Barbie: Light vs Dark — Fashion Show, Live Music & Dance at 4531 Harrison St – Hillside, IL

BARBIE: LIGHT SIDE vs. DARK SIDE

ONE NIGHT. TWO WORLDS. AN UNFORGETTABLE FASHION EXPERIENCE.

NOVEMBER 14, 2026 | CHICAGO AREA

A LEGENDARY DESIGN. AN EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE. A NIGHT WHERE FASHION BECOMES THEATRE.

On November 14, Retro Luxe Museum presents its spectacular final fashion event of 2026 — BARBIE: LIGHT SIDE vs. DARK SIDE.

An extraordinary evening combining international fashion, a special Victor Costa design premiere, live music, theatrical performances, singers, dancers, designer runway collections and an exciting competition where the audience helps choose the winners.

This is not an ordinary fashion show. This is an experience.

THE VICTOR COSTA PREMIERE — FASHION HISTORY COMES TO LIFE

One of the evening’s most extraordinary highlights: the exclusive runway premiere of a gown recreated by Retro Luxe Museum from an original sketch by legendary American fashion designer Victor Costa.

Known for his glamorous eveningwear and unforgettable creations, Victor Costa has left a remarkable legacy in American fashion.

Following a personal meeting with the designer, Retro Luxe Museum undertook the exceptional project of bringing one of his final sketches to life.

A design that once existed on paper will become a real garment — presented to an audience in a special fashion moment.

The museum has also received a personally signed letter of support from Victor Costa, making this creative connection especially meaningful.

A rare opportunity to witness fashion heritage transformed into a new creation.

A SPECTACULAR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

Expect an evening filled with unforgettable moments:

VINYL BAND — LIVE ON STAGE!

Enjoy the energy and atmosphere of a live band performing as part of this extraordinary fashion evening.

LIVE SINGERS & DANCERS

Powerful musical performances, dance and theatrical entertainment throughout the show.

DESIGNER FASHION COLLECTIONS

Discover original runway creations from talented designers, each interpreting the opposing worlds of Light and Dark through fashion.

A THEATRICAL FASHION FAIRYTALE

A mysterious witch. A tempting red apple. An unexpected transformation.

What begins as a glamorous Barbie-inspired dream gradually becomes something darker, bolder and more dramatic.

TWO WORLDS. ONE RUNWAY.

The elegance, romance and beauty of the Light Side collide with the mystery, rebellion and powerful silhouettes of the Dark Side.

LIVE FASHION COMPETITION & AUDIENCE VOTING

This is more than entertainment — your vote matters!

Support your favorite model or designer and help determine who advances to an international fashion competition.

THREE WINNERS WILL ADVANCE TO FASHION VISION 2027

The evening features three prestigious competitive titles:

BEST MODEL — LIGHT SIDE

BEST MODEL — DARK SIDE

BEST DESIGNER

All three winners will receive direct entry into the FASHION VISION 2027 INTERNATIONAL GRAND FINAL, taking place on May 15, 2027.

Audience voting, together with the jury’s evaluation, will help determine the November 14 winners.

Come cheer for your favorites — your support could help take them to the international stage!

PRESENTED BY RETRO LUXE MUSEUM

Retro Luxe Museum is an international fashion museum and Illinois-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization, dedicated to preserving, studying and presenting the history of fashion.

A member of the American Alliance of Museums, the organization maintains a growing collection of approximately 600 historic garments dating from the 1930s through the 1990s.

Its collection features important names in fashion history, including Victor Costa, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Murray Arbeid, Valentino, Sorelle Fontana and many others.

The museum’s fashion and cultural initiatives have included international collaborations, participation by representatives of leading luxury fashion houses in fashion competition juries, and a previous partnership with Dolce & Gabbana Beauty.

Its Fashion Vision 2026 international competition welcomed participants representing 17 countries.

Retro Luxe Museum brings the worlds of historic fashion, contemporary creativity and live performance together — transforming fashion into a cultural experience.

EVENT DETAILS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026

Fashion Show Begins: 6:00 PM

Door Opne 5:00 PM

Location: Hillside, Illinois — Chicago Area

Live Band | Singers | Dancers | Fashion Designers | Theatrical Performances | Audience Voting | Awards

ONE NIGHT ONLY — DON’T JUST WATCH FASHION. EXPERIENCE IT.

Witness a special Victor Costa design premiere.

Experience the power of live music.

Discover spectacular fashion collections.

Enter a world where light and darkness collide.

And be part of the audience that helps choose the next Fashion Vision finalists.

Retro Luxe Museum is closing its 2026 fashion season with a spectacular finale — and you’re invited.

SECURE YOUR TICKETS NOW.

THE RUNWAY IS WAITING. THE STORY IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.