Photo:Mattel Inc.; Chesnot/Getty
Mattel Inc.; Chesnot/Getty
Happy birthday, Barbie!
The sweeping gown that the new Barbie wears is a modern take on the black-and-white bathing suit from the 1959 doll. Even the new Barbie’s sunglasses are an ode to the Barbie from back then.
Mattel Inc.
Carlyle Nuera, the lead product designer for Barbie and the designer of this particular Barbie, wanted the anniversary doll to feel like a tribute to where Barbie began. Instead of her striped swimsuit, though, she wears a couture ballgown.
“She’s an incredibly glamorous, gorgeous and modern doll for collectors,” Kim Culmone, senior vice president and head of design for dolls, tells PEOPLE exclusively of the new Barbies, which are available now in limited quantities. “We’ve modernized her for today, but touched on all her glamour and gave great little cues and nods for collectors — little Easter eggs in there — that they will understand.”
65th Anniversary Barbie.Mattel Inc.
“We are kicking off Barbie’s 65th birthday celebration and anniversary in March,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and chief brand officer, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Barbie’s birthday is actually March 9, but what we love about that date is it does coincide nicely with the timing of International Women’s Day. Barbie is the original girl empowerment brand. It’s a huge proponent of celebrating women, especially women role models and trailblazers.”
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Because this is the 65th anniversary, the symbol of the blue sapphire also takes shape in the doll’s design. She wears blue sapphire earrings and sapphire blue eye makeup. Her cat-eye sunglasses also have a blue tint to carry through the theme. No detail was too small to be overlooked.
The limited-edition doll retails for $60 and is available starting March 9 — Barbie’s birthday! — in two different models while supplies last. Mattel is also planning plenty more celebratory rollouts in honor of Barbie’s big day, including new Fashionista dolls that also pay tribute to Barbies of years past, new Career dolls that celebrate Barbie’s most popular career fields from her lifetime and more.
source: people.com
