The Barbie by Sophia Interview: Kali Uchis

i-D caught up with Kali to get the low down on being Barbie for Sophia Webster…

Can you tell us about your Barbie experiences as a kid? What did you do with them?
“I enjoyed having the dolls in soap-opera type scenarios. For instance let’s say Barbie’s on the run, she hijacks Ken’s car with her friend… I liked to have them live an open-ended life on the edge.”

Did you enjoy dressing up Barbie-style for the Sophia Webster video? How did it feel being a real life Barbie?
“Playing dress up is always fun. Being a real life Barbie feels like when you sip the foam out of the top of your root beer float.”

What was the reaction in East London when you were shooting the video?“I was the laughing stock of the town — lots of pointing and laughing. We gave a lot of people their jollies that day.”

I noticed there are Barbie by Sophia Webster flats in the shoot, as well as heels. Is Barbie more than the heel these days?
“Barbie is anything she wants to be. Barbie can’t be confined to a heel. Barbie could be a boot if she wanted, heck, Barbie could be a boat if she wanted.”