Barbie is making waves again, this time by honoring Kitty Black Perkins, the visionary designer behind the first-ever Black Barbie doll. As part of a celebration marking the 45th anniversary of the groundbreaking doll, Mattel has unveiled a special limited-edition collectible doll featuring Perkins herself.
A Tribute to the Designer Who Made History
Kitty Black Perkins joined Mattel in 1976 as the Chief Designer of Fashion Doll concepts. At the time, Barbie dolls were mostly limited to white representations, but Perkins changed that forever. With a passion for diversity, she created the first Black Barbie, which was released in 1980.
The new collectible doll is designed to mirror Perkins’ iconic look, wearing an off-shoulder gown with a cascading chiffon and satin skirt. A sweetheart neckline, red heels, and a golden cuff bracelet complete the ensemble—a nod to the accessories on the original 1980s Black Barbie. Priced at $35.49, this collectible doll is available for purchase online.
The First Black Barbie: A Long-Awaited Milestone
The creation of Black Barbie wasn’t just a design choice—it was the result of years of advocacy and effort. Before Perkins came on board, there were calls within the company to represent African American culture through Barbie dolls. In fact, as early as the 1960s, Beulah Mae Mitchell, an employee at Mattel, campaigned for a Black Barbie. However, it took nearly two decades before those calls were heard.
Perkins drew inspiration from the legendary Diana Ross when she crafted the design for Black Barbie, dressing her in a striking red gown. The bold look, which showcased a little back and leg, was a direct reflection of Perkins’ desire to create a doll that was both elegant and empowering.
Documentary ‘Black Barbie’ Brings the Story to Light
The fascinating history behind the creation of Black Barbie is explored in the 2023 documentary Black Barbie, directed by Lagueria Davis. The film tells the untold story of how diversity and inclusion slowly found their way into Mattel’s iconic toy brand. Perkins’ journey as a trailblazer is highlighted, showing the importance of representation in the toy industry.
Today, Barbie has evolved into an iconic figure that represents nearly every culture and ethnicity. With dolls celebrating different backgrounds, Barbie continues to be a symbol of empowerment and inspiration for children around the world. Earlier this year, Mattel released a Lunar New Year Barbie, showcasing their commitment to expanding the diversity of their toy line.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Diversity
Kitty Black Perkins’ contribution to the Barbie brand is undeniable. Not only did she create the first Black Barbie, but she also helped pave the way for a more inclusive world of toys. This collectible doll, which honors her legacy, is a reminder of how far the brand has come in terms of diversity. It also reflects the ongoing journey towards a future where all children can see themselves represented in the toys they play with.
With the 45th anniversary of Black Barbie, Barbie fans can now celebrate the history and impact of this cultural milestone through this beautiful new collectible doll.
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