Ever since arriving on our screens in 2019, HBO’s Euphoria has taken the world by storm thanks to a combination of strong writing, earnest storytelling, a fantastic sense of style and an ensemble cast of characters brought to life by a host of hugely charismatic young actors and actresses. Of this star-studded cast, Barbie Ferreira, who plays Kat Hernandez, in particular has struck a chord with viewers thanks to her incredibly vulnerable and layered performance as Kat, as well as her work and activism outside of Euphoria.
The character of Kat has gone through a liberating journey of growth and self-discovery throughout her time on the show so far. Initially starting off as a rather timid, self-conscious bookworm occupied with other people’s thoughts of her, Kat is involved in an online sex scandal and rather than letting the experience be used and weaponized against her, she instead embraces the incident and uses it as an opportunity to gain a newfound level of confidence and attitude, sticking it to those who attempted to bring her down. The true definition of a boss move.
Kat has also defied the common trope within television and film of ‘the fat friend’ where plus sized characters are typically used as a prop to support the lead character(s) rather than being a three-dimensional character in their own right. In a 2019 interview with Dazed, Barbie herself noted this, saying “She’s not just an accessory to the other girls and she actually advocates for what she wants.”
Euphoria and Barbie are not afraid of showing Kat make mistakes throughout her story, with Barbie acknowledging in the same interview that Kat can go from being loved in one episode to hated in the next. It’s this multilayered and vulnerable portrayal that has played an essential role in Kat and the cast of Euphoria feeling like real, living people, giving audiences an ability to relate and resonate with both the highs and lows of their lives.
Away from her role as Kat, Barbie has also been open about her own mental health issues and spoken up on the constant pressures that young people are faced with in todays fast moving world. In an interview with InStyle, Barbie was vocal about the current trend of toxic positivity and how young people are often pressured into feeling happy all the time, even when it is healthier to be more open and vulnerable with emotions, particularly in harder, more difficult scenarios.
Barbie has also kept busy with other roles away from Euphoria. She was recently announced as the new brand ambassador for YSL Beauty and has previously modeled for top brands including Adidas, ASOS and H&M. In addition to this she has also step foot behind the camera, directing the music video for the song ‘So Cool’ by Dounia. She was also featured in Time Magazine’s Most Influential Teens list in 2016.
When seeing all of Barbie’s accomplishments and her refreshingly honest way of speaking, it is no surprise that Barbie has become a relatable and, most importantly, genuine role model for many young people growing up and traversing life right now.
Of course, being a fashion site, we couldn’t go without showcasing some of the best looks that Barbie has sported over the years. So, here are six of our favourites, including products to help you get the look!
Look 1
Zara High Heel Court Shoes
Look 2
Look 3
Ottolinger Strappy Print Dress
Look 4
Look 5
Look 6
Steve Madden Vala BLACK
Words By Andrew Coyle
Photo Credit: Barbie Ferreira
