Barbie will be gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for its 50th anniversary. The Mattel fashion doll will also be featured on the inside of the magazine with her very own editorial feature spread that was 'shot' by Sports Illustrated photographer Walter Iooss Jr.
Paying tribute to this all-American beauty, the Barbie cover for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is already causing controversy. The '#unapologetic' campaign that Mattel and Sports Illustrated collaborated on is already teasing the public with its Times Square billboard debut. Bearing the same name as the recent Grammy-winning Rihanna album, the Unapologetic campaign celebrates individuality.
"As with Barbie, every year the Swimsuit edition sparks conversations about women and body image, and Sports Illustrated stands unapologetically behind this issue that women, in reality, love," says a Mattel spokesperson about the Barbie controversy.
Inanimate Icon Covers
Barbie Graces the Cover of the 50th Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Covers - Opportunity for brands to collaborate on cover features that spark conversations and celebrate individuality.
2. Barbie Fashion Editorials - Opportunity for toy companies to collaborate with fashion magazines on editorial spreads featuring iconic dolls.
3. Body Image Discussions - Opportunity for brands to support and engage in conversations about women and body image in media.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to collaborate with toy companies on innovative fashion editorials.
2. Magazine Publishing - Opportunity for magazine publishers to attract attention by featuring controversial cover stories.
3. Branding and Marketing - Opportunity for brands to leverage controversial cover features to engage in discussions and promote their products.