The Rock Legend Joins LeBron James As Only The Second Celebrity Honored In Barbie’s Signature Kenbassadors Collection
Lenny Kravitz has officially entered the Barbie universe.
Mattel unveiled a new collectible doll Thursday modeled after the Grammy-winning rock star, making Kravitz only the second honoree in Barbie’s Signature Kenbassadors Collection. NBA superstar LeBron James became the collection’s first Kenbassador.
The $70 Lenny Kravitz doll takes plenty of cues from the singer’s unmistakable rock-star style. Sculpted in his likeness, the doll sports Kravitz’s trademark locs along with a bronze-colored mesh cowl-neck tank, boot-cut jeans, a studded belt, boots and sunglasses. Mattel says the look was inspired by Kravitz’s recent “Blue Electric Light” tour.
“Barbie is an institution and as a kid growing up, I could not have imagined this,” Kravitz said in announcing the collaboration. “To be chosen by Mattel as a Kenbassador, only the second one in history, is an honor and absolutely surreal.”
The doll is available through Mattel Creations and other major retailers.
Lenny Kravitz Becomes Barbie’s Second Kenbassador
Mattel launched the Kenbassadors series to recognize influential men whose work and cultural impact extend beyond their respective industries.
The Kravitz doll arrives as Barbie celebrates the 65th anniversary of Ken, who made his debut in 1961.
“As we continue to celebrate Ken’s 65th anniversary this year, we are incredibly excited to recognize Lenny Kravitz as the second honoree in our Barbie Signature Kenbassadors Collection,” Nathan Baynard, vice president and head of Barbie at Mattel, said.
Baynard pointed to Kravitz’s influence across music and fashion, saying the artist has built a career around individuality and distinctive personal style.
Mattel describes the collection as honoring influential figures “creating positive change in the world” and has signaled that more Kenbassadors are coming.
For Kravitz, the honor also puts another Black male cultural figure on Barbie shelves.
Although Ken debuted more than six decades ago, Barbie’s first Black Ken doll did not arrive until 1981. Other Black male characters, including Brad and Curtis, had appeared during the 1970s.
Barbie has also produced dolls celebrating prominent Black women including Whitney Houston, Serena Williams and Opal Lee.
