MANILA – A new Filipina Barbie doll has been released by Mattel as part of its Global Glamour collection.
Only 4,400 units of the Mutya Barbie were released last February 2. The Filipina doll has tanned skin and black hair, and wears a terno inspired by the sampaguita flower and the sun icon from the Philippine flag.
For accessories, the Mutya Barbie has golden-tone earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and a golden lace fabric fan.
“Mutya means pearl or beauty or muse; it’s a girl’s name, and is also used in the titles of pageants in the Philippines,” said designer Carlyle Nuera. “Mutya Barbie will have the Kira face sculpt. I know a lot of collectors have a lot of love and nostalgia for that face sculpt, as do I, since that was a face sculpt I grew up with!”
“Her organza overdress is a take on the terno, with the unmistakable butterfly sleeves. The organza’s print references textiles of the different tribes in the Philippines as well as the sun from the flag. The embroidery on the hem is inspired by the sampaguita, a jasmine flower that is the national flower of the Philippines,” Nuera added.
The Mutya Barbie is available online for $100, with collectors allowed to order only up to five dolls.
Other dolls included in Mattel’s Global Glamour Collection include the Tribal Beauty, which wears a feathered midriff top, and Venetian Muse, which dons a black ball gown.
A number of Filipina Barbie dolls have been released over the years, with inspirations from Santacruzan, ethnic groups, weddings and traditions in the country.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
