Celia Cruz Barbie Debuts in Honor of Latinx Heritage Month
Mattel has created a myriad of Barbies honoring Latina icons like María Félix, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, and Frida Kahlo
Photo: Mattel
Mattel has created a myriad of Barbies honoring Latina icons like María Félix, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, and Frida Kahlo. While fans clamored to purchase the dolls, many of which sold out quickly, in 2021 they released a Celia Cruz doll that wasn’t available for purchase, leading fans to call for that to change. On Tuesday, Mattel answered that call with the release of a new limited-edition Celia Cruz Barbie doll in honor of Latinx Heritage Month. Inspired by the Queen of Salsa’s legacy, the doll, which retailed at $35, is now sold out on the Barbie Signature website but is still available at Amazon and select retailers.
“She’s an award-winning musical icon whose career spanned over six decades and 75 albums, all while honoring her heritage and introducing Afro-Cuban music to the mainstream,” Mattel wrote in an Instagram post. “A true role model, Celia Cruz’s dazzling artistry and legacy continues to inspire girls around the globe to use their voice to make a difference. ¡Azúcar!”
Released as part of the Barbie Tribute Collection’s Inspiring Women Series, the doll dons a lacy red Cuban rumba dress with bell sleeves with glittery gold details as well as a silver statement choker with matching earrings and gold open-toe ankle strap heels similar to a real pair of gold heels worn by the Cuban icon in real life. In true Celia Cruz fashion, her blond hair is styled its signature updo with bangs, and she sports the singer’s iconic rep lipstick and glittery eyeshadow. Additionally, it comes with a doll stand and a gold microphone that Cruz’s Barbie can hold. The doll was designed by Filipino artist and Lead Designer for Barbie Signature at Mattel Carlyle Nuera.
“This one is for the Afro-Latinas who saw themselves in Celia, for the Cubanos who grew up idolizing her and for all Latinos and all lovers of salsa music! I can feel how much Celia means to people, how her music connected generations, so I’m for real honored and excited to have designed this Barbie for y’all,” Nuera wrote on Instagram. “We worked directly with @celiacruz’s estate, who were so gracious and excited throughout the process. They had final approval on everything, even choosing Celia Barbie’s skintone from samples I sent them.”
The beloved “Guarachera de Cuba,” is one of the best-selling Latin musicians in history as well as one of the most famous Afro-Latinas in the world. Known for popular salsa hits like “Le Negra Tiene Tumbao,” “Quimbara,” “La Vida Es Un Carnaval,” the influential artist and stage performer also appeared in several films, such as “Affair in Havana” (1957) and “Amorcito Corazón” (1960). After leaving Cuba with the rest of La Sonora Matancera for Mexico in 1960, she eventually settled in New Jersey, where her career took off in the U.S. in the 1970s. She is recognized for having popularized Latin music in the U.S. and is considered one of the most influential Afro-Latinas of all time. On July 16, 2003, she passed away due to cancer.
“We’re proud to welcome ‘La Reina de la Salsa’ (The Queen of Salsa), Celia Cruz, to this series. Adored for her beautiful voice, Cruz’s award-winning career spanned over 60 years and includes 75 albums, 23 gold records, 5 Grammys, and the President’s National Medal of Arts,” the Mattel Creations site reads. “Our doll is as bright as a dancing flame in her fiery red mermaid dress, with silvery jewelry that adds sparkle to her signature look.”
This legendary singer’s powerful voice and iconic motto, “¡Azúcar!” inspired generations of Latinxs across the globe, and we love to see poderosas like her be celebrated and recognized for their impact.
