French artist and designer Jean-Charles Castelbajac first rose to prominence in the 1970s, sculpting a universe of bold color, inventive silhouettes, and unabashed playfulness. As the creator of label JC/DC, Castelbajac has worked with Rihanna, M.I.A., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more. Castelbajac employs “art-to-wear” in his designs. The artist is in constant conversation with pop culture, building out the cultural zeitgeist in his illustrations and commercial collaborations.

Castelbajac unveiled his collaboration with Barbie Signature Collection, designing two collectible dolls. The collection “celebrates individuality, artistic expression, and the enduring power of play through fashion,” says Robert Best, Vice President of Barbie Product Design.

Barbie and Ken are dressed in a contemporary, street-inspired rendition of Castelbajac’s designs. Both dolls wear an oversized, teddy bear coat – first conceived as a statement against wearing animal fur, and later worn by Madonna and Pharrell Williams. Barbie wears a T-shirt minidress printed with Castelbajac’s color pencil illustrations, and denim boots. Ken wears a similarly illustrated graphic tee with baggy jeans.

The partnership is headed by Mattel Creations, a subsidiary for design-led collaborations, with previous collections including Miu Miu, Billie Eilish, MoMA, and more. Mattel Creations strives to cement Mattel’s legacy as a pillar of pop culture.