Barbie Launches Diwali Doll With Indian Fashion Designer Anita Dongre

Toy manufacturing giant Mattel launched a new Barbie, the Diwali doll, inspired by the festival of lights. The glamorous desi figurine was styled in collaboration with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. The latest Barbie Signature doll sports a traditional Indian outfit including a lehenga, a floral choli, and a vest known as koti. According to Mattel, the outfit is named Midnight Bloom as it is decked up with prints of dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus which are "symbols of strength and beauty.”

Mattel's Diwali Barbie 

For the Diwali doll, Mattel worked with Anita Dongre to create a look that “beautifully blends modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.” The fashion designer said in a news release, “In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I are both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture."

Speaking to PEOPLE, Dongre expressed that creating a look for Barbie was like living a childhood dream."I didn't have a chance to own a Barbie as it wasn't available in India when I was a kid. But it's an incredible feeling to get to design my own Barbie. This doll is my first one, and it's so very special to finally own a Barbie I designed!”

Dongre said that the doll took more than a year and multiple prototypes to design. She mentioned that she wanted Barbie's ensemble to resonate with all the girls globally, which is why the top is a modern interpretation of the traditional “Rajasthani Koti,” and the lehenga is fashioned like a skirt with attractive motifs.

“I’m especially excited to bring Diwali, a celebration that's truly global today, to the forefront," Dongre expressed. The Diwali doll's case also comes with Anita Dongre's signature embellishments. Mattel stated that the Barbie will be sold at major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart as well as Mattel's own website for $40.