In a World Where You Can Be Anything… Be Kind
In the heart of Marina Square, beneath soaring atrium ceilings and under the soft glow of spotlights, something magical is unfolding.
Barbie, in all her reinventions, stands once again not just as a fashion icon but as a symbol of imagination, reinvention, and now, compassion. This June, Wings of Art, a collaborative initiative by the Singapore Red Cross and Mattel, unveiled a breathtaking installation featuring 1,060 winged Barbie dolls, gliding down the longest Barbie runway Singapore has ever seen earning it a coveted place in the Singapore Book of Records.
But this was no ordinary showcase. It was a love letter to dreams and to the power of kindness.
Where Art Meets Advocacy
At its opening ceremony, the message was clear: art is not only meant to be admired, but to uplift.
The Mattel team took to the stage to reflect on Barbie’s timeless legacy a doll who has grown alongside generations, constantly redefining what it means to be anything. Their words resonated beyond nostalgia. Barbie, here, had wings. Not just for fashion’s sake but for flight, for hope.
The Singapore Red Cross followed with a grounded message of purpose. The event, part of the Young Hearts Programme, is more than just visual spectacle. It raises vital funds to support children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds, offering them mentorship, opportunities, and a safe space to grow.
The most stirring voices of the day, however, came from three children who took the stage to share their journeys. They spoke candidly of the activities they had taken part in from rock climbing adventures to building confidence through Youth Action workshops. Their stories held more weight than any ornamented gown on the runway they were real, they were moving, and they reminded us why this event exists.
A New Kind of Runway
The display itself is a masterpiece of scale and sentiment. Rows upon rows of Barbies some playful, others pensive dressed in wings of every imaginable style and medium. From recycled paper to woven textiles, every piece reflects the hands and hearts behind it: artists, students, youth, and members of the public.
Each Barbie becomes a statement not just of creativity, but of unity. Some were adorned in ethereal pastels. Others stood tall in bold, sculptural silhouettes. But all carried wings as if reminding us that when we lift others, we rise too.
Kindness Takes the Spotlight
The event’s slogan, printed elegantly across displays, was simple but powerful:
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
It wasn’t just a slogan. It was the essence of Wings of Art. It lingered in the speeches. It shone in the eyes of the young participants. It floated above every pair of handcrafted wings.
In an era where runway shows often blur the lines between exclusivity and excess, Wings of Art stands apart. It is inclusive. Purposeful. Poetic. A rare reminder that fashion and philanthropy, creativity and community, can coexist and elevate each other.
Let Dreams Take Flight
If you find yourself in Marina Square this week, let yourself wander. Let your eyes follow the trail of wings. You may come expecting Barbie. But you’ll leave thinking about something far bigger the beauty of giving.
Wings of Art is open to the public from 25 June to 1 July 2025 at the Central Atrium, Marina Square. Entry is free. Donations and auction bids are welcomed.
Because kindness never goes out of style.
Chic Mirage 