Mattel Debuts New Black and White Bathing Suit Barbie
Posted on March 9, 2009
Mattel is unveiling a new face for Barbie today and throwing a pink-carpet birthday bash at her real Malibu Dream House. Unveiled today at the Malibu Dream House, the new Bathing Suit Barbie doll (pictured above) is a modernized version of the original 1959 doll. Mattel is paying homage to Barbie doll's original 1959 price by offering the new doll for $3 during Barbie doll's birthday week, which runs from March 9-14.
The new doll also debuts a new face for Barbie. Mattel describes the new face as "a more natural look, including a thinner jaw line, more almond-shaped eyes, fuller lips and a softer makeup palette using shimmery pink lip shades and neutral eye colors." The 2009 Bathing Suit Barbie is wearing a black-and-white bikini with a pink trim. She's accessorized with pink sunglasses, pink hoop earrings and black sandals. She's carrying a handbag and a cell phone. Her hair is a ponytail.
Richard Dickson, general manager and senior vice president, Barbie, says in a statement, "Barbie's birthday is also the time for generations of girls to celebrate their Barbie memories and create new ones. We're so excited about all the celebrations taking place around the world - through special events, at retail, online, in homes - and we hope everyone finds a way to have a Barbie moment today."
Barbie has also moved into a new residence today - a real Malibu Dream House. This is a 3,500-square-foot home in Malibu, Calif., which was decorated by interior designer Jonathan Adler. The home is a life-size interpretation of Barbie's Dream House. It sounds pretty incredible. Some of the interior design elements include lace-up "dress" chairs, a chandelier made of Barbie hair, a closet filled with thousands of pink shoes, a sunburst mirror made from Barbie dolls, several pieces from the upcoming Barbie Loves Jonathan Adler home decor collection. There is a real BarbieVolkswagen car parked inside the garage. The house also features a BarbieMuseum which houses dozens of dolls and art from Mattel's archives, including a rare #1 (1959) Barbie doll. The home also features art pieces such as Barbie paintings by Andy Warhol and Donald Baechlor.
Adler says, "Of all my work, bringing to life Barbie's famous Malibu Dream House has been one of the most fun design projects yet. Barbie was a dream client because she doesn't have a husband to rein in the fantasy or tone down the glamour."