by Nicole Kuliyev, staff reporter
“When I was little, I didn’t have one that looked like me, so I couldn’t connect with her in that way. But getting to visit the Mattel offices and see Barbie’s vision for the future….I was able to see how that plan to diversify, broadening the horizons and the image of Barbie, and make it more, you know, open. I left the office feeling it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of,” Coleman states.
Photo attributions to Hollywood Branded
Singer, actress, dancer, and model Zendaya Coleman recently got a Barbie Doll modelled after her.
Coleman, 19, spoke with Yahoo on her thoughts and feelings regarding Barbie when she was younger.
“When I was little, I didn’t have one that looked like me, so I couldn’t connect with her in that way. But getting to visit the Mattel offices and see Barbie’s vision for the future….I was able to see how that plan to diversify, broadening the horizons and the image of Barbie, and make it more, you know, open. I left the office feeling it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of,” Coleman states.
The Barbie look is inspired by Coleman’s Oscar appearance. The doll will have dreadlocks as well as the long white gown.
Mattel had tweeted saying they would be creating a doll after her on Sept.18, but it was but it was presented on Sept. 26 in Los Angeles at the Rock N’ Royals Concert Experience.
Coleman was attacked by Giuliana Rancic on Fashion Police for her dreadlocks during the Oscars in early March. Coleman then called her out on her cultural ignorance. Rancic apologized and Coleman forgave her. Coleman says that her dreadlocks are “almost like a lion’s mane” and are symbolic to her strength and beauty.
Many celebrities used social media to congratulate Coleman on her doll. Nicki Minaj posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Congrats on your doll, Zendaya! Did you know Barbie made me one a cpl years back? It was such an honor and a HUGE surprise. Anyway, I love your doll’s hair! I love what it means for other little girls who will identify with it & be empowered. Continue to be proud of yourself girls!!!!! #Barbie.”
“It’s cool how diverse Barbie is becoming. It’s really nice that they made a Barbie of a different race that other girls can connect with,” junior Nicole Stemmler said.
Coleman wanted a doll that girls of a different culture could connect to because growing up, she never connected with the traditional Barbie doll. She encourages girls to raise their voices. Her fans look forward to seeing what comes next for the Disney star.
