In a remarkable unveiling ahead of Navratri and Diwali celebrations, celebrated Indian designer Anita Dongre has introduced a special edition Indian Barbie, marking a significant cultural crossover in the world of fashion dolls. As she sat down with Vogue for an exclusive conversation, Dongre shared a slice of her childhood, revealing that growing up, Barbie dolls were an unfamiliar sight in India. Instead, small traditional dolls captured her imagination and those of countless other Indian girls, thus becoming an integral part of her early years.
This November, as India comes alive with the vibrant colors of Diwali, Dongre partners with Barbie and its parent company, Mattel, to launch their first-ever limited-edition Barbie designed by an Indian fashion designer. The announcement has sent ripples of excitement through both the fashion industry and the world of collectible dolls. The collaboration is not just an introduction of an Indian flair to Barbie’s wardrobe, but a symbolic embrace of global cultures and artistic expressions that resonate with the spirit of diversity.
Anita Dongre, known for her sophisticated blend of contemporary and traditional Indian elements, has poured her creative prowess into this miniature masterpiece. Dongre confided that the spark for this imaginative venture ignited around eighteen months ago and has grown into an engaging journey of design exploration. For Dongre, who predominantly works in full human scale, designing for a doll came with its unique set of challenges. Each detail, she explained, required heightened precision and a uniquely personal approach, unlike anything she’d encountered before.
Her creation, which she fondly refers to as the ‘Disco Barbie,’ is a nod to the energetic house party vibe that captures both global and Indian fashion trends. This limited edition doll is elegantly attired in a sleeveless blue coatee complemented by a meticulously detailed Moonlight Bloom lehenga. The lehenga boasts intricate floral patterns featuring popular Indian blooms like dahlias, jasmines, and lotuses, symbolizing a blend of beauty and cultural heritage. During her design process, Dongre was particularly inspired by the aesthetics of Rajasthan, infusing the coatee with design elements commonly found in the region’s traditional attire.
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Dongre chose not to dress Barbie in the conventional saree or sharara, and her reasoning is as forward-thinking as her designs. She elaborated, “The attire had to resonate with today’s younger generation—a reflection of what young girls are wearing now. It needed to be contemporary, yet with a universal appeal.”
The excitement surrounding Dongre’s fashionable contribution does not overshadow the widespread fascination with the cinematic portrayal of Barbie. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Greta Gerwig, the Barbie movie features a star-studded cast including Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, and a host of talented actors like America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, and Issa Rae, among others. The film aims to explore the many dimensions of Barbie’s character, set against the backdrop of whimsical and heartwarming narratives. Slated for a nationwide release on July 21, the film is a product of collaboration between Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Mattel Production.
In the conversation with Vogue, Dongre shared that she recently viewed the Barbie movie and found it deeply heartwarming, adding to her inspiration for the upcoming doll collaboration. It’s a venture that not only embodies the gleam of Diwali festivities but also celebrates the blend of tradition and modernity—a testament to Dongre’s ethos as a designer.
This partnership between Dongre and Barbie is more than just a stylish collaboration; it is a celebration of cultural exchange and an homage to the power of imagination—a bridge between Dongre’s childhood musings with small dolls and the dreams of countless young girls today. It’s an endeavor that positions Barbie as not just a doll but a global icon of creativity and inclusivity. As anticipation builds leading up to Diwali, Dongre’s Indian Barbie promises to be a prized addition that beautifully encapsulates the essence of one of the world’s most joyous festivals.
