Barbie and Jonathan Adler: A Match Made in Heaven?

Barbie and Jonathan Adler might seem like unlikely bedmates, but think again. Barbie likes bright colors, so does Jonathan. Barbie is a mid-century icon, Jonathan takes his inspiration from that time period. Barbie loves animals, and Jonathan is well-known for his animal-themed Menagerie ceramics. And while we think of Barbie as a fashion plate, the girl's always had a thing for sunny décor. See what I mean? In a weird way, Jonathan Adler and Barbie just make sense together.

So, it didn't come as a huge shock when I learned that Mattel has partnered with Jonathan Adler on a new collection of Barbie-themed products to commemorate Barbie's 50th birthday. The Barbie® ♥ Jonathan Adler line ranges from $18 for an acrylic tumbler to $295 for a pink/natural Nixon Throw. It will be sold in Jonathan Adler stores come September and has debuted online on Mattel's Barbie Collector site and on Jonathan's own site. The various needlepoint pillows and accessories are my personal favorites -- they're the perfect combination of classic Barbie and Jonathan's signature style.

Mattel also commissioned Jonathan to design the interiors for the real Barbie Malibu Dream House for Barbie's 50th birthday celebration back on March 10th. You can watch Jonathan Adler give a tour of the house in this 5-minute video on YouTube. When you have the chance, I strongly encourage watching the segment: There is a chandelier WRAPPED IN BARBIE HAIR and a closet full of hot pink Barbie-inspired Christian Louboutin heels. It is, to put it mildly, totally insane, fun and wonderful.

Jonathan Adler's not the only one decorating with Barbie in mind. Pottery Kids is launching a Pottery Barn Kids Barbie™ Collection, which will be online at www.potterybarnkids.com/barbie as of August 27th. According to a release, "Pottery Barn Kids will host Barbie Dream Room Workshops at all Pottery Barn Kids stores nationwide in addition to an online sweepstakes where a Barbie Dream Room worth $5,000 will be given away."

Bonus: Check out this awesome slideshow of Barbie's Dream House throughout the ages on Cookie's website.