Olympic fencer Ibtihaj to Ashley Graham's doll: 14 Barbies inspired by celebs

While we have seen a lot of transformations over the years, the latest one has dark skin, the muscular thighs of an athlete, and a hijab.

News Desk
Nov 17, 2017

Barbies have come a long way since their debut in the 1950s. They no longer look like clones of each other. The blond hair, white skin, and a trendy, tight-fitted dress is now no longer the only option available to those of you who want your doll to look like you. In the last few years, amid immense backlash, Mattel has tried to be inclusive and largely passed the test. While we cannot truly say the quintessential Barbie now looks like one of us, we definitely have quite a few relatable options from the brand’s many variations.

The latest one making waves is inspired by Muslim fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first ever American athlete to compete in the Olympics in a hijab. She won a bronze medal in the team saber event in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

We are so excited to honor @IbtihajMuhammad with a one-of-a-kind #Barbie doll! Ibtihaj continues to inspire women and girls everywhere to break boundaries. #Shero #YouCanBeAnything #GlamourWOTY pic.twitter.com/oV0e6ClgL6

— Barbie (@Barbie) November 13, 2017

The Barbie, which is dressed in fencing attire, is a part of the brand’s ‘Shero’ (female hero) line.

Mattel is known for making dolls inspired by celebrities time and again. A look at those the famous doll company has already immortalised:

In 2016, fashion model and body-positivity advocate Ashley Graham got her own Barbie

A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Nov 14, 2016 at 4:48pm PST

Just before the 2016 Olympics, U.S. gymnast and gold medallist Gabby Douglas got her barbie version

Gabby Douglas (Photo: Twitter FC/Gabby Douglas)

In 2015, the Barbie ‘Shero’ doll inspired by “Selma” director Ava DuVernay was unvielied

Our @AVAETC #Barbie doll is here! Get yours on https://t.co/oJUDI5HvEA at 10am PST! #Shero #YouCanBeAnything pic.twitter.com/0Xp6YnTS7E

— Barbie (@Barbie) December 7, 2015

Jennifer Lawrence was immortalised in Barbie form as her kickass character from The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen in 2014