Rugby star and “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 alum Ilona Maher went all out for Halloween on October 31. She completely transformed her hair color to a bold blonde hue and wore bold makeup to become vintage Barbie.
Ilona Maher Transforms Into Vintage Barbie
Maher, who placed second on DWTS Season 33 alongside professional dance partner Alan Bersten, posted several photos of herself on Instagram showing off her look. She wore a stunning black trumpet dress that fit her perfectly, and she paired it with long black gloves.
The glamorous look also included an embroidered handkerchief, a doll of herself in Rugby uniform, and eye-catching blue eyeshadow and red lipstick. “Hi, Barbie!” Maher wrote in the caption, before crediting those responsible for her dress, wig, and makeup.
Undone by Kate, the brand that created the dress, responded to the post with a supportive comment. “Perfection so much fun making this for you,” they wrote. “You make it so easy to love you,” a fan shared.
Other reactions include, “Awww so cute,” “Iconic,” “That’s our Barbie,” and “YOU ARE ICONIC ALWAYS.”
Maher has undoubtedly won over fans with her Halloween outfit, but where was she going all dressed up?
The pro athlete attended one of the most prestigious Halloween parties of the year, Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween bash. It was held at the Hard Rock Hotel New York on October 31, 2025, in New York City. The event was attended by many celebrities, including Ice-T and his wife, Coco Austin; Darren Criss and his wife, Mia Swier, who dressed as Shrek and Puss in Boots; and Klum and her husband, Tom Kaulitz. Klum dressed up as Medusa, and Kaulitz was a stone figure.
Ilona Maher Discusses the Importance of Barbie
Maher’s choice of Barbie for Halloween is meaningful, and she has one modeled after her likeness. She has discussed what this meant to her in an interview with Women’s Health on October 6. “My insecurities used to be my broad shoulders, how big I am, and how strong I am,” she told Women’s Health. If she had grown up with a Barbie that looked like her, it would have had a significant impact, helping Maher embrace who she is. “I think it would’ve helped me,” she said. “You can see, ‘Okay, my Barbie has that, [and] I have that, so I am beautiful.’”
She loves that she can now be that representation for others and proudly spoke about her fan base. “My fan base is women and girls—and boys as well—but it’s [the girls] I connect with because I see myself in them,” she said. “I’m like ‘Oh, I know you.’”
