Only one could imagine what it feels like to grow up playing with a doll that looks like you!
Filipinos may have known Barbies as the “stereotypical barbie” that Margot Robbie played in the 2023 hit film Barbie, and it’s because of what’s available to the market and the mainstream films back in the days. Now, young Filipina and queers could have a doll that represents their country with Mattel’s newest Filipina Barbie!
Filipino-American designer Carlyle Nuera designed and came up with the Filipina Barbie as part of Mattel’s Styled by Design Barbie collection. It is only the 2nd and the latest doll to join the newest collection where designers have the creative freedom to bring their art to life. Bringing Philippines as the inspiration was no-brainer for Nuera because he thinks that being Filipino is his foundational identity.
“I could have designed anything but I knew this was an opportunity to do something meaningful for my people in the spirit of representation,” Nuera shared in his Instagram post. Coincidentally, this new Filipina Barbie was released October 2024, just in time for the Filipino-American History Month!
To know more about Mattel’s newest Filipina Barbie, here are 5 things you should know about her!
Philippine-Inspired Jewelries
The most evident Philippine-inspired accessory of this barbie is its headpiece representing the country’s 3 stars and the sun from the national flag. Surrounding her long curly hair, this barbie’s headpiece is also adorned with small white flowers known as the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower!
Moreover, Filipina Barbie is also wearing a bracelet inspired by tamburin which Filipinos usually create from tansan (metal bottle cap) to use for their christmas carolings around their areas!
The design also features claw-like gold accessories on Barbie’s fingernails known as Janggay. This traditional jewelry is typically worn by the Badjao tribe of Southern Sulu as their fingernail extensions. Filipina Barbie truly screams representation!
Pinoy-Coded Shoe!
This Filipino Barbie is wearing platform heels that resemble that of Bakya, the Philippine's national footwear!
She’s not just wearing a typical bakya! This platform heels is also inspired from the country’s national house, Bahay Kubo and the famous tourist attractions among locals and foreigners, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills!
Bahay Kubo could be seen from the side of the design as it serves as the heels of these platform shoes. Meanwhile, at the very front of the design, the Chocolate Hills are noticeably engraved on the platform!
Modern Take on Filipiniana!
Philippine’s traditional outfits for women have seen multiple versions made and incorporated with modern designs, and now it’s nice to see it on a barbie!
Filipina Barbie is wearing a pink corset cropped-top with exaggerated Filipiniana butterfly sleeves made of sheer fabric that extends down to the doll’s heels. This pink number perfectly encapsulates the boldness and fierceness of a modern Filipina while embracing traditions.
Completing the ensemble is a black and gold skirt made of a traditional Filipino-bangsamoro textile called Malong. Just like on this design, Malong is traditionally used as a wrapped-around skirt for multiple ethnic groups in Mindanao.
Indigenous Tattoos
To fully embrace its modernity and tradition at the same time, this barbie is wearing her two full sleeves with indigenous tattoos called batok.
Most conservative Filipinos may have a different opinion on tattoos, but it doesn’t take away that these indigenous tattoos are a symbol of bravery, identity, and social status among tribes. These tattoos, marked by hand-tapping the ink with bones or woods, can be found from different tribes of the Philippines across the country.
Filipina Barbie has a Sister!
Before Filipina Barbie debuted at Mattel, her sister, Mutya Barbie, first strutted the market back in 2015!
Also designed by Nuera, this barbie is wearing a pink gown with a butterfly overdress printed with sampaguita and sun motif. Additionally, Mutya Barbie is sporting a low bun while holding a laced fan. She and Filipina Barbie are also wearing the same tamburin bracelet just like Filipino siblings having matching outfits forced by their mom!
“Mutya Barbie is the demure, responsible Ate (older sister) and this new Barbie is the [little sister] that always be [galavanting],” Nuera explained the difference between the sister barbies.
Whichever barbie young Filipino kids play nowadays, may it be the demure Mutya or the galavanting Filipina, they would definitely play with a doll that represents and resembles them. Here starts the day kids will play a Barbie that’s dressed like them during Buwan ng Wika or any ceremonial events. These kids will definitely see themselves through Mattel’s new Filipina Barbie!
