The doll’s anniversary look pays tribute to its original design created by Kitty Black Perkins.
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first Black Barbie, Mattel has released a special edition of the prized doll, honoring its designer, Kitty Black Perkins.
Perkins studied fashion design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College before becoming the principal designer for Barbie in 1978. Two years later, Perkins pioneered the groundbreaking iteration of Barbie, representing Black girls worldwide.
“I wanted to create a doll that Black children could see themselves in,” explained Perkins of her legacy, reshared by WBLS.
“Black Barbie was in the background of my childhood,” explained Ameirah Saafir, Ph.D., an adolescent studies professor and commentator in the film, as reported by the Fullerton Observer. “Black Barbie, she’s not just a doll. She’s a cultural icon that impacts representation and toys in media and what it means for identity development and personal development to see somebody that looks like you.”
The first Black Barbie also led to other Signature dolls that mark the achievement of Black women figures. From Aaliyah to Misty Copeland, the dolls inspire girls of color to strive for their greatest ambitions.
Just in time for Black History Month, the doll honors Perkins’ storied history of prioritizing diversity at Mattel. The 45th anniversary Black Barbie is on sale now at MattelCreations.com while supplies last and is also available at participating Target locations.
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Source: Black Enterprise
