Let’s hear it for the girls — or, more appropriately, the savvy, trailblazing, powerhouse businesswomen who have dominated the entertainment world this summer.
It’s #BillionGirlSummer, according to NPR. The outlet credits Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Barbie director Greta Gerwig for leading a “billion-dollar pop culture revival,” thanks to the mega tour success of the two singers and box office domination for the filmmaker. The three have transcended “their own previous triumphs” and reached “unprecedented new heights.”
It goes beyond individual bottom lines, which are impressive in each case, to how the tours and the film boosted local economies across the United States. People — largely women — are spending money to go to these events and soak in the empowering messages each one puts out. They are also dropping big bucks on new outfits, hotel rooms, meals and flights, among other things, to make it an experience — one enjoyed with female-powered friend groups or multiple generations of families.
A Barbie bonanza
Gerwig’s comedy, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has broken all kinds of records since its July 21 release. It’s officially the highest-grossing film of the year, with over $1.3 billion worldwide so far. It had the biggest opening day of 2023, the biggest weekend of the year and the biggest opening weekend for a film directed by a woman. Gerwig, who also wrote the film (with life partner Noah Baumbach), is the first solo female director with a billion-dollar movie. And females are showing up in support. (According to the New York Times, 65% of Barbie viewers are women.)
A Yahoo Entertainment/YouGov poll revealed that nearly 90% of Americans have heard of the Barbie movie. It has inspired Barbiecore, an entire fashion trend that has women, men and children donning pink accessories and clothes for screenings — or everyday life. It’s also pink all over social…
Read the full article here
