Mattel Celebrates 45 Years of Black Barbie with Limited-Edition Collection
To mark both Black History Month and the 45th anniversary of Black Barbie, Mattel has teamed up with the Black In Fashion Council (BIFC) for a special celebration. This collaboration honors Kitty Black Perkins, the designer behind the first-ever Black Barbie, with the release of a limited-edition doll, an ’80s-inspired collection, and an exclusive apparel line dedicated to Black History Month.
Honoring Kitty Black Perkins and Representation in Toys
Kitty Black Perkins, who served as the Chief Designer for Barbie at Mattel for 28 years, played a key role in shaping the power of representation within the toy industry. To commemorate her contributions, Mattel unveiled a stunning Black Barbie doll in a scarlet ensemble inspired by the 1980s design, a tribute to the original doll. This new release is a standout piece that reflects the enduring impact of Perkins’ legacy.
BIFC Partnership and Fashion Industry Influence
In collaboration with the Black In Fashion Council, Mattel is inspiring young Black girls to pursue careers in fashion and design. Lindsay Peoples, co-founder of BIFC, expressed the organization’s pride in partnering with Mattel, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation of Black designers.
As part of the celebration, the partnership highlights notable Black designers such as Larissa Muehleder, Nia Thomas, and Fumi Egbon, each recognized for their significant contributions to the fashion industry.
Limited-Edition Barbie and Collection Now Available
The limited-edition Black Barbie, alongside the ’80s-themed collection and Black History Month apparel, is now available for purchase at Target.
