Later this week, within the new Selfridges Toy Shop opening up on its fourth floor, Barbie gets her own dedicated space. And what better occasion to ask some up-and-coming London designers to dress her up for than this? Three of the British capital's (and one of fashion's top cities) emerging talents are making the bill: Fred Butler, Nazir Mazhar and Sister By Sibling.

It is not the first time that the iconic doll is dressed by a real fashion designer but I think it's a first in promoting up and coming names instead of well established brands. It's London Babe! The dolls are 15 in total, five per designer, and will be available in Selfridges alongside other collectible Barbies.

Each designer concentrated on their strengths: Sibling’s Cozette McCreery, Sid Bryan, and Joe Bates designed quirky knit looks (below), Fred Butler did a series of  sculptural ensembles (first photo), while Nazir Mazhar went for hard-edged street-wear styles (above). Check out poor Ken in a bucket hat and sweat suit.

Sister By Sibling had made a nod to Barbie 18 months ago on London Fashion week in February 2012 by having five looks presented on Barbie dolls. And of course this is not the only current designer Barbies around this time of the year, there's the Coach thing going on as well but that will be in another post. Enjoy the London chic:

As mentioned in my April post about the main Poppy Parker collection this year, the mood is Swinging Sixties in London. I managed to get three dolls of that collection and the first one has arrived: Poppy Parker The Happening! 

She's even better than her promo photos! She is wearing a mini dress covered in silver sequins, with a round neckline (that reminds me of ancient Egypt), ending at the back in straps (look further down for photos of it), metallic fishnet stockings, and her accessories include one of the best pairs of earrings I have seen on a doll (silver concentric circles hanging with beads under a "diamond" stud), four silver bangles (that were tarnished almost instantly), a silver clutch (which is her only so-so accessory, looks and feels cheap) and a pair of silver sling-back bow shoes. 

Her hair is pulled up and back in a very long ponytail, with the top puffed up in a very mid-sixties style. The hair is treated with product to make it stay put and wavy. I know some people had problems with greasy or over-treated hair but mine looks perfect. Her make up is very mod: light blue eye-shadow, black eye-liner, applied lashes and almost nude shiny lips. Her eyes are purple but do not look unnatural.

There is nothing not to love about this doll, except that awful clutch and the tarnished bangles. Almost perfect. Now I'm even more giddy anticipating the next one coming. 

And how small this world really is. As I was preparing this post, a very special lady I am following on twitter, Penny Calder, posted a photograph from the special 50th anniversary issue of British Vogue, from mid October 1965. I found the whole spread, with model Donna Mitchell photographed by David Montgomery,  from that issue in this gorgeous website and I think this is pretty much the inspiration for Poppy's outfit.