Mexican Pink, Skulls and Remembrance Merge in Barbie’s Día de Muertos Collection
The world has been experiencing a Barbie craze since the summer of 2022 when fashion went Barbiecore mode. The release of Greta Gerwig’s film in 2023 further fueled the Barbie renaissance, and now, well into the fall, we’re still yearning for Barbie everything. Thankfully, Mattel is satisfying our cravings by releasing a collection that honors the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos Series
First introduced in 2019, the Día De Muertos Barbie returns for a fifth consecutive year. The series pays homage to the customs and rituals of Día de los Muertos when families come together to commemorate their late family members and ancestors.
Nodding at the Barbiecore trend, the 2023 Día De Muertos Barbie doll is dressed in a Mexican pink dress. The one-shoulder gown is richly decorated with skulls and floral patterns. Additionally, Barbie sports elaborate Catrina makeup and a Monarch butterfly crown. Proving Mattel’s attention to detail, she also carries a miniature ofrenda.
Mexican-American designer Javier Meabe brought this special occasion doll to life. “I wanted to pay tribute to the doll that launched this series and update it with new colors and fun details,” shared Meabe.
Ken also joins the celebration
Mattel’s Día De Muertos series includes a Ken doll as well. Like Barbie, he wears skull-accented makeup and is neatly dressed to celebrate November 2. His outfit features a dark purple jacket, a striped black shirt, and trousers with silver detailing. To top off the ensemble, Ken sports a hat and boots with matching Calavera motifs.
“Ken is always a fun challenge to ensure he feels different,” said Meabe. “And I love all the detail we get into with Ken’s accessories.”
Barbie x Pink Magnolia
In addition to the dolls by Javier Meabe, Mattel also released the Barbie Pink Magnolia in collaboration with Mexican designer Paola Wong, founder of the fashion brand Pink Magnolia. The doll is an ode to all Barbie signifiers and skillfully merges traditional Mexican elements with Pink Magnolia signatures like heart shapes and puffy sleeves.
Barbie Pink Magnolia flaunts long pink hair that matches her puffy tulle gown embroidered with hearts, skulls, and pearls. In the spirit of the festivities, she also wears Catrina makeup and a floral headpiece that brings the perfect Día de los Muertos touch.
Along with the special edition doll, Pink Magnolia released a capsule collection with Barbie-coded items such as sweatshirts, matching sets, and bomber jackets. There is even a pink tulle look that borrows elements from the doll’s outfit.
Honoring an important Mexican celebration with style, the 2023 Barbie Día De Muertos releases are must-haves for collectors and Barbie lovers. Find them on the Mattel Creations website.
