In honor of the Hindu festival of lights, toy company Mattel launched the first ever “Diwali Barbie” for Indian consumers. By collaborating with Barbie and Indian designer Anita Dongre, Mattel unveils a new Barbie doll to mark Diwali.
Diwali also called the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most loved & celebrated festivals. In honor of the festival, Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing company, introduced its brand new “Diwali Barbie” doll. This doll portrays a significant step towards cultural representation in toys. By taking this big step, Mattel is encouraging appreciation for different heritage. As “Diwali Barbie is making its debut just in time for the grand festival, it’s most likely to end up in every little girl’s cupboard.
I personally have never played with Barbie or any toys, for that matter. But I’m really ecstatic for those who get to play with this sensational Diwali Barbie doll.
The doll is available at Amazon and US-based retail stores like Target and Walmart.
Did You Know? As of now, more than 1 billion Barbie dolls have been sold out.
Collaboration With Anita Dongre: Diwali Barbie is Out!
Anita Dongre is an Indian fashion designer, and her designs are a fusion of contemporary and youthful spirit. She has been dressing several celebrities over the years, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Mattel has recently paired up with Dongre to develop the Diwali Barbie. Additionally, the design process spanned more than a year and multiple prototypes and discussions.
“In a continued commitment to promoting celebrations of heritage, Barbie is unveiling it’s first-ever Barbie Diwali doll collaboration with globally recognized Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre,” – Mattel
In the Barbie doll’s outfit, Dongre decided to mirror India’s rich heritage. She added universal elements that make it relatable to local and international viewers. The final designs showcase a beautiful midnight blue outfit, including a lehenga, koti floral vest, and choli. Ultimately, Dongre’s collection bridges the gap between Indian legacy and contemporary culture.
“Designing the Barbie Diwali doll has been a fun and fulfilling experience. This Barbie Diwali doll represents the fashion-forward modern woman who proudly wears India on her sleeve. I’m honored for this opportunity to represent contemporary Indian fashion on a global platform and hope that it inspires kids worldwide to connect with their culture and heritage.” – Anita Dongre.
Design Details of Diwali Barbie
Anita Dongre has designed a gorgeous outfit for Barbie for the festival season. The ensemble comprises a rich lehenga skirt, choli top, and koti vest adorned with exquisite flowery patterns. Every element is reminiscent of the traditional attire worn by people in India. This “Moonlight Bloom” design is colorful and detailed, which gives a glimpse of beauty and cultural significance.
Every flower has a specific significance, and the motifs—dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus—have special symbolic meanings behind them. Dahlias are for inner power; jasmine represents love and beauty. The Indian lotus symbolizes purity and resilience and aligns perfectly with the Diwali spirit.
In Q1 2024, Barbie’s gross sales amounted to USD 455 million, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Courtesy of Mattel
Cultural Significance
Diwali Barbie can step up and take Indian culture and traditions globally. Mattel honors one of India’s most loved festivals and showcases actual Indian attire and symbols. This is a doll that not only represents an Indian audience but also helps to introduce varied cultural elements to children worldwide.
Photo Credits- Pratham Gupta, Unsplash
Mattel revealed that the company is proud of its work in creating products that reflect the world kids see around them. They set out to portray the Barbie brand in various cultures, highlighting and encouraging empathy and interest among young audiences. A spokeswoman said the Diwali Barbie, a celebration of beauty representing culture, speaks directly to our commitment to diversity.
Diwali Barbie: Availability And Pricing
Diwali Barbie is available for purchase starting October 4. The special edition doll is available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon for retailers. Additionally, it can be purchased at Mattel’s official website so that any interested buyer can easily access it.
Currently priced at $40, Diwali Barbie offers a perfect family-friendly way to celebrate the festival. The dolls arrive in a lovely, color-matching box. The beautiful new packaging features the signature Anita Dongre motifs, adding more appeal for fans of all ages and collectors.
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This union between Mattel and Anita Dongre is an iconic symbol for proudly showcasing youth and innovative design at its nationalistic best. Diwali Barbie represents the essence of the festival through her stunning attire that reflects a blend of tradition and modernist ideals. It also stands as an empowering model for little girls worldwide. Using cultural symbols and motifs, Anita Dongre gave Diwali Barbie the complexity of meanings beyond aesthetics.
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