Barbie has unveiled its inaugural Diwali doll in collaboration with globally acclaimed Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. This marks the first time a designer has created a Diwali doll for Barbie Signature. Dongre’s creation seamlessly integrates modern design elements with traditional craftsmanship, highlighting Barbie’s influence in the global fashion scene.
The Barbie Diwali doll pays tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage by celebrating Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The doll is dressed in a Moonlight Bloom ensemble featuring a choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt adorned with dahlias, jasmine, and the Indian lotus—representing strength and beauty. The look is completed with golden bangles and shimmering earrings, reflecting the radiant lights associated with the festival.
Anita Dongre, through her esteemed fashion label, champions female empowerment and representation. Her brand has initiated programs to train tribal women in garment-making and has collaborated with government bodies and NGOs to create stable employment opportunities for skilled rural artisans. Dongre highlighted that in honor of Diwali, both she and Barbie are inviting fans globally to embrace the rich heritage of Indian fashion and culture. She mentioned that her brand has consistently aimed to empower individuals through fashion and that collaborating with Barbie to create the Barbie Diwali doll perfectly aligns with their shared values, as Barbie represents the ultimate symbol of women’s empowerment.