Proudly Pinoy: Mattel Launches Limited Edition Filipina Barbie

Say hello to the latest gem in Mattel's Styled by Design 2 series: a Filipina Barbie created by Filipino-American designer Carlyle Nuera.

Released just in time for Filipino American History month, the Barbie is a celebration of Filipino culture.

Carlyle proudly paid tribute to his Asian-American heritage, describing the doll as a "meaningful opportunity" to promote representation for his community. He also hopes the Filipina Barbie will inspire children to embrace their heritage and feel proud of their identity.

"I’ve always been proud to be Filipino, and that’s thanks to my family, my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and the way we grew up. And now, being connected to and a part of the larger Filipino-American community, I am so hyped for this Barbie to finally be out in the world and hopefully make the anaks feel seen, represented, inspired, and proud," Carlyle wrote on Instagram.

The designer playfully refers to this new Filipina Barbie as the "little sister" to the Mutya Barbie he designed back in 2015. While the Ate is demure and responsible, the younger sister is lively and fun, often borrowing her sister's janggay jewelry. In fact, the new Barbie wears the same bracelet that Mutya Barbie has!

Barbie Fan Club members received an exclusive sneak peek of the new Filipina Barbie a day before its public reveal on October 10. 

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Introducing Filipina Barbie

The doll features distinctly Filipina attributes, including morena skin, plump nose, and expressive eyes.

Dubbed the "Golden Goddess," the highlight of her look is a gold crown inspired by the sun on the Philippine flag, laced with sampaguita flowers. She has a reddish, long hair styled in relaxed curls, adding to her stylish look.

The doll’s outfit showcases elements that honor Filipino culture. Her corset top features terno sleeves reminiscent of a Filipiniana, adding a contemporary flair to traditional clothes. She wears a printed skirt similar to a Malong and accessorizes with janggay jewelry.

Completing her look, she wears bakya platforms carved with a bahay kubo design. Her arms are even decorated with indigenous batok tattoos, highlighting her rich cultural heritage.

Even the packaging for the Filipina Barbie is a work of art, featuring an elegant eggshell-colored sleeve with delicate embossing used for the skirt's design. The back panel showcases one of Carlyle's original sketches for the doll, adding a personal touch to this collector's item.

The limited-edition Filipina Barbie went on sale for $100 last October 9, 2024, exclusively for Barbie Club 59 members at MattelCreations.com, while supplies last. The doll will only be shipped to select countries and the Philippines isn't on the list yet. But who knows? It might end up in local shores soon. 

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