Director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay collaborated with Mattel to produce her own limited edition Barbie doll, and we're completely obsessed with it. This past April, DuVernay was included in Mattel's special "Sheroes" collection, which was launched at Variety’s “Power of Women” luncheon. As we've seen with their latest campaigns, Mattel is making a huge effort to inspire girls to pursue their passions and dare to dream big. Having a successful black woman like DuVernay in this highly visible and accessible form is a major breakthrough. Finally, girls of color will have a better option that resembles them and their creative interests aside from Barbie's sidekick Christie.
DuVernay announced that her doll officially goes on sale today—just in time for the holidays. We're assuming that it will be available in stores and online, but until we know for sure, we'll be waiting for her arrival here. All of the proceeds from purchasing the doll go toward supporting Color Of Change and WITNESS.
Tomorrow this #AvaBarbie goes on sale for Christmas because enough folks asked @Mattel to do so. Wild + wonderful. https://t.co/louahFZwjQ
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 6, 2015
All my proceeds from #AvaBarbie will be sent from @Mattel to @ColorOfChange + @WitnessOrg. A fun way to support. xo! pic.twitter.com/O4Z5zl5els
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) December 6, 2015
UPDATE 12/07/2015 4:35 PM: According to the Twitterverse, the doll has officially sold-out! It only took one hour.