Barbie is so much more than a child's toy. Since making her debut in 1959, the Barbie doll has become a full-fledged global phenomenon--and fashion icon. In this three part series from 2023, we explore the fashion history and cultural significance of the world's most famous doll and meet the fascinating figures behind her creation.
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Apr 2025
S09E04 - Art Deco⏐Paris-Shanghai, a dialog of styles
In Paris, in the 1920s, a myriad of languages was spoken. Elegant ladies from all over the world flocked to the French capital to shop to their heart’s content. The city, a veritable crossroads of influences, drew inspiration from the most diverse sources. But if there was one ... Show More
16m 33s
Jun 2024
Eleanor Medhurst, "Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion" (Hurst, 2024)
Eleanor Medhurst joins us today to talk about Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion (Hurst & Company, 2024). Clothes are integral to lesbian history. Lesbians, in turn, are integral to the history of fashion. The way that we dress can help us to present who we are to the world ... Show More
44m 28s
Nov 2024
S07E03 - Literature⏐Salammbô, the quintessential femme fatale and the unique brooch by René Lalique
“It was in Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar…”This is the opening sentence of Salammbô, Flaubert’s great historical novel, which has become a cult classic. Just like its heroine … the Carthaginian princess with dazzling finery and a tragic destiny.Salammbô ... Show More
13m 8s
Nov 4
The Hidden Lessons Paris Taught Me About Modeling and Womanhood
In this solo episode of Not Alone, Valeria takes listeners on a journey through her past and present, from celebrating her 35th birthday and Rosh Hashanah with family, to reflecting on the early days of her modeling career in Paris and Japan. She opens up about the lessons learne ... Show More
30m 51s
Aug 2023
Barbie collector with 800 dolls in her house
Artist Dawn Austin, from Derbyshire in the UK, has amassed a collection of more than 800 figurines spanning several decades. She joins Nights to talk about her love of the dolls, and, of course, the Barbie movie.
12m 54s