Barbie Celebrates Powerful Women Around The World With Dolls Created After Them
Image via Mattel
Mattel is welcoming more girl bosses into its toy family, and they’re here to inspire! Celebrating both International Women’s Day and Barbie’s 65th birthday, the company has unveiled a fresh lineup of Role Model Dolls, each honoring extraordinary females from various fields and countries. 2024’s powerhouses include the legendary American artist and activist Viola Davis, the ever-glamorous English actress and women’s advocate Dame Helen Mirren, the iconic Canadian country music star and style icon Shania Twain, and the Australian pop queen Kylie Minogue.
These one-of-a-kind dolls aren’t meant for store shelves, however. They’re special gifts to their real-life counterparts, serving as tokens of appreciation for their remarkable achievements and societal contributions.
More than child’s play, Role Model Dolls are about empowering future generations by sharing the stories of phenomenal women, proving that anything is possible.
Viola Davis, an EGOT recipient, hopes her doll will inspire young girls to feel seen and valued, stating that the tribute would have made “little six-year-old Viola squeal.” Dame Helen Mirren, who also narrated the live-action Barbie film, says being a role model at this stage in her career was never “in [her] wildest dreams.”
Mattel also honored other remarkable women from around the globe. These include Brazilian content creator Maira Gomez, Mexican filmmaker Lila Avilés, Japanese model and TV personality Nicole Fujita, and German comedian activist Enissa Amani. Their dolls serve as inspiring reminders that women are making waves across the globe, each with their unique stories and dreams.
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Each doll is crafted to capture the essence of the woman it represents. Twain’s doll, for instance, rocks an outfit reminiscent of her iconic Man! I Feel Like a Woman! music video, while Minogue’s mini-me acknowledges her status as the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time.
“Barbie’s story has never been just about her,” says Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls. “It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way.”
For over six decades, Barbie has been a beacon of empowerment, encouraging girls to dream big, explore their potential, and write their own narratives. This squad of Role Models builds upon that legacy, reminding everyone that dreams, no matter how big, are always within reach.
[via CBS News, New York Daily News, People Magazine, images via Mattel]
