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Barbie will recognize four dynamic duos with "role model" dolls made in their likeness, Mattel said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The dolls' release ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8.
The initiative spotlights the strength of female friendships and aims to inspire young girls to embrace supportive relationships.
"One of the greatest tools that a girl can have is the support and encouragement of her peers," said Krista Berger, Mattel's global head of dolls. "As we approach International Women's Day, Barbie is proud to honor legendary female friendship duos across different backgrounds, professions, and parts of the world. We know firsthand that friendships formed at a young age can help fuel social and professional growth, setting girls up for limitless possibilities."
Barbie's tribute includes Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys and recording engineer Ann Mincieli. The longtime friends co-founded She Is The Music, a nonprofit advancing women in the music industry. Their dolls were auctioned last month, with proceeds supporting the organization.
Team USA gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey are also being commemorated with Barbie dolls. The Olympic gold medalists are known for "supporting each other on and off the mat," Mattel said.
Chiles said she was "beyond pumped" to be honored with one of her best friends.
"There's no power or peace quite like knowing you have a support system of women behind you," said Chiles. "I hope that partnering with Barbie to celebrate the power of female friendship reminds the next generation of champions that we are stronger together."
Carey echoed Chiles' excitement.
"I've always been passionate about empowering the next generation of female athletes and I couldn't be more grateful to be recognized as a Barbie as a Role Model this International Women's Day with Jordan Chiles," said Jade Carey. "Together, we are so excited to showcase the limitless power of friendship to girls everywhere. I wouldn't be here today without support and encouragement from great friends like Jordan."
Other duos honored with dolls include:
Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple (UK) – British actresses who rose to stardom for their roles in the TV show "Ted Lasso" and "formed an iconic friendship both on and off screen."
Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ashleigh Barty (Australia) – Tennis legends who are bonded by their shared Indigenous Australian ancestry.
- Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira (Brazil) – Disability advocates who suffered leg amputations in separate incidents and "support each other through their shared advocacy for body positivity and accessibility."
Barbie also teamed up with friendship expert Dr. Marisa G. Franco to share advice on fostering strong connections. The guidance encourages girls to be proactive in making friends and express appreciation for others.
Here are some tips Dr. Franco gave for young girls wanting to create connections:
- Take the initiative to make friends rather than waiting for friends to come to you. Try asking someone, "Do you want to come over to my house to play with my dolls?"
- Assume people will like you. Trust that people want to be your friend. They are just waiting for you to ask them.
- Tell people how much you like them. Every time you make someone feel appreciated, you build a friendship.
- Switch up what you do together. It's great to have a friend you sit next to at school, but you'll get closer if you do new activities together.
- Choose quality over quantity. If you have one good friend, you're doing great. One quality friend matters more than ten distant ones.
Mattel is also marking International Women's Day with "Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship". The animated adventure celebrating the value of friendship debuts on Netflix on Thursday, Mr. 6.
Barbie is also launching collaborations with brands like Crocs, Forever 21, and Sweet Loren's, with special promotions on March 8.
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