Fashion meets Philanthropy: Inside Fanshawe’s Unique Barbie Project

The Barbie Project at Fanshawe College is not your average Barbie auction. The students of both fashion and Interior design programs has come together to create a unique Barbie outfit and display. 

Wendy Sperry, a Fashion Design professor, brought the idea to the students when she did something similar.

“A fabric company had this kind of competition and my sister invited me because she says, you might find this fun too. We did it together and I thought what a wonderful marriage right between two design disciplines. Doing the Barbie project and I wouldn’t it be great to do this with students,” says Sperry.

The materials used to make the clothes of the Barbies all came from recycled clothing and accessories. There was no waste during this project.      

Breanna Carcom designed and hand-stitched the clothing of these Barbies. Photo by Breanna Carcamo

“All the materials in the Barbie clothing were made from scraps of fabric. I had quite a bit of it donated by a designer several years ago. So, that’s what the students have been using to make those Barbies,” says Sperry

Breanna Carcamo, a fashion design student, had to pick a well-known designer and recreate their fashion brand but add their spin to it.

“I got Calvin Kline and looked at their campaigns so, I pulled inspiration from that, especially with this new generation of fashion. They were the first brand to bring out sexuality into fashion and I wanted to put my spin on it while incorporating that concept,” says Carcamo.

The first-year students gained a ton of experience through this effort. Princess Aya, a fashion design student, was thrilled to be a part of this project.

“Honestly, it was a great opportunity for everyone because a lot of people either don’t know how to sew or just learned how to sew but a lot of people gain a lot of talents from these and it was fun to work with other classmates,” says, Aya.

The Barbie Project collaboration among students from different design programs became a great learning experience. The Barbie project serves as a Barbie auction to help fund education and gender equality for Kenyan women and girls.