In celebration of Filipino American History Month, Mattel introduced its first Filipina Barbie, designed by Filipino-American artist Carlyle Nuera. Part of the Barbie Styled by Design series, this unique doll showcases Filipino culture through intricate and meaningful design elements inspired by traditional Filipino fashion and symbolism.
Nuera, a lead designer for Barbie Signature, crafted the doll with features typical of Filipina beauty: almond-shaped eyes, morena skin tone, and long, dark wavy hair. The doll’s outfit, blending cultural heritage with haute couture, features a modernized corset top and dramatic butterfly terno sleeves. Her skirt is inspired by the malong, a traditional Filipino wrap, and she wears iconic bakya clogs adorned with imagery of a bahay kubo (native Filipino house) and sampaguita flowers, a symbol of the Philippines. Nuera even included details like batok-inspired tattoos on her arms, paying homage to ancient Filipino tattoo art.
This is Nuera’s second Filipino-inspired Barbie, following his 2015 Mutya Barbie design. While Mutya embodied grace and elegance, this new Filipina Barbie is characterized as her “adventurous younger sister,” emphasizing a more free-spirited personality. Nuera shared that this creation allowed him to represent his roots and bring visibility to Filipino culture on a global platform, aiming to inspire Filipino youth and evoke pride among Filipinos worldwide.
The doll is available for pre-order through Mattel’s website, priced at $100, and has already become a sought-after piece in Barbie’s multicultural line, reflecting Mattel’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. This Filipina Barbie is more than a collectible; it’s a symbol of representation, heritage, and pride for the Filipino community.
