October 28, 2020
Mattel Introduces Elton John Barbie
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Move over, Malibu Barbie, and make room for the Elton John-inspired edition, complete with '70s-style wardrobe, enormous rose-colored glasses, and an even more enormous hairdo.
Mattel, the maker of the iconic doll, has created the new take on Barbie in celebration of the pop singer's two-day concert at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, which took place 45 years ago, reports CNN Business.
The concerts - on Oct. 25 and 26, 1975 - set records; "the 100,000 attendees made it the largest concert ever for a single artist," noted CNN in an article on the new doll. A reenactment of the concert was glimpsed into last year's Elton John biopic "Rocket Man."
The new Barbie is the result of a "team-up" between John and Mattel, reported Nexstar Media Wire. The doll is not an Elton-styled Ken doll, but rather "a classic Barbie doll with a style mimicking that of the musician," Nexstar noted.
Sir Elton took to Twitter to share his thoughts. "Barbie is an icon in her own right, so having her pay tribute to my work and personal style is a real honor," John tweeted. "I hope that she inspires fans everywhere to fearlessly pursue their own dreams and limitless potential."
The Mattel website offered more specifics on the doll's styling. "The Elton John Barbie doll shines bright in a glittery top and flared denim embellished with Elton's sparkling initials," text at the site says. "Her 'Elton'-embossed bomber jacket features star-printed sleeves and a rainbow-striped hem.
"Nods to the artist's iconic style include rainbow-striped platform boots, a purple bowler hat and sparkly, pink-tinted sunglasses," the description continues. "The Elton John Barbie doll is a bold collaboration that personifies two cultural icons and honors the extraordinary artistry and musicianship of a stellar performer."
The dolls, which do not stand on their own, come with a display stand. Currently, the Elton John Barbie is available for pre-order only, with shipping to start Nov. 9. The company has set a limit of two dolls per order, with the dolls costing $50 each.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
