Upcycled Barbie dolls jewellery by Margaux Lange

Now here’s a project that may raise a few eyebrows. Jewellery made from dismembered dolls can be too macabre for some, but The Plastic Bodies series is a thought provoking collection that will induce both repulsion and intrigue. Upcycled Barbie dolls is a new one on us, and artist Margaux Lange leaves literally no body part unturned – Bosom Bracelet anyone? Lange takes the parts from preowned dolls and combines them with sterling silver and pigmented resin. The jewellery is a celebration of pop culture’s relationship with the icon, as well as her own. She says:

“Barbie dolls were extremely significant in fuelling my creative life as a child. They were controlled and manipulated to fit infinite situations of my choosing. I immersed myself in ongoing narratives where my fears, embarrassments, joys and explorations of human interactions could play out like characters on a stage. An invaluable tool for the expansion of my imagination as a child, ironically, Barbie continues to be such for me as an adult.

Whether you love her or hate her, there are few who feel neutral about the plastic princess. I’m fascinated with who she is as a pop culture icon, her distinguished celebrity status, and the enormous impact she has had on our society.

I enjoy the funny juxtaposition of wearing the body, on the body. Barbie has become the accessory instead of being accessorised. I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of transforming something mass-produced into unique, handmade, wearable pieces of art.”

Purchase jewellery on Margaux Lange’s Etsy page here! Pictured above – Barbie Doll Eye Pins