Designer Anita Dongre unveils Diwali Barbie in lehenga-choli, desi fans call it an “iconic collab”

This Diwali, the beloved Barbie doll isn’t just lighting a lamp; she’s ready to set a shining example of cultural unity, women empowerment, and style for all. In a unique collaboration between the toy giant Mattle and designer Anita Dongre, Barbie’s newest avatar is all set to celebrate global diversity in all its glittering glory.

Recently, Dongre unveiled the first-ever Barbie Signature Diwali Doll on her official Instagram page, instantly breaking the internet. The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section in excitement, celebrating the stunning fusion of Barbie’s iconic style in designer’s signature Rajasthan-inspired designer wear.

This partnership marks a significant cultural moment, showcasing Diwali as festival of lights on a global stage, with our very our festive doll. The star of this collaboration, Barbie Diwali doll can be seen adorned in her most breathtaking ensemble to date: the Moonlight Bloom lehenga, crafted by Dongre. The ensemble features a stunning choli top, a floral koti vest, and a lehenga skirt decorated with delicate motifs of dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus — each symbolising strength, grace, and beauty. Completing her desi look is a radiant bindi, shimmering golden bangles, and earrings that sparkle brilliantly.

The doll pays tribute to Indian craftsmanship and tradition, elegantly tailored to fit Barbie's ever-evolving, iconic image. The collaboration aims at ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the world of Barbie, where storytelling knows no boundaries. Expressing her enthusiasm about the collab, the designer shared in a press statement, “In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I are both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture. My brand has always been driven by a mission to empower through fashion, and as the ultimate symbol of women empowerment, partnering with Barbie to create the Barbie Diwali doll couldn’t be a more perfect alignment of our values."

The fashion collaboration highlights Barbie’s continued commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that girls from diverse backgrounds see themselves in the toys they love. With each new global celebration, Barbie not only evolves but becomes a mirror to the beauty of cultural representation, inspiring children everywhere to dream bigger and brighter.