- Doll launched in time for Hindu festival from October 29-3 November
- Diwali Barbie’s design features elements of traditional Indian dress
- The new doll is the latest in Mattel’s Festival of the World range
There is a new Barbie hitting the shelves – meet Diwali Barbie, released by Mattel to coincide with the upcoming Hindu Festival of Lights.
Collaboration
Diwali Barbie is a collaboration between Mattel, which manufacturers the iconic range of dolls, and Indian designer Anita Dongre. The doll features elements of traditional Indian dress, such as a choli – a cropped top – and a lehenga, a patterned, long skirt.
“In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I and both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture,” said Dongre, as reported by the BBC.
Dongre added that in the design of the Diwali Barbie she wanted to include elements of modern aesthetics alongside traditional craftmanship.
The Diwali Barbie is the latest in Mattel’s Festival of the World range, which also includes dolls celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Chinese New Year.
Dongre is head of the House of Anita Dongre fashion house. She also founded the Pink City jewellery brand. The 61-year-old has won numerous awards for her designs over the years.
Diwali is the Hindu Fesitval of Lights, which takes place over five days each year. The date changes each year, depending on the Hindu lunisolar calendar, but it usually falls between mid-September and mid-November. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all over the world. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This year, the five days of Diwali are from October 29 to November 3.
Expanding range
Barbie has been expanding the range of its dolls for some time. Earlier in the year, Mattel launched the first ever blind Barbie. The doll has a range of features including a cane and dark glasses, and her eyes look slightly up and outwards, which reflects the gaze that some blind people have.
