Discover what Barbie looks like in different countries

Of all the dolls in the world, Barbie is one of the most famous and the best-selling collectible toy for five decades. To encourage diversity and identity, in each region there is the Barbies do Mundo line, which represents different countries. Thus, the doll’s appearance is modified for a better identification of the public of each culture with its figure.

O awesome.club made a selection of dolls inspired by different countries, including a bonus that reflects the importance of diversity in our society.

Barbie’s fame reached Asian countries, with Japan being one of her favorite destinations when presenting different styles and models of the doll wearing kimono. The first Japanese Barbie was released in 1985, wearing the traditional kimono and her hair pulled into a voluminous bun. Over the years, her figure was modified until she had softer features and lighter skin, showing a series of beautiful kimonos with different prints.

Australian Barbie has 2 versions. The first, from 1993, has a typical farmer’s outfit with boots, a wide-brimmed hat and a flashy red scarf around her neck. The second version was released in 2011 and is less overloaded, but without leaving aside the hat and boots. In addition, she carries a koala with her, further characterizing her appearance as an authentic Australian.

This version of Barbie was launched in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Barbies of the World collection, presented wearing an elegant dress with an Eiffel Tower design. As for her appearance, she has flashy makeup with red lips and black hair, combining elegance and discretion.

This version of the doll was released in 2002, inspired by the culture of the Ndebele, originally from South Africa. Among her accessories, the rings around her neck and ankles stand out, precisely the most indispensable accessories of this culture, usually used by married women to demonstrate their wealth.

In the 80s, the first version of Indian Barbie appeared, which had the typical dress of the country with a flashy red embroidered with golden threads. She also had the third eye mark on her forehead and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Although the most recent version, from 2012, still features a typical costume, but now in a completely gold version with red accents. It also features some golden accessories and very straight hair.

Italy also has a characteristic Barbie, who presents herself as a young woman with dark skin and wavy hair down to her waist. However, its first version released in the 60’s is completely different from the modern one, as it has darker skin and a longer skirt with the colors of the country’s flag.

Inspired by Celtic culture, this princess of Ireland has beautiful wavy brown hair, as well as a green cape held by a brooch, over a dress with Celtic patterns. The good thing about this doll is that we can learn about the Celts and their influence on Irish culture.

Unlike the princess-inspired South African Barbie, the Kenyan Barbie reflects a warrior dressed in the traditional attire of the Masai tribe. This ethnic group stands out for being a semi-nomadic culture and wearing distinctive clothing. They also highly value accessories, such as bracelets and anklets.

Like the Japanese, Australian and Italian, Spanish Barbie also has a first version, launched in 1983, characterized with a short front dress and black ruffles. Her style was modified until reaching the 2002 Barbie, which features a typical flamenco costume, with her head covered by a black tulle veil and a belt adorned with a rose.

American Barbie dolls reflect a wide variety of the country’s ethnicities and cultures. Among them, the doll native to the northwest coast of Alaska, wearing a kind of shawl with striking prints and a ceremonial dress to be in touch with the spirits of nature.

China also has the privilege of having its own Barbie, wearing the classic gown called guazi, decorated with fine prints. The image of this doll is so strong in the country that it has the largest store in the world dedicated to her, where you can also get clothes and accessories for any occasion.

In addition to princesses, warriors and queens from other countries, there is also the Greek goddess Barbie, inspired by Athena, in a white tunic adorned with golden details. As a contrast, she wears a violet cape that enhances her style and image.

Like many others, Moroccan Barbie also wears the typical attire of the country, but with a very authentic style. What stands out the most are her accessories in the form of gold coins, on her forehead and as a pendant on a chain around her neck.

Another monument that served as inspiration for dressing Barbie was Big Ben, in London. In the English version, the doll wears a brown dress with the clock tower figure, golden glasses and a handbag. Her hair is brown and straight, tied in a sophisticated ponytail.

This version of Barbie wears clothing similar to the native peoples of the arctic regions, who wear thick fur clothes to face the cold. What draws the most attention are the golden cords used to tie the hood to the neck and keep warm.

Egypt also has a Barbie doll that represents an Egyptian princess. Her outfit is a combination of two tunics, one gold and one white, with gold, red and blue accessories adorning her neck and cuffs. What stands out most is its crown, from which the head of a serpent, a symbol of royalty, protrudes.

The Korean princess Barbie wears typical spring outfits to celebrate the Korean New Year, which coincides with the start of the season and the first month of the Lunar New Year. The peculiar thing about this celebration is that families gather to honor their ancestors and turn to their elders, while giving them little gifts.

Jamaican Barbie has a very flashy appearance, with curly black hair and a black scarf as a prop. Her dress is typical of the island, reflecting a combination of prints that represent a youthful and cheerful style.

Finally, we have the Portuguese princess Barbie, inspired by the maidens of the European Renaissance period. In this version, the doll wears a voluminous red dress with golden details and a lace headdress, adorning her wavy black hair.

To encourage diversity, a line of Barbie dolls was also created that bets on social inclusion. In this line we have a Barbie with vitiligo and even one without hair. All these figures are available in different ranges of hair, eye, skin and body colors, allowing every girl to identify with the doll even more.

For you, which country should have its own Barbie? Have you found one that represents your culture? Comment!