By leaning deeply into hyper-femininity and playfulness, the 2023 Barbie movie eschews traditional gender roles assigned to women. In combination with the rise of 'bimbocore' and the rejection of girlboss culture, this form of feminism elevates the female gaze in media and entertainment.

As homes become hubs of safety and escapism from the outside world, playful Barbie-esque aesthetics – from velvet pink valances to unicorn ornaments – are making their way into interiors. The move speaks to a desire to cultivate comforting 'worlds' as an antidote to modern angst.

Fresh off its Netflix reboot, Sailor Moon's timeless and nostalgic appeal is resonating with Gen Z audiences. As traditionally feminine tropes, aesthetics, and storylines are reworked into modern media and entertainment, how are brands shifting their outlooks to stay relevant?

Barbiecore couldn’t be further from the doll once considered a symbol of sexism. Transparently fake, fun, and loud, this subculture is detached from the male gaze and popular among cisgender women and the LGBTQ+ community. But what’s caused it to break into the public consciousness? And why now?