Say hello to the latest gem in Mattel's Styled by Design 2 series: a Filipina Barbie doll created by Filipino-American designer Carlyle Nuera.
Released just in time for Filipino American History month, Carlyle proudly paid tribute to his Asian-American heritage, describing the doll as a "meaningful opportunity" to promote representation for his community. He also hopes the Filipina Barbie will inspire children to embrace their heritage and feel proud of their identity.
"I’ve always been proud to be Filipino, and that’s thanks to my family, my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and the way we grew up. And now, being connected to a part of the larger Filipino-American community, I am so hyped for this Barbie to finally be out in the world and hopefully make the anaks feel seen, represented, inspired, and proud," Carlyle wrote on Instagram.
Barbie Fan Club members received an exclusive sneak peek of the new Filipina Barbie a day before its public reveal on October 10.
LOOK: Mattel's Limited Edition Filipina Barbie Doll
The doll features distinctly Filipina attributes, including morena skin, plump nose, and expressive eyes.
Dubbed the "Golden Goddess," the highlight of her look is a gold crown inspired by the sun on the Philippine flag, laced with sampaguita flowers. She has reddish, long hair styled in relaxed curls, adding to her stylish look.
The doll’s outfit features elements inspired by traditional Filipino formalwear. Notably, her corset top features floor-length, supersized terno sleeves that cascades into a delicate, floor-lenth train.. Barbie also wears a printed skirt similar to a Malong and accessorizes with janggay jewelry.
Completing her look, she wears bakya platforms carved with a bahay kubo design. Her arms are even decorated with indigenous batok tattoos, a nod to the country's rich cultural heritage.
Even the packaging for the Filipina Barbie is a work of art, as it's made from an elegant eggshell-colored sleeve with delicate embossing used for the skirt's design. The back panel showcases one of Carlyle's original sketches for the doll, adding a personal touch to this collector's item.
How much does the Filipina Barbie doll cost?
The limited-edition Filipina Barbie first went on sale last October 9, 2024, for $100 (approximately P5,856.50) apirece. As of writing, it's exclusively for Barbie Club 59 members at MattelCreations.com, only while supplies last. The doll will only be shipped to select countries which, unfortunately, doesn't include the Philippines yet. But who knows? It might end up in local shores soon!
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors
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