A capsule collection by
Hardie Grant Books & Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
29 September 2026
Fashion illustrator and bestselling author Megan Hess has collaborated with Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, to release a capsule collection of vibrant Barbie® books.
With her signature style and eye for elegance, Megan brings the most iconic looks of Barbie and moments to life on the page like never before.
The series includes marquee titles Barbie: A Fashion Icon and The World of Barbie. A Fashion Icon follows Barbie from the dolls original 1959 debut as a teenage fashion model, to the swinging sixties and seventies designs, eighties and nineties street style, and incredible Barbiecore™ outfits from today – each look has been selected by Megan Hess and brought to life in her signature, sophisticated style. The World of Barbie is inspired by Barbie dolls and accessories – from the beloved DreamHouse™ to the sugarplum sweetness of the Nutcracker.
Megan Hess has been a fan of Barbie since childhood. “It’s been such an honour to work with Mattel on bringing a lifetime of inspiration into a collection of bespoke Barbie books,” she says. “I grew up playing with Barbie and imagining fashion shows on my bedroom floor, and she made me feel like I could conquer the world. I hope adults and children around the world find joy and inspiration in this collection, just as Barbie inspired the five-year-old me to follow my dreams and believe anything was possible.”
Featuring archival imagery, fascinating fashion insights and plenty of pink, this capsule is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Barbie as a cultural icon and global symbol of ever-evolving fashion.
The full capsule includes books for adult collectors and young fans alike:
About the author
Megan Hess is an internationally acclaimed fashion illustrator. Her prestigious career in fashion illustration has seen her creating for renowned clients all over the world, including Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, The New York Times, Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Megan is the author of many bestselling fashion books and two sensational series for children: Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris and Young Queens Collection. When she’s not in her studio creating, you’ll find her daydreaming about how she would decorate her very own Barbie DreamHouse.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
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