(L-R) Daniel Walters, Polina Proshkina, Alexander Hankin, Jack James and Roman Chiporukha and Erica Jackowitz
New York’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) was transformed into a dazzling Barbie Dreamhouse for their annual benefit, the MAD Ball, featuring a vibrant pink-themed celebration. The event also marked the launch of the museum’s latest exhibition, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon, and honored Robert Best, VP of Barbie Product Design at Mattel. The evening’s entertainment featured Madonna’s 12-year-old daughter, DJ Queen Estere, performing with DJ Mary Mac in a set that remixed hits by Whitney Houston and Usher, as guests dressed as Barbies and Kens danced the night away.
MAD Director Tim Rodgers reflected on the museum’s momentum: “After the huge success of our Taylor Swift: Storyteller exhibit, it’s exciting to present Barbie®: A Cultural Icon.”
MAD Board Chair Michele Cohen presented the award to Robert Best, sharing her personal connection with the iconic doll: “My first Barbie, which I received at age nine, still holds a special place in my life. Robert’s work continues to creatively evolve Barbie’s global status as a symbol of inclusivity and beauty.”
Robert Best expressed gratitude, noting that the award reflects the collaborative efforts of a team dedicated to celebrating diverse cultures, stories, and experiences.
Throughout the evening, guests explored the “Dreamhouse,” participating in a scavenger hunt that highlighted Barbie’s journey through the decades. Attendees snapped photos with life-sized Barbie props, including her pink Corvette and surfboard, and got creative at craft stations where they designed miniature outfits for the iconic doll. Dinner was held at MAD’s top-floor restaurant, ROBERT, offering stunning views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
The guest list featured prominent names like Wes Aderhold, Carrie Rebora Barratt, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Francine LeFrak, and MAD Board members Mike DePaola, Alexander Hankin, and Jeffrey Manocherian.
Running from October 19, 2023, through March 16, 2025, Barbie®: A Cultural Icon at MAD celebrates Barbie’s 65th anniversary, showcasing the doll’s influence on fashion and pop culture. With over 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, and exclusive video interviews, the exhibition explores Barbie’s role in shaping global trends, careers, and identities. Originally debuted in Phoenix and Las Vegas in 2021, this marks the exhibition’s East Coast debut.
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrates contemporary makers and their creativity across art and design. Founded in 1956, MAD spotlights the innovative craftsmanship that transforms everyday materials into extraordinary objects, bridging traditional techniques with modern technology. Through its rich curatorial program, MAD champions artists and designers shaping cultural production in the 21st century, offering visitors a participatory experience that highlights the skill and artistry behind their work.
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