“Barbie” is 2023’s highest-grossing film, upping the popularity of not only the namesake Mattel doll but also the color pink.
Expect to see a lot of pink at the family-friendly Barbie Skate Party on Oct. 28 at Lynwood Sport Center since the event is hosted by Gina Bell, founder of The Tears & Tulle Movement, and attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Barbie character or in a tulle skirt paired with black.
“I saw the ‘Barbie’ movie and I found out that a lot of people in our Tears & Tulle community were actually struggling a little bit,” said Bell, a Chicago Heights native who now lives in Dyer, Indiana.
“As women we struggle with feeling seen sometimes. That movie tackled that subject so I wanted a way for women, and families too, to come out. I wanted a place where women could feel like they’re seen for an afternoon.
“I just want a place for all the Barbies and all the supportive Kens (to) have this afternoon of fun and empowerment.”
The Tears & Tulle Movement, which was conceived in 2018 with a rainbow tulle skirt created by fashion designer Cassandra Youngs, officially launched in 2019.
“She put so much love and good energy into her creation,” said Bell about Youngs of Florida.
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“There wouldn’t be a movement or book or anything if I hadn’t connected with her.”
The skirt eventually traveled to 52 women in the United States and Canada who shared photos of themselves wearing the piece.
“They were all invited to pair the skirt with something black. The black in the photo represented their tears,” said Bell, who also is an empowerment guide.
“I wanted to create a space where women didn’t feel like they had to be picture-perfect, Instagram-ready. They could just come as their whole selves. That’s pretty much how it worked. Women were invited to wear black with their rainbow skirt and tell their stories.
“Now we invite women everywhere to reach out with their own tulle skirt and stories and we try to share that on our website.”
The Tears & Tulle Movement also includes the book “Tears & Tulle,” written by Bell and illustrated by Elena Mykolaitis of New York.
Bell plans to read from the book and create a Barbie-themed tulle skirt threaded from attendees’ stories during Barbie Skate Party.
“It’s the roller rink I grew up skating in, where I felt powerful as a kid before the world started telling you what to do or who to be, so that felt special to have (the party) there,” said Bell, whose event outfit is inspired by Barbie and the Rockers because that was the first Barbie she remembers having.
“I thought (‘Barbie’) was bigger than a movie. It’s important for families to see it and for us all to come together and not just let that be the movie of the season but continue to empower each other.
“We don’t always grow up learning how to necessarily support each other. When women come together, there’s so much support.”
Barbie Skate Party
When: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Lynwood Sport Center, 2030 Glenwood Dyer Road, Lynwood
Tickets: $10 general admission ($5 with code PINK online); $50 bundle of six; $3 skate rental
Information: 219-741-4563; eventbrite.com and search Barbie Skate Party
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.