Barbie Honors Inspiring Women with Customized Doll Figurines
by Jaskiran Kaur | Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:18:32 GMT
Image Source: Amazon.com, The Independent, Sioux City Journal, Arrelic, Dezeen

Barbie dolls, the iconic toys from your childhood, are going through an extraordinary renovation, seemingly expanding on the notion that beauty has no limitations. But besides that, Barbi doll figurines have also been constructed to honor women who are more than beautiful. Who show impeccable skills, a great love for humanity and the living kind, and others who made a significant mark in the history of science, philanthropy, art, and more. 

Barbie designer Mattel has taken it on himself to honor 13 impressive women from the pages of history and also those who are alive to honor their generous contributions to humankind. Out of these, there are inspiring women such as Rosa Parks, a Civil Rights activist, Naomi Osaka, an athlete of unmatched excellence, and the COVID 10 frontline workers that saved the world. 

A Barbie doll paying tribute to Amelia Earhart has been designed, too. The figurine carries a map and a helmet acknowledging her excellency as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. A figure has also been constructed to honor Abby Wambach that comes donning a soccer jersey. The lady is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a FIFA Women's World Cup champion, and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. 

The rest of the dolls, too, are an ode to other powerful women shaping histories like Jennifer Lopez and Samantha Cristoforetti, historically shifting the focus of Barbie figures from pretty faces to talent, intelligence, and as an ode to Girl Power. Celebrating these heroic women from the past and present serves as an inspiring reminder for the rest to follow in their footsteps. 

The Barbie dolls by Mattel that celebrate the health workers who stood at the front lines when the pandemic hit strong also serve as a pretty inspiring anecdote of their bravery and service. One of the frontline workers' doll figurines is shaped after the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine creator, which came as a boon to save humanity. Professor Sarah Gilbert, better known for building the Oxford vaccine, is Professor Dame of vaccinology at Oxford University. She is now one of the six women that have been honored with a Barbie Doll rendition to celebrate their work during the deadly pandemic. 

The other women from the Barbie collection are Professor Jaqueline Goés de Jesu, a Brazilian biomedical researcher, and Dr. Kirby White, who was one of the inventing heads behind the reusable health care worker gowns used in Australia. Next comes Canadian Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa, a physical, spoken-word poet and social activist, along with Amy O'Sullivan and Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz. They work as health professionals in the United States. 

Barbie Dolls have also released other honorary doll versions of several motivating women before its latest collection. Here are a few of those ladies:

Samantha Cristoforetti: The first Italian female European Space Agency Astronaut

Credits: Licensing Magazine

The first Italian female European Space Agency Astronaut, Cristoforetti's honorary doll, was created in the celebration of World Space Week that runs from October 4th till 10th. The space figurine modeled after the legendary astronaut has already experienced its very own zero-gravity flight. Cristoforetti revealed in a video statement, "The mini Samantha doll has already been on a parabolic flight, so she already has some experience with weightlessness. "I really hope that by showing that we can create some excitement for especially young girls … maybe … those images will kindle a sparkle of passion in some girl's heart, and that would be incredible."

Cristoforetti is all set to take the lead as the commander of the International Space Station mission that will begin in April 2022. 

Naomi Osaka: No. 1 Tennis player as said by the Women's Tennis Association 

Credits: Mashable

Naomi Osaka, the Japanese professional tennis player, is the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles. She is also the first player from Japan, man or woman, to hold the title of being ranked as the NO.1 tennis player. Her doll debuts a tennis racket and visor, honoring her brilliance at the game. 

Abby Wambach: US Star soccer player

Credits: Bosem.in

Abby Wambach is known for their extraordinary performance in World soccer and, apart from their prowess at the field, is a champion of gender equality. Talking about her Barbie figurine, which was first revealed in 2016 Makers Conference, Wambach said, "Playing with Barbies that may or may not have looked like I felt growing up, I think that this is a really impactful statement … If you're out there and maybe your doll doesn't look like how you feel, here's another option,"

Ibtihaj Muhammad: US Olympic fencer, the first hijab-wearing Barbie doll

Credits: BBC

There isn't much inclusivity when it comes to the west's standards of beauty, and for a long time, the hijab has not been a part of the conversation where beauty is considered. Also, it is excluded when people talk about choice and a woman's free will to dress, especially if her preference is to dress modestly. With Mattel's Barbie coming up with a hijabi Barbie doll, Hijab-wearers can be given the respect and space they are due. Muhammad, hence, became the first hijabi woman to bring her headscarf to the limelight in her Olympics game. She also earned an honorary mention in the list of "100 Most Influential People" in 2016, the same year she made headlines for competing in the Rio Olympics. 

Sally Ride: The first American woman in space

Credits: CollectSpace

Sally Ride made history in 1983 when she became the first American woman to shoot for the stars after having joined NASA in 1978. Dressed as an astronaut ready to take flight, Ride's Barbie doll features Nasa's iconic jumpsuit and can be seen with a space helmet. 

Frida Kahlo: The Master of Self-Portraits

Credits: LA Times

One of the world's most legendary artists and painters, Frida Kahlo, also serves as a feminist icon. Remembered for her contribution to Latin American culture and Mexican heritage, Kahlo brought in a specific revolution with her distinct art pieces. Recognizing her excellence and contributions, her doll reads, "The Barbie Inspiring Women Frida Kahlo doll celebrates the groundbreaking achievements, heroism, and long-lasting contributions Frida made in the art world and for women."

Zendaya: Primetime Emmy Award, a Satellite Award, and a Saturn Award winner

Credits: E! Online

Zendaya serves as an unapologetic figure for women's empowerment and is highly proud of her cultural roots. Having her dreadlocks in the prime spotlight, the actress received "outrageously offensive" remarks that shamed her look and her culture. Mattel decided to come strongly against the harsh public perception of limited beauty and hence celebrated Zendaya in her full glory featuring dreadlocks as a "role model who is focused on standing up for yourself, your culture, and for what you believe in – that's very relevant for girls."

Zendaya herself shared, "When I was little, I couldn't find a Barbie that looked like me. Thank you, @barbie, for this honour and for allowing me to be a part of your diversification and expansion of the definition of beauty. Can't wait to keep doing amazing things with you."

RELATED ARTICLES