One of the world's most famous children's toys, Barbie, has been given a makeover - wearing a burkha.
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:24 AM on 21st November 2009
One of the world's most famous children's toys, Barbie, has been given a makeover - wearing a burkha.
Wearing the traditional Islamic dress, the iconic doll is going undercover for a charity auction in connection with Sotheby's for Save The Children.
More than 500 Barbies went on show yesterday at the Salone dei Cinquecento, in Florence, Italy.
Burkha Barbie: The iconic doll wearing traditional Islamic dress
Makers Mattel are backing the exhibition which is the work of Italian designer Eliana Lorena.
The auction is part of Barbie celebrations for her 50th anniversary this year. The UK's biggest Barbie fan Angela Ellis, 35, has a collection of more than 250 dolls.
'I think this is really important for girls, wherever they are from they should have the opportunity to play with a Barbie that they feel represents them.
Designer: Eliana Lorena is putting Barbie undercover for an auction to celebrate the doll's 50th anniversary
'I know Barbie was something seen as bad before as an image for girls, but in actual fact the message with Barbie for women is you can be whatever you want to be.
'I have a Barbie in a wheelchair that was only out for six weeks.'
The mum-of-two's own Barbie collection is set to be displayed at London's Victoria and Albert Museum in 2012.
Barbie was first launched in March 1959 by American businesswoman Ruth Handler. The doll was joined by her long-term boyfriend Ken in 1961.
Rosie Shannon, from Save the Children, said all the proceeds from the auction will go to the charity.
She said: 'We are delighted Sotheby's and the designer chose to auction the burka Barbie dolls for our charity.'
The money will go towards the Rewrite the Future campaign which helps millions of children around the world effected by conflict.
Quoting heidi37217:
That is really neat. Kudos to her for doing that.
I agree! It's wonderful!
Barbie will be competing with Fulla
Fulla is the most popular barbie-like doll in the Middle East. She is huge.
I saw this the other day and think it's great. That combined with the fact that Disney finally made a movie with a black princess. How many years did that take?
i think this is great. :)
had to point out something i noticed tho, lol, ken is her long time BOYFRIEND? lol...so pregnant barbie was unwed? ( i dont think there is ANYTHING wrong about unwed mothers ) just think it is funny that Barbie, a doll that portrays the idea to children that you can be anything you want when you grow up, is saying hey get pregnant before you get married, lol.
but isnt there a bride barbie?
That's awesome!!
I have heard some Muslim women say that the burkha is a really wonderful, freeing thing for them, because they don't have to conform to society's views of beauty, which has always been a problem with Barbie! Now, Barbie gets some of that freedom, too! :)
Quoting mommibee:
I am just happy to see that Barbie has some clothes on.
That made me lol.
I think it's great as well.
Quoting Nummymommy:
Quoting mommibee:
I am just happy to see that Barbie has some clothes on.
That made me lol.I think it's great as well.
LOL right. Its a beautiful barbie though. I would buy one
MSNBC kicks off racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic Buchanan - About damn time
- IhartU
on Nov. 22, 2009 at 5:20 PM