If you collect Barbie, you are no stranger to The BFMC.  It stands for Barbie Fashion Model Collection.  It basically means “Silkstone Barbie” .  Robert Best is the designer for this line of dolls for Mattel and he has a talented crew of colleagues that are responsible for the photography, styling, set design and construction and video production of the glamourous photos and videos that promote and advertise these beautiful dolls.  If you are a collector of Silkstone Barbies, you have seen and drooled ( yes drooled people…I have done it and am not afraid to admit it) over the photos of these lovely ladies.  This year at convention, Mattel hosted a pullout session where Paul Jordan ( Photographer), Mary Jordan ( Stylist), Lars Auvinen ( Set Designer and Builder), and Zlatan Zukanovic ( Video Editor ) came to share their experiences working with this team.  The session was very informative and what impressed me as an observer was the truly cohesive and respectful support and encouragement that they projected.  We, as consumers, enjoy the product that they work on.  I knew that.  As a team, it would appear that they genuinely enjoy working with one another and each has an important and respected part to play in this world we call the BFMC.  They were very free with their experiences and advice and even took the time to speak with a few of us who stayed after the session to ask questions.

from left to right Lars Auvinen, Zlaten Zukanovic, Paul Jordan, Mary Jordan, Robert Best

While most people wanted photos with the celebrated designer of the BFMC Barbie line…{cough, cough Deanna and and Jim  cough, cough},

I wanted my photo with the photographer and  stylist

They were nice enough to share some tips and I look forward to using them Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.

I think one of the people who I most wanted to hear from in this session was Mr. Auvinen.  Much of his work is what is showcased in the fabulous behind the scenes videos( Thank you Mr. Zukanovic!!!!) that Mattel has given us over the past couple of years.  Many of us marveled over the 1/6 scale  carriage that was displayed in the William and Catherine photos and video.  Mr. Auvinen shared his thought process and the research he goes in to when coming up with a sets for the BFMC photos.  The historian in me rejoiced at the research and thought he puts in to each and every set.  The photographer in me wanted to give him a big hug for his attention to detail and scale.  He really researches and enjoys what he does people.  It was a pleasure to get a look inside his world for just a moment as he explained the thought process behind the Atelier set.