Indian Designer Anita Dongre on Barbie’s Diwali Makeover

Draped in a classic lehenga, the renowned designer unveils her vision for reimagining the iconic doll in festive splendor

For years, humanity has waged battles — some played out on a grand political stage, others more intimate, lodged in the fabric of our identities. For Asians and South Asians, whether living in familiar hometowns or as expats abroad, this often includes the complex struggle to belong. A sense of feeling different lingers a reminder of the places left behind in pursuit of something better. Among these quiet battles lies the challenge of embracing one’s own skin and identity.

Enter Barbie — an iconic brand often gifted to young girls between ages 5 and 12. The idea was to spark imagination so each girl could see a version of herself in this timeless doll, playing versions of who she might become. Here, there are no limits. One day, Barbie might be a mother of three with a poodle by her side; the next, she’s suited up for a high-powered meeting. Barbie granted us the freedom to explore countless versions of ourselves.

Anita Dongre is ushering in a new era of inclusivity for the iconic childhood doll, having recently unveiled a collaboration with Barbie in celebration of Festival of Lights. Bazaar Arabia sits down with the Indian designer to explore the process of bringing Diwali Barbie to life.

Anita Dongre’s on The Diwali Barbie Doll

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Barbie in the early 90s was often seen as setting the standard for beauty, fashion, and an ideal body type for young girls. How do you feel about this idealisation, and what impact do you think it had on shaping perceptions of beauty during that time?

Anita Dongre (AD): For me, Barbie has always been a global fashion icon and that is what excited me about this project. She embodies the self-assured confident woman I love to design for.

HBA: What does this collaboration mean to you?

AD It’s always a moment of pride and a personal life mission for me to take Indian fashion to the world. Whether it is being the first Indian designer to open a store in Soho, New York or being the first Indian designer to be present in Dubai Mall – I am passionate about my crafts, textiles, designs and wish for the whole world to celebrate it. This collaboration is a milestone step in the journey of shining a light on Indian fashion globally.

HBA: In designing a Barbie doll’s costume, did you ever consider using hot pink, a colour often associated with both Barbie and Indian culture? Many might connect the dots between India, saris, and the vibrant rani pink hue. How did you navigate or challenge the stereotypical perceptions of ‘Indian’ fashion that global audiences often have?

AD: Indian fashion is somehow still perceived as clichéd and costume-like by the western world, even in pop culture. I really wanted to take this opportunity to represent the modern Indian woman who wears India on her sleeve with pride while being cool and fashion-forward. Hence the silhouette is a contemporary take on a traditional lehenga. For the colour, I looked at my first collection for this blue that I used that has now become a signature of our brand. The blue is an ode to my own origin story as a designer.

HBA: Does your creation have a name? If so, could you share the inspiration behind it and how you envisioned her life? What age group does she belong to, and what kind of social life does she lead?

AD: The Diwali Barbie is a beautiful reflection of the Anita Dongre woman I encounter daily in our stores – confident, effortlessly stylish, and deeply connected to her cultural roots. She embodies a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary expression. This Diwali Barbie doll captures the spirit of today’s fashion-forward woman who wears her Indian identity with pride, celebrating tradition with a modern twist.

HBA: Did Mattel approach you with this opportunity, or was it your team’s initiative to reach out and emphasise the importance of Asian representation in toys? We’d love to hear more about how this collaboration came to be and the story behind its development.

AD: Mattel reached out to us and we were appreciative of being asked to design their first Diwali designer collab doll. The development took over a year of going through different sketches, silhouette, accessories, make-up — all the jazz. It was a really fun process, lots of learning since it was my first time designing at this scale.

HBA: Who do you envision, and currently see purchasing this doll?

AD: We have been so deeply touched and are overwhelmed by Indians across the world purchasing the doll for their kids so they can play with dolls that look like them. Representation really matters! There’s so many adults who are also getting the doll as a keepsake because they feel so seen to see India represented on an iconic global doll like Barbie.

HBA: What have some of the reactions you received after industry leaders and your audience alike, what stands out to them the most?

AD: It’s the representation. It’s finally time for Indian fashion to take the global stage and this is just our contribution to the movement. When a person buys from us, I believe they think this is their contribution to the same cause.

The Barbie Diwali doll, priced at Dhs 88, will be available globally starting October 4th, 2024, through major toy retailers online and offline. This doll is a perfect way to celebrate Diwali, offering families and collectors alike the chance to share in the joy and traditions of the festival.

Images courtesy of Mattel Creations