Hi Barbie! It’s time to shine bright.

As Diwali approaches in less than a month, the festivities have begun. Mattel announced on Friday the launch of a new Barbie Doll, created especially for Diwali, designed by renowned Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre.

“Continuing our pledge to honor cultural celebrations, Barbie is debuting its first ever Diwali doll in partnership with internationally acclaimed designer Anita Dongre,” Mattel stated in a press release. “Fusing tradition with Barbie’s status in global fashion, this doll showcases India’s rich culture to the world.”

This exclusive Barbie doll is dressed in a “Moonlight Bloom set,” featuring a choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt embellished with dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus—representing strength and beauty. The ensemble is complemented by gold bangles and sparkling earrings, which reflect the luminous spirit of the festival, according to Mattel.

The doll is packaged in a large box that matches the color of her outfit and is decorated with Dongre’s distinctive patterns.

Design Journey Took Over a Year

The creation of the Barbie’s outfit spanned more than a year and included numerous prototypes before the midnight blue version featuring Dongre’s signature nature-inspired prints was finalized, the designer shared with YSL News this week.

“We created about eight to ten designs, and narrowing it down to this particular one was the hardest part,” Dongre explained to YSL News from India. “My aim was to develop a complete collection.”

“We explored a multitude of concepts in the studio,” she continued. “Should it be a lehenga? A saree? Or perhaps a sharara? The versatility of Indian fashion opens up endless possibilities.”

Dongre aimed for Barbie’s outfit to appeal to young girls everywhere, so the lehenga was designed like a modern skirt, while the top offers an updated style of the “Rajasthani koti.”

“I truly wanted to present a contemporary interpretation of Indian fashion,” Dongre added.

According to Mattel, Dongre’s designs, including this creation for Barbie, “harmoniously blend modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.”

Having dressed high-profile figures like Hilary Clinton, Beyonce, Kate Middleton, and Priyanka Chopra, one might think designing for a doll would be easy, yet Dongre found scaling down her designs quite challenging.

Will Barbie’s outfit be available for the real-life “Barbies”? That will depend on consumer demand, Dongre indicates.

“If we receive numerous requests for the doll, then it’s a possibility,” she remarked.

Embracing the Power and Beauty of Diversity

Lalit Agarwal, a senior official at Mattel India, expressed excitement about presenting India’s vibrant cultural heritage globally through this doll, emphasizing their commitment to celebrating the strength and beauty of diversity.

Mattel expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Dongre, whose brand focuses on empowering rural women artisans while preserving the “exquisite craftsmanship of her homeland.”

A store located in New York City expressed their excitement, stating that it was a “proud moment to have a doll that represents Indian culture.” They are thrilled to collaborate with Mattel on this initiative.

“My brand has always focused on empowering individuals through fashion, and collaborating with Barbie to introduce the Barbie Diwali doll aligns perfectly with our mission of women’s empowerment,” remarked Dongre.

For young girls aspiring to own this Barbie, Dongre has an encouraging message: “Empower yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and accept who you are. You are all special.”

How to purchase the Barbie Diwali doll

The Barbie Diwali doll will be available for purchase starting October 4 at Mattel’s official website and major retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Walmart, priced at $40.