Introduction
For over six decades, Barbie has captured imaginations worldwide with her iconic pink aesthetic. From her dresses and shoes to her accessories, companions, vehicles, and homes, pink has been a constant presence in Barbie’s universe. Now, as the release of the Barbie movie approaches, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the significance of this color is more evident than ever.
In the film, Margot Robbie’s character is depicted wearing pink clothing, driving a pink car (complete with a pink steering wheel and interior), and residing in a large pink house. The production of this pink mansion required meticulous attention to detail and reportedly even led to a worldwide shortage of fluorescent pink paint.
Behind the Scenes Insights
The revelation came during an interview with the film’s director, Greta Gerwig, in Architectural Digest. Gerwig, along with production designer Sarah Greenwood and decorator Katie Spencer, discussed the process of bringing the film’s spaces to life and the challenges they faced. They revealed that the house in the film has no walls or doors, emphasizing a sense of openness and lack of privacy—a concept inspired by the dreamlike nature of Barbie’s world.
The Barbie mansion, reminiscent of mid-century Palm Springs architecture, was recreated on the Warner Bros. lot outside London. Among its amenities are a pink-edged swimming pool with a Barbie-shaped float, a slide in matching hues, a semicircular sofa, a glittery pink bedspread atop a furry rug, closet displays resembling storefronts with matching mirrors and drawers, and even an elevator—all designed to emulate Barbie’s extravagant lifestyle.
Gerwig expressed the importance of vibrant pinks in capturing the essence of Barbie’s appeal, stating that she wanted everything to feel “excessive” and not to forget what made Barbie beloved by generations. The decision to use a specific shade of fluorescent pink from Rosco, a leading paint manufacturer known for its ties to the film industry, was crucial in achieving the desired aesthetic.
Global Pink Paint Shortage
The Los Angeles Times further investigated the pink paint shortage, speaking with Rosco’s global vice president, Lauren Proud, who confirmed that the production indeed depleted all existing supplies of the fluorescent pink color. The distribution of this color faced challenges not only due to filming but also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains, particularly from China, a major supplier of raw materials.
Additionally, extreme weather events in Texas in 2021, including historic snowstorms and heavy rainfall, affected the production of essential materials used in creating the paint. Proud acknowledged the scarcity of supply, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a unique project.
Conclusion
Fans eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the vibrant world of Barbie when the movie hits theaters worldwide on July 21st. The sheer extravagance of fluorescent pink—though the exact shade and quantity remain undisclosed—promises to transport audiences into a whimsical realm where pink reigns supreme.