Recently, Mattel has launched a Barbie campaign called #Unapologetic, in a bid to boost the brand.
"Now, instead of shrinking from the criticism, the company is facing it head-on," Bloomberg Businessweek reported. "Unapologetic - not to mention the toy's Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover - suggests that Barbie knows what people are saying about her and just doesn't care. Mattel hopes that this campaign will transform the iconic toy into a 'feminist' doll - one that values a career over clothes, personality over prettiness."
As such, the toymaker has released Entrepreneur Barbie, who has her own LinkedIn profile and smartphone. Barbie will even be at New York Fashion Week, the news source said.
And now, a Latina Mariachi version of the famous doll will also be out later this month. Is this move also part of Mattel's #Unapologetic campaign? Whether it is or not, we can't help but hear "Arriba!" at this announcement.
"Last year Mattel came under fire for its outdated representation of Mexican culture with its launch of Mexico Barbie who wore bright pink traditional dress and had a Chihuahua tucked under her arm," The Daily Mail recalled. Thankfully, this has not discouraged the toymaker from taking another shot at delivering a Barbie who better represented the Latina population, in this case, those in Mexico.
"The latest Barbie doll will be dressed in Mexico's traditional mariachi costume and wide-brimmed sombrero as it joins the 2014 Barbie Dolls of the World Collection," Fox News reported. "Mariachi Barbie will celebrate 'one of Mexico's most representative traditions in music and culture.'"
Ana Paula Martinez de Alba, the General Manager of Mattel Mexico, said that "Mariachi" Barbie will be released on September 15, just in time for the Mexican Independence Day, which is on September 16.
"Barbie takes on a full transformation wearing a fitted black bolero jacket and cropped trousers trimmed in intricate golden brocade that mirrors the pattern on her impressive, wide-brimmed sombrero. Flourishes include a brilliant pink tie, low ponytail and tall black boots," the British publication noted.
According to the Barbie Collector site, the doll had actually already been initially launched on May 5 this year. It is currently out of stock on the site. More Mexican Barbie dolls may be available once it is launched later this month.
Meanwhile, if you are not against spending extra to own one of these collector's dolls, you can get it at eBay for about $299. However, if you're price-conscious, wait until the September 15 release before checking the nearest toy stores for these "Mariachi" Barbies.