The Barbie Movie Stole My Idea
A couple of years ago, I started a Collection of jewelry revolving around the idea of the creative destruction some of us do to our dolls when we are kids. The idea was nostalgic which is always brings a bit of sadness sad to idea. Regret was also always involved after this exciting endeavor, as my doll was now permanently wrecked. I could not longer cut the nonexistent hair or style the lost hair in a ponytail. The miniature carvings I did in wax as the first step to make the jewelry produced a somewhat horrific visual image along with the sweetness of the doll face. I was pumped. This is prime Anomaly Jewelry fodder. So, I made a couple of necklaces based on this idea.
So, when I saw clips from The Barbie Movie showing the character "Weird Barbie", I was pissed. Now, I don't think so much of myself that I REALLY thought Greta Gerwig, the writer of the movie, saw my jewelry and made it into a character in her film. What upset me was the commercialization of the idea I was tapping into. Because, what's more commercial than Barbie? Anomaly Jewelry is the opposite of this. I want my brand to be unusual, intriguing, celebrating the unconventional beauty of darkness and uniqueness a world where conformity often reigns supreme. I thought, there's no way this "weird Barbie" is actually weird or representative of the things I love about the strange. SO, I had to go see the movie as research if not anything else.
I walked out of the theater no longer angry, because while my idea still felt diminished by the commercial success of the film, Gerwig and Kate McKinnon, the actress who played Weird Barbie, both did great justice to the nostalgia I was tapping into. She's a symbol of authenticity, self-expression, and empowerment. By challenging preconceived notions of beauty, style, and normalcy, she encourages us to embrace our true selves and celebrate the diversity that makes us human. Weird Barbie champions the beauty of embracing one's quirks (anomalies!!) and stands out in a world that often values conformity.
Embracing the unconventional and the weird is an act of defiance and self expression. Weird Barbie's allure lies in her unapologetic authenticity. Just like myjewelry pieces, she invites us to embrace the edgy, the mysterious, and the wonderfully weird aspects of ourselves. These are the ideals upon which my brand is built, and I want that act to be available to ALL KIDS!! So, I am now thrilled that a new generation will see "weird" as self expression and defiance and cool. Those who dare to stand apart with their ideas or appearance is ANOMALY's whole deal. I want that for you!! For your kids!! For ALLLLLLLLLLLLL. WOOOHOOOOO.
Also, I am not deluded in thinking that either the Barbie Movie or Anomaly Jewelry can bring the amount of change needed in this world. I'm just trying to do my part. FUCK CONFORMITY.
