Naomi Osaka Now Has Her Own Barbie Doll
Though Barbie has remained on the market for more than 50 years, it still remains one of the most successful and sought-after toys in the world, giving it an almost untouchable legacy when put in comparison to other toys. Barbie is not simply a toy doll, but an icon, a lifestyle, and a brand that many have treasured and looked up to for more than half a century.
With that being said, to have a Barbie doll made in your image and likeness is considered a milestone for anyone who attains it. In popular culture, one of the many indicators of influence for a woman is the honor of getting a Barbie doll.
Many impactful figures have been commemorated with Barbie’s of their own over the years, including Brandy, Maya Angelou, Misty Copeland, Rosa Parks, and Amelia Earhart.
On Monday, June 12th, Mattel continued that tradition by releasing a Barbie doll that was modeled after an individual they felt was worthy of admiration. As a part of the Barbie Role Model Series, professional tennis player and Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, now has her own Barbie doll.
The doll was designed by Carlyle Nuera, the lead designer for Barbie Signature at Mattel. A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Nuera has designed some of the most high-end and popular Barbie’s such as the Billie Jean King Barbie, the Luciana Barbie, and the Gabby Douglas Barbie.
Carlyle Nuera, lead designer at Barbie. Courtesy of Mattel.
On the new Barbie doll modeled after herself, Naomi Osaka tweeted that she first teamed up with Barbie in 2019 to work on the doll. She also stated that she hopes that every child is reminded that they can do anything.
I first teamed up with @Barbie in 2019 and today we’re introducing the Barbie Role Model Naomi Osaka doll. I hope every child is reminded that they can be and do anything: https://t.co/GrPuW1WkMn
Fun fact : (the doll is wearing my outfit from the 2020 Australian Open lol) pic.twitter.com/DlL98lNfQj
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 12, 2021
Once announced, Osaka’s doll quickly sold out after just a few hours, for only $29.99 a box. Though the doll is currently out of stock on Barbie’s site due to high demand, potential buyers can enter their email so they can be notified when the doll is back for purchase.