To mark the celebration of this year’s Diwali, Barbie has teamed up for the first time with globally recognized Indian designer Anita Dongre to create a Diwali doll. Diwali is one of India’s most recognized celebrations, also known as the Festival of Lights — commemorating the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and marking new beginnings.
Anita Dongre is one of the major fashion powerhouses to come out of India; the brand describes itself as being “Consciously crafted. Rooted In Rajasthan.” The Diwali Barbie doll was designed by Dongre and pays homage to the brand’s merging of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Rajasthan, Dongre’s “eternal muse,” is particularly known for its colorful and bright looks in contrast to the dry and arid desert where its people reside.
Anita Dongre’s Diwali Barbie doll.
Rafael Ortega
The Diwali doll wears a Moonlight bloom set with a choli top, flower-adorned Koti vest and lehenga skirt embellished with dahlias, jasmine and lotus flowers — symbolizing strength and beauty. The Barbie also dons traditional Indian accessories of golden bangles, glittering earrings and a bindi. The packaging of the doll also features symbols from the garments on the box to imbue the Diwali spirit.
During the “fun process” of deciding on the doll’s look, Dongre told WWD that she had many outfits and silhouettes in mind. But finally, she selected a modern interpretation of a traditional lehenga, with a Rajasthani koti jacket.
Dongre told WWD that when she was first approached by Mattel, she jumped on the opportunity to collaborate on the Barbie Diwali doll to “showcase Indian fashion on a global fashion icon” and “create a beautiful representation of contemporary Indian women while highlighting Diwali.”
