Barbie Gets Armani Makeover

Giorgio Armani has given a makeover to Barbie. The eponymous Italian designer of minimal fuss has created a strapless, silk chiffon top and beaded crepe skirt for the Mattel doll. Being ever the perfectionist, he further designed an evening purse, a matching necklace and earrings to complete the outfit.

Armani is donating his royalties to YouthAIDS, a global initiative to educate and protect at-risk youth from HIV infection, and Room to Grow, which works to improve the lives of babies born into poverty. Barbie debuted in 1959 as a teenage fashion model. More than 50 designers, including Bill Blass, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, have designed items for the Mattel doll.