I'm A Barbie Girl, In A Barbie World

'...packed in plastic is fantastic..."

The first black Barbie released in 1980


The first black doll, credited as the first black Barbie, made her debut to the world in 1967 by the name of Black Francie with friends Christie & Julia. She was created by using the old head molds of the white Francie doll and lacked black characteristics in termd of facial structure. The first official black Barbie was released in 1980 with an afro. A new line of Barbies titled the So In Style Barbie dolls are set for a Fall 2009 release and will be available in the UK next year. These dolls will have distinct black features, different personalities, and different skin tones [because we black folk do capture every shade in the brown spectrum]. Courtney, the cheerleader, has a fuller nose and fuller lips than regular Barbie; Trichelle, the doll who's personality is to be into art, has curly hair and Kara, who loves music, has a darker skin tone. The pictures below are just the samples so trust that there will be a change to skin tones and hair textures.

Trichelle and Janessa

Kara and Kiana

Grace and Courtney

Vogue Italia Fades To Black Once Again

In July 2008, Vogue Italia took notice of the lack of diversity in the fashion world and took it upon themselves to create the first Black Issue of Vogue. It was/is the best selling issue in Vogue's history. The idea for the Black Issue came from Franca Sozzani, who is also the mastermind behind this current issue honoring the black barbie. "Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate the anniversary issue to Black Barbie” Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Italia.

The July 2009 Vogue Italia is currently available.