Who’s got swagger? That is a question Mattel doll Ken can answer with confidence. For his 60th birthday celebrations, Dapper Dan, Harlem’s fashion kingpin, has given Ken the New York type swag makeover, and the looks are to die for.
Kenneth Sean Carson was named after the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler. Ken hit the markets on March 11, 1961, as Barbie’s better half. Ken has evolved over the years and so has his style.
There are now nine different skin tones, three body types, 10 eye colors, 27 hair colors, and 20 hairstyles of Ken dolls and he no longer wears just the iconic red swim trunks with a yellow towel hanging around his neck.
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Legendary designer Dapper Dan, born Daniel R. Day Ken, made a name for himself in the ’80s making bespoke pieces for the hip hop royalty like LL Cool J and Bobby Brown for nearly a decade from his Dapper Dan’s Boutique. A fashion line with Gucci in 2017 saw him open his second store and atelier Dapper Dan’s of Harlem in 2018.
Thanks to an epic collaboration with Dapper Dan, Ken now has three custom looks that epitomize the New York street style uniquely fitted to make it drip with swag and continue to set trends.
“With every look that I design, you get a strong sense of the wearer’s personality, and Ken’s custom looks are no different.
“I created three looks that were daring and bold because of who Ken is today – he defies expectations, sets trends, and is a true original,” Dapper Dan said of his creations in a statement from Mattel to Paper magazine.
According to Daily News, there’s a two-toned red parka with a fur-lined hood paired with wheat-colored boots and a matching bucket hat; a contemporary slim monogrammed black suit accompanied by a golden trimming and a matching ascot; and a more casual ensemble with a multicolored motorcycle jacket, sweatpants, and sneakers.
“Our mutual ability to respond to and reflect people’s thinking is what has given us both longevity. Ken’s looks are fit for a new age, featuring high-impact- tailoring, a play on logos, and powerful color combinations,” he added.
Mattel will reveal the three new looks on Barbie’s global platform on March 14 and 15 or you can check it out on Barbie’s Instagram alongside the other dope styling by designers Tan France as well as Berluti Creative Director Kris Van Assche for the 60th birthday celebrations.
