Ava DuVernay & Other Real-Life Role Models Get Turned into Barbies
Courtesy of Mattel
Barbie has a new BFF and no offense to Barbie, but she’s way more accomplished than the blonde-haired blue-eyed beauty. Ava DuVernay, the first and only black female director to have a film, Selma, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, got the ultimate Mattel treatment as part of Variety’s Power of Women issue. DuVernay was selected as one of six “Sheroes” to be presented with her look-a-like at the magazine’s luncheon of Friday, each of whom was chosen for her empowering work and generally inspiring role in the world.
“Barbie has always represented that girls have choices, and this spring we are proud to honor six Sheroes who through their trade and philanthropic efforts are an inspiration to girls,” Mattel’s Evelyn Mazzocco said in a statement. “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.“
DuVernay’s figurine is so precise that it teeters on creepy—in a good way. From her perfect braids and sparkling chocolate eyes, to her arched brows and classic close-lipped smile, there’s not a characteristic the doll doesn’t capture. And befitting the cinema legend’s booming career, the doll is seated in a director’s chair, wearing grey slacks, a black turtle-neck, and red and white sneakers, ideal for a long day on set, proving that comfort, style and professional prowess don’t have to be mutually exclusive (in real life or in plastic).
Other “Sheroes” who will receive their own Barbie dolls include Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, Eva Chen of Lucky magazine, country singer Trisha Yearwood, actress Emmy Rossum and five-year-old designer Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser.
Courtesy of Mattel
It’s one thing to own a Barbie (though DuVernay’s is not available for purchase), but it’s another to have one made after you. And instead of Mattel creating another plastic person with an impossible silhouette, fictional backstory and unrealistic lifestyle (think Barbie’s too-many-to-count careers, beach houses and Corvettes), it’s refreshing that these models are based off real role models—one’s that are equally as upstanding, respectable, and accomplished as they are beautiful.
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