The Bowie Barbie
The DavidBowie.com web site currently has a contest going on to win an official Bowie Barbie doll. The doll was released earlier this year and follows a 2019 doll inspired by Ziggy Stardust (see above). Together they are probably the ultimate reminder of how embedded Bowie iconography has become within our popular culture. The image from which the new doll is based (see below) is Bowie from the “Life on Mars?” 1973* video— which had been genuinely subversive at the time. That’s in part because of Bowie’s androgynous appearance, which both dolls one-up, considering their ambiguous anatomy. Barbie seems to be female, but we can’t tell if its a boy or a girl…
Anyway, here’s how Mattel describes its product:
Product Details
Barbie® introduces a second collectible doll honoring the ultimate pop chameleon, David Bowie. With a career spanning over five decades, David Bowie continues to be recognized as a cultural vanguard for his contributions to music, art, fashion and film. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of his album, Hunky Dory, Barbie® doll wears an authentic replica of the bespoke powder-blue suit Bowie wore in the “Life on Mars?” music video, a foil-printed pin-stripe shirt, statement tie and platform shoes. The look is complete with bold blue eyeshadow and a hairstyle inspired by Bowie’s ‘70s glam era. In displayable packaging, David Bowie Barbie® doll is the ideal collector’s item for Bowie and Barbie® fans alike. Includes doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.
Barbie® introduces a second collectible doll honoring the ultimate pop chameleon, David Bowie.
David Bowie Barbie® doll is fully posable and comes dressed in an authentic replica of the powder-blue suit Bowie wore in the “Life on Mars?” music video.
Iconic details include a foil-printed pin-stripe shirt, statement tie and platform shoes.
Bold blue eyeshadow and a hairstyle inspired by Bowie’s ‘70s glam era complete the look.
In displayable packaging, this collectible David Bowie Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Bowie and Barbie® fans alike.
* The song was recorded in 1971 and appeared on the “Hunky Dory” album that year, but I believe the video came out two years later.
