In celebration of this year’s Día De Muertos (Day of the Dead), Mattel Creations will release a new Barbie doll inspired by La Catrina, the iconic symbol of the holiday, and Mexico’s traditional charro suit.
The 2022 Día De Muertos Barbie Signature doll was created in collaboration with world-renowned Mexican fashion designer Benito Santos. The doll is dressed in a cropped, black bolero jacket and long black gown with a layered mermaid hem. Both pieces are embroidered with a white and crimson floral design. It also wears a red bowtie and cummerbund, a festive headpiece, and silver and crimson earrings. Her face is decorated with white, black, pink, and blue paint to give her the look of the skeletal Catrina.
“During this festive time symbols of memories, memories and customs are often seen,” wrote Santos on his Instagram page. “The Barbie Dia De Muertos Collection honors the customs, symbols and rituals often seen throughout this festive time of remembrance.”
Originally from Tepehuaje de Morelos Jalisco, Santos studied fashion design at the Lanspiac Institute in Guadalajara. He made his debut in the fashion scene in 2008. During his career, he has dressed everyone from Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete to the former First Lady of Mexico Angelica Rivera. In 2014, Santos, who has shown his work at New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Vancouver Fashion Week, was honored with the National Fashion Award.
Last week, Mattel Creations released a Barbie Signature doll of singer Gloria Estefan, inspired by her Cuban heritage and by the music video for her hit 1989 song “Get on Your Feet” from her debut solo album Cuts Both Ways.
The 2022 Día De Muertos Barbie Doll launches on September 8, 2022 at 7 a.m. PT at the Mattel Creations website.