone are the days when dolls were for children; now, dolls dictate fashion. On 14th June, as the world marks World Doll Day, it’s worth asking: Are we styling dolls, or are they now styling us? Because in 2025, the line between fashion fantasy and childhood nostalgia is deliciously blurred.

The doll effect on fashion

What started as a subtle wave has now rolled on to become a fashion statement. Whether it's the eerie-cute Labubu dolls taking over Instagram feeds with their furry, wide-eyed innocence or Maison Margiela's Artisanal 2024 show, where models resembled hand-painted figurines come to life, dolls are now dictating runways and online shops.

Barbie-core, in particular, found fresh footing after the 2023 ‘Barbie’ film. Suddenly, pink wasn’t just a colour, it was a movement. Celebrities embraced it on red carpets, stylists leaned into playful femininity, and social media turned it viral.

Japan’s Lolita culture

But it’s not just about looking like a doll, it’s about inhabiting fantasy. Japan’s enduring Lolita subculture is a testament to this. For decades, girls (and boys) have dressed in lace, petticoats, and bows, embodying Victorian porcelain dolls not as costumes, but as self-expression.

India is not far behind

In India too, the trend hasn’t gone unnoticed. Designers are giving it a regional spin. Most notably, Anita Dongre added a desi flair to Barbie-core, dressing the doll in a desi lehenga. The designer launched it on Diwali in 2024. Speaking about the same she said, “In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I are both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture. My brand has always been driven by a mission to empower through fashion, and as the ultimate symbol of women empowerment, partnering with Barbie to create the Barbie Diwali doll couldn't be a more perfect alignment of our values.”

From fashion icons to red carpet showstoppers, many Bollywood stars brought Barbie dreams to life with a desi twist. Dressed in dazzling ensembles, paired with picture-perfect makeup and hairstyles, many embraced the Barbie trend, including Mouni Roy, Ranveer Singh, Kangana Ranaut, Sharvari, and Ananya Panday.

So, this World Doll Day, don’t just scroll past the porcelain-perfect looks and pink-on-pink pairings. Embrace them and develop your style!