designboom · Creativity & design

Barbie Dolls Reimagined as Marbled Tech by gomi

Design studio gomi is collaborating with Barbie to create a limited collection of consumer electronics, the Childhood Memories Collection, made partly from melted-down Barbie dolls and accessories.

The project involves collecting used Barbie and Ken dolls, processing their plastic, and blending it with discarded plastic bags. This mixture is then shaped into gomi's signature marbled casings for products like Bluetooth speakers and power banks.

Each item features unique color distributions and patterns, with visible flecks of original doll colors like pink and blue integrated into the swirling surfaces. This approach highlights the recycled material's origin rather than concealing it.

Internally, the electronics utilize repurposed e-bike batteries, and their construction uses screws instead of glue, allowing for easier repair and component replacement.

gomi also plans to offer trade-in and upgrade programs to ensure components can be reused in future products, minimizing waste.

The collection will be released in monthly limited batches, with the quantity and appearance of each piece determined by the recycled materials available. This handmade production method results in a scale closer to a small design edition than a typical electronics launch.

The collaboration uniquely integrates Barbie as a raw material, transforming a toy designed for play into functional, colorful tech accessories where fragments of the original doll remain recognizable.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.