Barbie has launched a special edition Diwali doll in collaboration with renowned Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. Just in time for the Hindu Festival of Lights, this marks the first time Barbie has partnered with an Indian designer to celebrate a culturally significant event.
Anita Dongre, known for her elegant designs and commitment to traditional Indian craftsmanship, took inspiration from her home city of Jaipur to create the Diwali doll’s attire. The doll is dressed in a “Moonlight Bloom” ensemble, which includes a choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt adorned with symbolic Indian flowers, reflecting both the beauty of Indian fashion and the spirit of Diwali.
According to critics, the best part is that Ms Dongre’s Barbie wears its Hindu culture with pride including a beautiful “Bindi” on her forehead.
“She’s this quintessentially modern Indian girl. I wanted the doll to represent what India is today, because I think the world sometimes has a very different idea of what India is. And today the young Indian woman is intelligent, empowered, and modern.”
“She wears India with pride,”
Dongre explained during an interview with GMA.
The Barbie Diwali Doll reflects the modern identity of Indian women, a theme Dongre emphasised throughout her design process. It also highlights the growing recognition of Indian culture globally and provides young girls worldwide with a doll that celebrates cultural diversity and tradition.
The Diwali Barbie is available through Mattel and major retailers, offering families an opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Lights with a special touch of cultural representation.
Barbie’s collaboration with Dongre is part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to highlight diversity and inclusion, making this Diwali release a significant step in honouring global traditions.
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