Mattel Creations celebrated Filipino American History Month by releasing a new Barbie that pays homage to Filipino culture.
The ‘Barbie Styled by Design Doll 2,’ officially unveiled last October 9, was designed and conceptualized by Carlyle Nuera, the Barbie Signature Lead Designer.
According to the description from the Mattel Creations website, the designer “elevates the traditional Filipino fashion into the realm of haute couture, by paying homage to his Asian American heritage with this spectacular Barbie doll.”
“From the radiant crown of the Philippine sun and fingers that sparkle with elegant gold janggay jewelry, to the intricate bahay kubo designs featured on her bakya platforms, Carlyle’s Barbie doll is radiant from head to toe.”
In an Instagram post, Nuera said that he could have designed anything, but he “knew this was an opportunity to do something meaningful for my people in the spirit of representation.”
He added that being Filipino was his most foundational identity, “I’ve always been proud to be Filipino.” He sent his gratitude to his family for how he was brought up.
Nuera expressed his excitement for this doll to finally be out and hoped that it would make the Filipino children feel “seen, represented, inspired and proud.”
The designer sees the new Barbie as the ‘second coming’ of the Mutya Barbie, which was released in 2015 also designed by Nuera. Describing the Mutya Barbie as the “demure, responsible Ate,” while the new Barbie is the “lil sis that always be galavanting,” something he can relate to.
“Ate Mutya Barbie even let lil sis borrow her jewelry,” as the designer shared that the two dolls wear the exact same bracelet to show a link between the two Filipina dolls.
It seems the Mutya Barbie pushed Nuera forwards as he shared that “it changed the trajectory of his career,” that made him realize the power and platform he has as a designer.
“This Barbie is so meaningful to me,” the designer said he would do multiple posts about the references and inspirations that brought the doll to life.
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