Ahead of Diwali, Barbie has now received an Indian makeover, courtesy designer Anita Dongre. The forever-versatile doll, manufactured by toymaker Mattel, is now sporting an Indian attire designed by Dongre.
Known as Barbie Diwali Doll, the figurine is dressed in a Moonlight Bloom lehenga set, paired with a Rajasthan-inspired koti vest. The outfit is adorned with nature-inspired motifs including dahlias, jasmines and a lotus. With a contemporary take on the traditional look, the doll is also flaunting a pair of gold earrings, bangles and a bindi.
For the designer, the doll represents a ‘fashion-forward modern woman, who wears India on her sleeve with pride’. The couturier hopes that the doll will inspire kids across the world to connect with their culture and heritage.
While the festival of lights will be celebrated on November 1, the doll is already creating waves online. With many social media users gushing over its Indianness, the doll has grabbed eyeballs on the internet. The doll is priced at $49.99, which roughly amounts to Rs. 4198.
Indian Barbie over the years
However, this isn’t the first time that Mattel has Indianised the iconic Barbie doll. In the early 1980s, an Indian Barbie was introduced as part of the ‘Dolls of the World’ series. A few years later, a doll was modelled on Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif among others.
Over the years, Barbie has been embroiled in several controversies. In fact, the franchise has been criticised for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, being overtly materialistic and not being inclusive enough. Currently in its 65th year, the world of Barbie is expanding like never before. Apart from Greta Gerwig’s film Barbie ruling the box office, the toymaker has also expanded its base. In the recent past, several new dolls have been launched including a visually-impaired Barbie, Hearing Loss Barbie, Down’s Syndrome Barbie and one in a wheelchair.
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