david bowie barbie doll celebrates 50th anniversary of his album, hunky dory

david bowie barbie doll

David Bowie Barbie Doll, dressed up in the singer-songwriter’s blue suit, celebrates the icon’s fourth studio album, Hunky Dory. Re-watching David Bowie’s Life on Mars music video, nostalgia hits as the icon sings about the ‘god-awful small affair to the girl with mousy hair’ and asks whether or not there is life on Mars, a question NASA continues to unveil. Donning stark copper hair, blue eye shadow with a hint of purple, and a powder-blue suit, Bowie brought out the lyricist within him while establishing a fashion phenomenon that has long marked his signature. Today, the same outfit and style he wore in the video have materialized as a collectible Barbie doll, rocking the icon’s glam and rock blue suit.

Linda Kyaw-Merschon, a creative at Mattel, designed the David Bowie toy, priced at 55USD, as an introduction to a second collectible doll honoring the ultimate pop chameleon, David Bowie, who continues to be recognized as a cultural vanguard. The doll commemorates the 50th anniversary of Bowie’s album, Hunky Dory, by dressing it up with an authentic replica of the powder-blue suit Bowie wore in the ‘Life on Mars?’ music video, complete with a foil-printed pin-stripe shirt, statement tie, and platform shoes. Her bold blue eyeshadow and a hairstyle inspired by Bowie’s ‘70s glam era bring this look to life. Kyaw-Merschon says that the Barbie is a tribute to Bowie, from his outfit and makeup to his features, to emulate his essence and make sure it looked like Barbie, but as Bowie. The now sold-out collectible was limited to up to two purchases per customer, restating its rarity and turning it into an exclusive must-have for the icon’s cult.

left image from Mattel Creations / right image from David Bowie’s Life on Mars music video (2016)

david bowie barbie doll and other icons

Mattel Creations have given birth to their Barbie Signature collection, which includes David Bowie Barbie Doll, as a homage to pop culture and movie stars and idols. In May 2022, designer Carlyle Nuera sculpted a Vera Wang Barbie Doll, forming part of the Barbie Tribute Collection that celebrates visionaries whose contributions have helped shape and impact the overall culture. Inspired by a look from her 2017 ready-to-wear collection, Vera Wang Barbie Doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word LOVE featured at the hem. A peplum belt with zipper detail, black socks, and platform heels with sculpted buckle details complete her look. The exclusive, 40USD doll has a limit of five purchases per customer.

Nuera also designed the Laverne Cox Barbie Doll, the first trans-Barbie ever in history as Kyaw-Merschon writes in her Instagram post. As a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a scripted TV show, Mattel Creations writes that Laverne Cox uses her voice to amplify the message of moving beyond societal expectations to live more authentically. For the doll, she wears a triple-threat original design, featuring a deep red tulle gown gracefully draped over a silver metallic bodysuit. The company describes the doll’s hair as swept into glamorous Hollywood waves while its dramatic makeup completes her look.

left image from Mattel Creations / right image from David Bowie’s Life on Mars music video (2016)

Other barbie dolls in the collection

Another Barbie Doll collectible that has a limit of two purchases for customers is Naomi Osaka Barbie Doll. Honored as a Barbie Role Model, Osaka is known for using her platform to speak out about issues surrounding human rights and racial injustice. The Naomi Osaka Barbie Doll wears a Nike tennis dress with a brushstroke print, inspired by a look she sported at a major match in 2020, a white Nike visor, light blue athletic shoes, and a replica of her Yonex tennis racket. Another icon who has an exclusive barbie doll is rockstar Elvis Presley, an honor to the legendary King of Rock ‘N’ Roll that features a slick pompadour ponytail and wearing an outfit inspired by his “American Eagle” jumpsuit. Like the original he wore during concerts, the outfit is emblazoned with red, gold, and blue sparkling eagles, and has an attached cape, red scarf, belt, and bell bottoms.

David Bowie barbie doll celebrates 50th anniversary of his album, hunky dory