NZ designers play dress-up with Barbie

Three of New Zealand's leading clothes designers have created outfits for one of the world's biggest-selling blondes.

Barbie doll clothes created by Tanya Carlson, World and Trelise Cooper will be auctioned off from this week, with proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation. Bids can be placed by calling the foundation on 0800 625 329.

The auction ends on December 20.

Carlson said Barbie had been a style icon since the 1950s. "So we thought it would be the perfect tribute to design a dress reflective of the romantic 1950s era."

World adapted its "Origami" outfit, which won the 1995 New Zealand Avant Garde Fashion Design Award, and Cooper went for a gold, bronze and emerald embroidered top with a luxurious silk skirt.

- NZPA