There is a new Barbie in town and she is all set for Deepavali. A collaboration between Mattel (a multinational toy and entertainment company) and Indian designer Anita Dongre, this is the first-ever Barbie Signature Diwali doll. The doll is garbed in a Moonlight-Bloom lehenga – a departure from the pink that Barbie is usually associated with – and has floral motifs like jasmine, lotus, and dahlia.
. This is the latest addition to Mattel’s diverse line of Barbie dolls. And this collaboration tries to “merge the Indian cultural heritage with Barbie’s global influence”.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the iconic doll, which, through its various avatars and storytelling, encourages children to explore their potential and see themselves in the Barbies they play with. Anita Dongre working on the doll| Photo Credit: “When Mattel approached me to collaborate on creating the Barbie Diwali doll, I was obviously thrilled with the opportunity to showcase India on a global scale,” says Anita. Mattel got in touch with her 18 months ago, and it took a year to make the doll.
”Barbie, for me, represents more than just a doll. Just like my brand goes beyond fashion and focusses on empowering women . We have a common goal, to inspire women to dream big, to live out their fullest potential and break boundaries.
Honestly, I am honoured to collaborate with a brand that encourages women to chase their ambitions so unapologetically,” adds Anita. Designing a doll is comple.
