Dongre never owned a Barbie in her life — until she received the opportunity to design one herself Mattel Inc. This new Barbie doll is ready to light up the Barbie-verse! Mattel is celebrating Diwali, , with a new Barbie inspired by the holiday, which officially begins on Oct. 31 and concludes on Nov.
1. The company partnered with Indian fashion designer and couturier to design the newest Barbie Signature figurine. “I didn't have a chance to own a Barbie as it wasn't available in India when I was a kid.
But it's an incredible feeling to get to design my own Barbie. This doll is my first one, and it's so very special to finally own a Barbie I designed!” Dongre tells PEOPLE exclusively. “When Mattel approached me to collaborate on creating the Barbie Diwali doll, I was thrilled by the opportunity to represent Indian fashion on a global stage.
I’m especially excited to bring Diwali, a celebration that's truly global today, to the forefront,” she adds. Mattel Inc. Related: Dongre always knew a career in fashion was in her future.
Growing up, she'd spend her summers at the local bazaars in Jaipur, India, and even worked with the vendors to create her own designs. “I wanted to be a fashion designer and so I studied it to pursue my dream of building my own fashion house.” And that she did.
In 1995, Dongre founded her eponymous label, House of Anita Dongre, which has since expanded with additional companies: Grassroot (a subset of sustainable pieces), Pinkcity (her fi.
