Barbie’s new look causes hype in the markets. Hijab-wearing Barbie, the first doll to ever wear one was unveiled today.
Toy manufacturer Mattel made history today by releasing its first hijab-wearing Barbie. The Barbie was made in honor of American Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who was the first American to compete and win a medal while wearing a hijab.
The toy’s announcement was made on the 14th of November at the Glamour Women of The Year Awards and was created as a part of Barbie’s “Shero” program.
Model Ashley Graham, who was the “Shero” program’s honoree last year, presented the doll to Muhammad.
Barbie’s “Shero” series adds another heavyweight to their catalog: American Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
The doll, part of the toymaker’s “Sheroes” collection, is dressed in fencing gear as well as the hijab.
Of the choice to pick Ibtihaj Muhammad as this year’s “Shero”, Sejal Shal Miller, Barbie’s Vice President of Global Marketing said in a statement, “Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian but for embracing what makes her stand out.”
Miller continued, “Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented, and by honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.”
The Olympian echoed these sentiments in an interview with Teen Vogue, stating, “As someone who grew up playing with Barbies, I know that the more diverse dolls offered, the many more inspiring stories girls will be able to tell.”
“We are so excited to honor [sic] @IbtihajMuhammad with a one-of-a-kind #Barbie doll! Ibtihaj continues to inspire women and girls everywhere to break boundaries,” Mattel wrote on its social media accounts, accompanied by a photo of Mohammad holding the doll.
The Barbie will be available for purchase in 2018.
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