Say “Hi, Barbie” to Mattel’s latest addition. The toy maker has partnered with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre on a Barbie Diwali doll. Just in time to celebrate her namesake Festival of Lights, paying tribute to the triumph of light over darkness.
This is the first time that the iconic line has collaborated with a renowned Indian designer to honor a culturally significant festival. Dongre says that this Barbie’s design is inspired by Jaipur, the capital of India‘s Rajasthan state, it’s also her hometown.
The Barbie Diwali Doll
“I was very, very excited when Mattel approached us — and this is almost like 18 months of support, and it’s like an absolute first for me,” Dongre said.
The Barbie wears a Moonlight Bloom set with a choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt. The skirt is embroidered with dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus, cultural symbols of strength and beauty. Her gold shoes, sparkly bangles, and glowing gold earrings tie the whole ensemble together.
“I think the fact that Barbie is celebrating Diwali, is so special today,” said Dongre. “I think it’s amazing that I get to do a doll for Diwali, which is the festival of light, hope, love … and I think that’s the message I’d like to give to everybody.”
“She’s this quintessentially modern Indian girl,” she adds. “I wanted the doll to represent what India is today, because I think the world sometimes has a very different idea of what India is. And today the young Indian woman is intelligent, empowered and modern. She wears India with pride.”
The Barbie Diwali Doll is available at major retailers nationwide or online.
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