In order to raise funds for charity Save the Children, Italian artist Eliana Lorena has refashioned Mattel’s iconic doll Barbie and has given her a new, multicultural look. Actually, Eliana has given Barbie about 500 new looks, as she has designed 500 dolls in different outfits in an attempt to reflect global diversity and raise money for various charities. The lot is being put up for sale at Sotheby’s in Florence, Italy.
Not only is this a celebration of Save the Children, it’s also a celebration of Barbie’s 50th anniversary. How strange is it that, for 50 years and for any number of redesigns, Barbie has been the only name on the world’s doll stage? I mean, Barbie collectors are everywhere, from the office to museums. My boss is a Barbie collector, and my mom has friends who also collect Barbie dolls. I don’t know anyone who collects, say, Beanie Babies anymore.
Tags: dolls, Barbie, Barbie dolls, Burka Barbie, Muslim Barbie, art exhibits, Mattel, Eliana Lorena, Save The Children