Barbie has taught generations of little girls that they can be anything from an astronaut to president, but now the famous doll is preparing to inspire male fans too.
Mattel is releasing the first ever “Drag Queen Barbie”, modelled after New York based fashion designer Phillipe Blond, himself a cross-dresser.
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Ever politically correct, Mattel does not use the term “drag queen”, instead giving the figurine the exotic name: The Blonds Blond Diamond Barbie Doll.
The doll is sure to be controversial, particularly in conservative America, but a Mattel spokeswoman says Barbie doesn’t care how many feathers she ruffles.
“One of the great things about Barbie is that she continues to push the envelope,” vice-president of marketing for Mattel Cathy Cline told the New York Times.
“Barbie doesn’t worry about what other people think.”
The special edition doll sports Phillipe’s trademark “drag queen” eye makeup and over-the-top false eyelashes.
She is dressed in an embellished corseted silver mini dress with metallic shoes and a white faux fur coat.
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Mattel commissioned the new doll to honour the achievements of Phillipe and his partner David Blond, who run fashion label The Blonds.
The duo have been outspoken fans of Barbie since they launched their label in 2007.
Your say: Do you think drag queen Barbie should have been made using a Ken doll instead of a typical female figurine?
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