Anita Dongre, a name synonymous with exquisite Indian fashion, has taken the world by storm with her latest collaboration: a limited-edition Barbie doll designed exclusively for Diwali. This marks the first time an Indian designer has partnered with Barbie, making it a monumental occasion for both the fashion world and the global doll industry.
The idea for the collaboration was born almost two years ago, and Dongre readily admits that designing for a doll was a unique and exciting challenge. “Designing for a doll is quite different from designing for a real person,” she says, “The scale is smaller, so every detail must be more precise and thoughtful. The process feels more intimate.”
Her Barbie, dubbed ‘Disco Barbie’ at her house, is dressed in a stunning blue sleeveless coatee paired with a Moonlight Bloom lehenga. The lehenga is adorned with intricate dahlia, jasmine, and lotus motifs, reflecting Dongre’s signature contemporary Indian style, particularly her inspiration from Rajasthan. The design is a perfect fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, with elements of pichwai, a traditional Indian textile, seamlessly integrated into the intricate floral prints.
Dongre, a self-proclaimed lover of blue, opted for a deep, rich midnight blue for the outfit instead of the iconic Barbie pink. “While pink is iconic for Barbie, I wanted to bring something meaningful to the collaboration,” she said, “The deep rich hues of midnight blue along with our signature Indian floral motifs felt like a natural choice.” The packaging, echoing the doll’s attire, also features a vibrant blue hue with geometric florals, creating a festive and visually striking appeal.
The doll’s hair, styled in a simple yet sophisticated middle-part, perfectly complements her modern sensibilities. Dongre explains, “Allowing the focus to remain on the lehenga and accessories.” The accessories themselves are minimal, modern, and quintessentially Indian, featuring simple gold bangles and classic chandbali earrings, embodying the contemporary Indian woman’s stylish confidence.
While considering the overall look, Dongre envisioned a modern, empowered Indian woman who embraces her heritage with pride. This vision resonated with Mattel India’s Country Manager, Lalit Agarwal, who stated, “We are dedicated to reflecting the stories young girls see in the world around them through Barbie, and we couldn’t be more honoured to partner with renowned Indian couturier Anita Dongre to create a doll that furthers this mission.”
The Diwali Barbie, priced at INR 1,999, is available globally and is sure to be a coveted collector’s item. It serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Barbie and a celebration of Indian fashion and culture on a global platform. As Dongre aptly says, “Here’s to young girls celebrating the culture and their beauty with this doll!”
