Barbie has announced that it will create a one-of-a-kind Zendaya doll. The doll will be modeled after the actor/singer/dancer’s 2015 Oscar look, including Vivienne Westwood dress and dreadlocks. In a tweet announcing the doll, Barbie thanked Zendaya for “raising” her own voice and for encouraging other girls to do the same.
So excited to honor @Zendaya with a one-of-a-kind doll as she encourages girls to Raise Their Voices and to #BeSuper! pic.twitter.com/GEtTR9bayC
— Barbie (@Barbie) September 18, 2015
Zendaya’s stunning look at the Oscars was ignorantly criticized by Fashion Police host Giulana Rancic, who said “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil and weed”. Though she later denied the comment was racially motivated, it’s hard to view it in any other light. Zendaya’s response at the time was nothing short of graceful, saying:
There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair. My wearing my hear in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.
Zendaya is a wonderful choice for a one-of-a-kind creation. Aside from displaying grace under pressure, and being multi-talented, she has also devoted time and effort to many worthwhile causes, including raising money for families through UNAIDS and iKAGENG.
Before the announcement was made, Zendaya had an opportunity to tour the Mattel’s Barbie headquarters and was very happy with the experience. She highlighted Mattel’s plan to diversify their line of dolls as one of the reasons why:
When I was little, I didn’t have [a Barbie doll] that looked like me, so I couldn’t connect with her in that way. But getting to visit the Mattel office and see Barbie’s vision for the future…it was really cool. I was able to see how the plan to diversify, broadening the horizons and the image of Barbie, and make it more, you know, open. I left the office feeling it was definitely something I wanted to be part of.
The doll will be on display at the Barbie Rock ‘N’ Royals Concert Experience on September 26 in Los Angeles and is hosted by Zendaya. Proceeds will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.