Mattel has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll, this time by donning her in traditional Islamic attire and auctioning her off with 500 others at the Salone dei Cinquecento in Florence, Italy, sanctioned by Sotheby’s.
The Barbie doll collection celebrates many cultures from around the world and the proceeds of the auction will
raise funds for the Save the Children charity; Rewrite the Future campaign - which helps millions of children around the world effected by conflict.
The Burka Barbie doll was designed by the Italian designer Eliana Lorena and features Barbie wearing three styles and colours: lime and vermilion - with screen covers over the eyes -- and black, with a Hijab.
In 2003, NewBoy started marketing a Barbie-like doll named Fulla. She was designed to promote Muslim values and be a role model for Muslim girls. Barbie was and is targeted to American girls and Burka Barbie doesn’t fit into the picture.
There have been a lot of negative responses to this doll and some find her oppressive to women.
Barbie Burkas
Mattel 'Save the Children' Barbies Have Traditional Makeovers
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Diversity Dolls - Expanding the traditional doll range to include dolls from different cultures and with traditional attires can have a significant impact on children's acceptance of diversity and inclusion.
2. Purpose-driven Brand Collaborations - Collaborating with charities can help brands raise funds for important causes while adding value to their products and services.
3. Religious Representation in Toys - With increased globalization and interfaith acceptance, there is a market opportunity for toys that represent different religions and cultures in a respectful and informative manner.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can explore different cultural representations in their product lines to promote diversity and inclusivity among children.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Companies can leverage their marketing efforts by partnering with charities to promote social impact and engagement.
3. Religious and Cultural Education - Educational institutions can use toys and games as a tool to teach children about different religions and cultures in a fun and interactive manner.