My weekend just got a whole lot better! I just found out that my favorite childhood toy, Barbie, got a desi makeover by one of my favorite designers. Anita Dongre collaborated with Mattel to create the first-ever Barbie Signature Diwali doll, and it’s everything my younger self could have dreamed of.
While we’ve often seen Barbie in her signature pink, this time, Dongre has gone all out, dressing Barbie in a more Indian festive color for the occasion – a dark-hued blue. The Barbie Diwali doll wears Anita Dongre’s Moonlight Bloom set, a contemporary take on the traditional lehenga. Paired with a Rajasthan-inspired koti vest, the ensemble features Dongre’s signature nature-inspired motifs. The aim? To represent the fashion-forward Indian woman of today. And who better than Barbie, a global fashion icon, to showcase this? I love how she even added chaandbaalis and a bindi to the look.
Sharing the news on her Instagram, Anita wrote – “Designing the Barbie Diwali doll has truly been a fun and fulfilling experience. This Barbie Diwali doll represents the fashion-forward modern woman, who wears India on her sleeve with pride.I’m honoured for this opportunity to represent contemporary Indian fashion on a global platform and hope that it inspires kids across the world to connect with their culture and heritage.“
Like so many other girls, I grew up with Barbie dolls. I still remember like it was yesterday, stitching dresses for my Barbies with the help of my mother or a local tailor. This collaboration just brought out the inner child in me, filling me with nostalgia and pure happiness. This is also reminding me of 2023 when the world was taken over by Barbie fever.
I don’t know about you, but I do plan to get my hands on this doll. After all, the pain of missing out on those coveted concert tickets can only be soothed by Barbie magic, right ladies?
Featured Image: Instagram | Anita Dongre