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Barbie joins Instagram — just in time for Fashion Week

via Instagram

Everyone's favourite fashion icon is finally on Instagram.

Barbie, who still looks fantastic at 55, joined the social network just in time to share her Fashion Week adventures with us.

In just two days, she's already acquired more than 22,700 followers.

She's already up to speed on how fashionistas work it on Instagram, posting professionally shot "street style" pics — including closeups of all her important accessories and the occasional shout-out to Ken— at @barbiestyle.

We want her yellow Coach bag. Does it come in human size?

(We're assuming she stocked up on Coach accessories after the brand gave her a makeover this summer.)

She's also sharing what she's packing for four major upcoming Fashion Weeks: New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Since all things '80s and '90s are back with a vengeance — How many cropped tops, short overalls and Birkenstocks have you spotted this summer? — and since Instagram essentially exists to create instant nostalgia, it makes sense that a doll many Instagram users still have a soft spot for, uses her influence to bring attention to what's up-and-coming in the world of ready-to-wear.

Only time will tell if she actually succeeds is boosting the profiles of the fashion events beyond the sartorially elite.

Fashionista reminds us that Barbie's no newbie to Fashion Week. In past years, the style icon has collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang — to name a few — and even held a runway show to celebrate her 50th anniversary as everyone's favourite dress-up pal.

This new online presence appears to be part of a brand makeover for Barbie. (Full name: Barbara Millicent Roberts.) Mattel doesn't want us thinking about our beloved dolls in the past tense. She's still relevant today — and not just for little girls with candy-pink Dream Houses in their bedrooms.

In fact, Barbie's likely heading to the Fashion Weeks with business on her mind. This fall, she'll be launching three new lines of apparel and accessories, created in collaboration with Forever 21, Lord & Taylor and Wildfox. Watch her Instagram account for more details.

"I think what people pay attention to is Barbie the toy, and what we're trying to focus on is that Barbie is a brand much bigger than an 11-inch fashion doll," Jessica Dunne, Mattel's general manager and senior vice president, consumer products, tells WWD. "This fall really is the start of what is a multi-year focus and priority for us."

Will you be taking fashion advice from Barbie this fall? When it comes to trends, we're assuming she'll be encouraging lots of pink for fall and winter.