Vera Wang is the latest Barbie Tribute Collection honoree!

She is an iconic designer and entrepreneur who grew her brand from a small bridal boutique to a fashion and lifestyle empire. She has won numerous awards for her powerful contributions to the fashion industry, including France's Legion of Honor, a testament to her enduring creativity and the lasting mark she has left on fashion and culture. This is Vera Wang, the latest powerhouse to join the Barbie Tribute Collection, and exclusive to Mattel Creations!

The Barbie Tribute collection celebrates the visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact our culture. Lucille Ball was our first honoree and now we add Wang, the world-renowned businesswoman and fashion designer. And her influence extends far beyond fashion, according to Barbie Signature lead designer Carlyle Nuera, who led the team that brought this doll to Mattel Creations today.

"As an Asian-American designer, Vera having a fashion and business empire that has spanned decades is inspiring," says Carlyle. "She is a global household name, which I think is very important for representation, for Asian Americans who want to pursue a career in the arts or design. Or who need to convince their nervous parents that this It's actually a viable career!"

So when the opportunity came to create a doll in Wang's likeness, Carlyle jumped at the chance. "We've made Barbie dolls with Vera Wang designs in the past: an evening dress in 1998 and wedding dresses in 1997, 2008 and 2011," she recalls. "This is the first time we've made a Barbie doll of Vera herself, and decades later. It comes full circle! I think that in itself shows the scope of Vera's career and the staying power of her as a fashion designer. ".

Wang's career as one of the most prominent and iconic bridal wear designers began with the opening of her flagship salon in New York City in 1990. But her influence was never meant to stop there. In 2000, she launched her first ready-to-wear collection, and that's where the Vera Wang Barbie doll gets fashion inspiration from her. Inspired by a look of hers from her 2017 runway show, our doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black jumpsuit under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word "LOVE" on the hem. "Vera added the word 'LOVE' in gothic script to the hem of the dress, which I think reflects the positivity Vera always expresses on social media," explains Carlyle.

Recreating the couture outfit presented its challenges, but our team rose to the occasion with creative solutions. Carlyle shed some light on one in particular: "Because the outfit is made of three separate pieces: the shorts romper, the chiffon dress, and the peplum belt, the pattern makers had to design each piece to fit properly under each piece so that it wouldn't look bulky."

That peplum belt with the zipper detail, along with the black socks and platform heels with sculpted buckle details, complete the presentation. "I added some black nail polish to finish the look. It's just like the runway look, right down to the socks worn with the buckled heels," says Carlyle. The doll is also sculpted in the likeness of Vera Wang and features her signature long, straight hair.

If you like to take your dolls out of the doll box, you'll have endless posing possibilities with the Barbie Vera Wang doll, which was created with the Articulated Original doll body and comes with a doll stand. If you prefer it in the box, you'll still have a beautiful addition to your doll display, thanks to packaging designer Sarah Pata. And if you're collecting all the dolls in the Tribute collection, Sarah has some fun news for you.

"We knew we needed a package design that felt cohesive but could also be 'adaptable' for any future dolls," says Sarah. "Knowing this, we decided to use a uniform packaging shape for all dolls in the line, to help unify the collection. This also allowed us the flexibility to modify the packaging color and design to better match each new doll." .

The Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang Barbie doll is now available in the online store, and remember, she's exclusive to Mattel Creations! This Black Label doll sells for $40, and the limit of 5 dolls per person allows you to shop for yourself as well as gift opportunities. So click or tap on the Barbie Signature store and pick up yours today.

Translation and adaptation of the article published by Mattel Creations Staff 5 May 05, 2022

Written by Allen Voivod