Mulberry Signature Patent Pumps, $400 via Luisa Via Roma

Like many women, my first introductions to truly high heels were via my collection of Barbie dolls and their attendant wardrobes. My mom wore heels, but neve as high as Barbie did, and never in the shades of candy pink and purple that truly enchant young girls. Barbie, with her forever-molded foot and extensive shoe closet, seemed like the height of footwear sophistication.

Every now and then I see a pink pump that makes me think “Barbie shoe,” but the Mulberry Signature Patent Pumps in bubblegum pink are the closest approximation of the shoe inside my head that I’ve ever come across. I defy anyone to find a design closer to what Barbie wore in the late 80s and early 90s.

And I mean all this in a good way, of course; no matter how you think about Barbie in the context of gender politics, the dolls are a huge and iconic part of how American women are introduced to fashion. Being able to reference Barbie effectively is no small thing, and these shoes look like they’d actually be a lot of fun to incorporate into a wardrobe. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $400.