In 1967 Roger Vadim directed this erotic romp through space with a young Jane Fonda in the title role. The film was based on a futuristic comic strip of the time and also on Jean-Claude Forest’s original film of the comic.

Vadim’s view of space is a fantasy world of sensual, tactile surfaces, organic plastics and fur. Jane Fonda immortalised the space-cadet look with her back combed blonde hair, false eye lashes and fantastic costumes. She wore bizarre and minimalist outfits in plastic and PVC as well as see through garments, catsuits and thigh high boots. These were supposed to represent 'space-suits.'

Barbarella was the most fashion conscious space fantasy at the time. The costumes were designed by Jaques Fonteray and were influenced by the space age fashions that designers were creating at the time.

Last updated: June 01, 2003

Sixties Central, Copyright 1998-2003 by Mandy Hoeymakers.
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This detail from the theatrical poster illustrates one of Barbarella's kinky costumes.

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