Barbie's 'Sheroes' collection is a set of Barbie dolls fashioned after real women who inspire girls around the world, and the latest addition to the Sheroes roster is Ibtihaj Muhammad, the Olympic fencer who made history as the first member of the US Olympic team to compete while wearing a hijab. Not only has Muhammad made history as an Olympian, but her Sheroes Barbie will also be the first Barbie doll to wear a hijab.
The Ibtihaj Muhammad doll will be dressed in the fencer's competition wear, complete with the all-white outfit, an epee in her right hand, and the fencing mask under her arm. Rather than wearing the mask, the doll's head will be exposed to show off the hijab that was worn throughout Muhammad's Olympic trials and competitions.
Hijab-Wearing Barbies
Mattel's Newest 'Sheroes' Barbie Will Be Based on Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Dolls - Creating dolls that represent diverse cultures, religions, and identities, such as Barbie wearing a hijab, opens up opportunities for companies to tap into the market demand for inclusive toys.
2. Empowering Role Models - Designing dolls after real-life inspirational figures, like Ibtihaj Muhammad, allows companies to provide positive role models for young girls, promoting empowerment and self-confidence.
3. Breaking Stereotypes - Challenging stereotypes and breaking traditional norms through dolls like the hijab-wearing Barbie creates opportunities for companies to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - The toy industry has the chance to capitalize on the demand for diverse and inclusive toys by expanding their product lines to include dolls that represent different cultures, religions, and identities.
2. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can explore new avenues by designing and producing fashionable and stylish hijabs for dolls, creating trendy accessories that promote cultural representation.
3. Empowerment Industry - The empowerment industry can leverage the popularity of dolls like Ibtihaj Muhammad Barbie to develop related products, such as books or educational materials, that inspire young girls and promote empowerment.