Diwali Barbie has arrived, and it’s got everyone talking! This year, Mattel introduced a new Barbie to celebrate Diwali, and she’s a much-needed update from past versions. Designed by Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre, Diwali Barbie is making waves with her modern look and her attempt at representing Indian beauty more accurately.
A Fresh Take on Indian Fashion
Diwali Barbie is different from what we’ve seen before. Gone are the days of bright pink sarees and overly simplistic designs. This Barbie wears a stylish lehenga, complete with traditional Indian jewellery like jhumkas and gold bangles. Her outfit, in rich blue and gold, is both elegant and modern, showcasing the beauty of Indian fashion. Dongre’s design reflects a confident, fashion-forward woman who proudly celebrates her Indian roots.
What Went Wrong with Previous Indian Barbies?
Before Diwali Barbie, Indian Barbies missed the mark. The first Indian Barbie, released in 1996, was criticised for its pale skin and inauthentic depiction of Indian culture. It didn’t feel true to what many people in India looked like or wore. The descriptions on the doll’s packaging were also inaccurate, adding to the disappointment.
Later versions didn’t fare much better. A 2012 Barbie came with a “monkey friend,” which didn’t sit well with many people. The dolls didn’t reflect the true diversity of India, and their designs felt more like a western take on Indian culture rather than something that resonated with Indian buyers.
Tackling Colourism with Diwali Barbie
One of the biggest criticisms of earlier Indian Barbies was their skin tone. They were often too light, not reflecting the beautiful variety of skin tones found in India. This issue goes beyond dolls — it’s tied to the deep-rooted problem of colourism in Indian society. Many young girls grow up thinking lighter skin is more beautiful, which can affect their self-esteem.
Image from Mattel Inc
Diwali Barbie attempts to change that narrative. With a darker skin tone than previous versions, she’s a step forward in representing Indian women more accurately. While some feel her skin could be even darker to better reflect India’s diversity, it’s still a positive shift.
A Hit with Collectors and Parents
Fans of Barbie are thrilled with the new Diwali Barbie. Vichitra Rajasingh, a long-time Barbie collector from India, loves this updated version. She feels it’s a fresh and modern take on Indian beauty, a far cry from the earlier, clichéd designs. This sentiment is echoed by parents like Nandita Godbole, an Atlanta-based author, who wishes her daughter had had a doll like Diwali Barbie growing up. She believes it would have helped her daughter feel seen and valued, especially as she faced challenges due to her darker skin.
Will Diwali Barbie Make a Difference?
While Diwali Barbie is a hit, many wonder if she can truly make a difference in how Indian beauty is perceived. One doll can’t erase the deeply ingrained preference for lighter skin, but it’s a start. Jeniffer Grace, a professor from southern India, loves the doll’s festive look and traditional jewellery. She’s happy to see a doll that looks like her children, but she recognises that it will take more than a single product to change long-standing beauty standards in India.
A Step Toward Inclusivity
Image from Mattel Inc.
Diwali Barbie is part of Mattel’s effort to make their dolls more inclusive and representative of different cultures. By creating a doll that resonates more with Indian buyers, they’re acknowledging the importance of diversity. Although there’s still room for improvement, it’s encouraging to see brands like Mattel moving in the right direction.
What’s Next for Diwali Barbie?
This year’s Diwali Barbie has already sold out, which shows just how popular she is. While we don’t know yet how well she’ll do in India, early reactions are promising. It’s clear that people appreciate the effort to create a Barbie that’s more in line with modern Indian culture. Hopefully, this will lead to even more inclusive dolls in the future.
Diwali Barbie represents more than just a toy. She’s part of an ongoing conversation about beauty, culture, and representation. By reflecting the diversity of India, she’s helping to create a more inclusive world for the next generation of Barbie fans.
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