Johannesburg - Mattel has paid homage to renowned Chinese-American fashion icon Vera Wang by releasing a Barbie doll in her honour.
The Vera Wang Barbie doll, aptly dressed in a look inspired by the fashion designer’s own 2017 ready-to-wear collection, is part of the multinational toy-manufacturing and entertainment company’s Barbie Tribute Collection.
This unique range celebrates visionaries “whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture”, Mattel explained.
The Vera Wang Barbie doll, which features a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word LOVE featured at the hem, was officially launched last week. The doll also dons a peplum belt with a zipper detail and black socks, while platform heels with sculpted buckle details complete her look.
The doll retails for $40 (about R643) and can be purchased through the Mattel Creations website.
The 72-year-old fashion designer said in a statement following the release of her doll that she was “completely overwhelmed” when asked to join the Barbie Tribute Collection.
“While it has been an honour for me to have created so many looks for Barbie through the years, from wedding to red carpet, a Barbie in my own likeness is something I never could have imagined,” she said.
“Barbie is the ultimate icon, and she represents all of us, and through the decades, she has continued to evolve, to every changing standard of women while reflecting huge shifts in our society, if not the world,” Wang said.
Meanwhile, Mattel described Wang as a fashion designer, businesswoman and icon and said that they welcomed the visionary into the #Barbie Tribute Collection.
“At the head of a fashion and lifestyle empire, she has cemented her place as a beacon of creativity, with a lasting impact on fashion.”
Wang’s career began as an editor at “Vogue”. After 17 years with the fashion publication and a short stint designing for Ralph Lauren, she started a small bridal boutique and soon took over the bridal industry in 1990. She is acclaimed for combining modern and traditional designs and was presented the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2013.