Sat Oct 05 05:02:17 UTC 2024: ## Barbie Unveils Diwali Doll Designed by Renowned Indian Fashion Designer
**NEW YORK** – Just in time for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, Barbie has launched a special edition doll designed in collaboration with renowned Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. This marks the first time Barbie has partnered with an Indian designer to celebrate a culturally significant festival, both in India and internationally.
Drawing inspiration from her hometown of Jaipur, Dongre created a doll that embodies the modern Indian woman. The doll, named “Moonlight Bloom,” is adorned with a vibrant choli top, a floral Koti vest, and a lehenga skirt embroidered with symbols of strength and beauty, like dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus. Her look is completed with bangles, gold earrings, and a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle.
“I think the fact that Barbie is celebrating Diwali is so special today,” said Dongre. “It’s amazing that I get to do a doll for Diwali, which is the festival of light, hope, love… and I think that’s the message I’d like to give to everybody.”
Dongre emphasized the importance of the doll’s Indian roots, aiming to showcase the modern, intelligent, and empowered young Indian woman. “She wears India with pride,” she added.
The Barbie Diwali Doll is now available at major retailers, and Dongre, a former doll enthusiast herself, hopes it will inspire creativity and imagination in young girls. “I think playing with dolls as a young girl really instills creativity in you and it’s such a beautiful part of growing up,” she said.
First Piper 