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You Won’t Believe How Aaliyah’s New Barbie Doll Sparks Nostalgia

The iconic singer Aaliyah is now immortalized with her very own Barbie doll, rekindling memories of the 90s and celebrating her lasting legacy in pop culture.

a new princess joins the barbie ranks

In a move that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, a new Barbie doll honoring the late singer Aaliyah has been released. The doll was launched on January 16, marking what would have been the 46th birthday of the beloved R&B icon. This latest addition to the Barbie lineup pays homage to a star whose influence continues to resonate nearly 25 years after her tragic passing.

Aaliyah’s Barbie stands alongside classic characters like Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, and Cinderella, offering a fresh take on what it means to be a modern princess. This doll is not just another toy; it’s a tribute to an unforgettable legacy in music and fashion.

a tribute to an iconic style

The design of Aaliyah’s Barbie is inspired by her appearance in the music video for “One in a Million,” a track from her second album released in 1996. This choice reflects her unique fashion sense, featuring leather pants and a chest-braided top—a look that became synonymous with her “tomboy chic” style.

  • The outfit includes leather pants.
  • A chest-braided top mirrors the original ensemble.
  • Sunglasses replace the signature eye patch from the video’s later scenes.

Fashion designer Derek Lee played a pivotal role in crafting this look for Aaliyah, sourcing pieces from New York City’s West Village sex shops—one of the few places open late at night back then. This collaboration marked the beginning of a fashion journey that would cement Aaliyah’s status as a style icon.

the making of an iconic doll

The creation of this special Barbie involved close consultation with Aaliyah’s brother, ensuring authenticity and respect for her memory. Mattel announced that upon release, this collectible quickly sold out at $55 each, reflecting its immense popularity among fans who cherish Aaliyah’s cultural impact.

  1. The initial release saw immediate sell-outs across platforms.
  2. A second wave is anticipated later in January at select Target stores across America.

a trendsetting move by mattel

This latest release aligns with Mattel’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings through dolls that represent inspiring figures. By spotlighting personalities like Estelle Mossely and Jane Goodall alongside Aaliyah, Mattel aims to reshape traditional beauty standards represented by their dolls.

  • Dolls now feature more realistic portrayals of influential women.
  • This approach helps counter past criticisms about unrealistic beauty standards once perpetuated by Barbie products.

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