Mattel’s Barbie has linked with costume designer and stylist Shiona Turner for a collection of dolls celebrating black women in all their beautiful diversity. The collection was commissioned as part of a celebration of Black History Month.
The 10-doll collection represents an array of skin colors, hairstyles, body sizes and in one set of images includes a doll in a wheelchair.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Turner wrote, “Thank you @barbiestyle – for collaborating with me to create barbies with braids, finger waves and everything in between. Chicks by the layers, all different flavors. And even a curvy doll, in a crop top, with waist length twists.”
Looking back on her own child, Turner recalls struggling to find Barbie Dolls she could relate to. She added, “The first black Barbie was introduced in 1980 – in a sparkly red dress with an Afro pick in her hair. Here she is, on her customized throne, surrounded by friends created and styled by me. I hope other young children, and adult Barbie lovers, are as excited to see themselves reflected in these dolls as I am.
Check out Turini’s collection of dolls, styled in multiple looks.
