#Diwali doll

[not-your-asian-fantasy]

The Juggernaut

Barbie’s new Diwali doll has sold out in less than four days.

The $40 doll by Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre came out October 4. Though Barbie has released “Indian” dolls before, this is its first Diwali Barbie.

“In a continued commitment to promoting celebrations of heritage, Barbie is unveiling its first Barbie Diwali doll,” Mattel wrote in a news release. “The Barbie Diwali doll celebrates India’s cultural richness with a worldwide audience.”

Diwali Barbie sports a dark blue Anita Dongre lehenga, golden bangles and jhumka, high heels, and a ponytail. She has no backstory.

Dongre told USA Today that designing the look took over a year. She first envisioned the doll having several outfits. “I wanted to have an entire collection,” she told USA Today. “Should it be a lehenga? Should it be a sari? Should it be a sharara? There’s so much one can do. Indian fashion is just so versatile.”

“This Moonlight Bloom look features a choli top, floral koti vest, and lehenga skirt lush with dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotus, representing strength and beauty,” Mattel’s site reads. Though note: “The doll comes with a stand…Doll cannot stand alone.”

Last year, American Girl also got in on the Indian American market, America’s fastest-growing and richest demographic. It launched Kavi, a doll who loves Broadway, has a Western and Indian wardrobe, and celebrates Diwali and Holi.

Despite its 2023 blockbuster movie, #Barbie has long faced flak for shaping perceptions of what women should look like.

In 1996, Mattel created its first melanated doll for Indians. She had the same physique as white Barbie and wore a bindi. Yet, the box labeled her pink sari as a two-piece outfit with an optional shawl and noted that Indians don’t use utensils to eat. As Sadaf Ahsan wrote for The Juggernaut: “If you aren’t blonde and blue-eyed, life in plastic isn’t fantastic.”

[dollshobby]

Barbie Diwali 2024: A Celebration of Tradition and Elegance with Anita Dongre

This year, Mattel is celebrating the Festival of Lights with Diwali 2024 Barbie doll dressed in a stunning ensemble designed by renowned Indian couturier Anita Dongre.

The doll will be on sale on October 7, 2024, primarily on Amazon India, and later in other online stores and marketplaces around the world.

[luminouslumity]

[nicki-flemings-curls]

Kavi and Amara wish everyone a bright and happy Diwali!

[barbielore]

Please note that I am not Hindu nor from any culture that celebrates Diwali. If I say something culturally insensitive in this post please feel free to bring this to my attention.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, and a cultural celebration for Hindu, Sikh and Jain diaspora. According to my admittedly very limited knowledge, it is a five day festival, with the midpoint of the festival taking place in 2024 from the night of October 31st to the evening of November 1st.

In 2024, Mattel made the decision to release a Barbie in celebration. This was described as "for the first time ever" and the "first Diwali designer collab", which seems to imply without saying outright that they intend to create these annually as they do with the Dia de Muertos Barbies and Holiday Barbies.

This Barbie was designed by Anita Dongre and Edna Vogel-Amezcua. Anita Dongre is a fashion designer, who founded the Indian fashion label House of Anita Dongre in 1995. In 2017 she opened her first international store in Manhattan; and she has dressed such celebrities as Beyonce, the Jonas Brothers, and the Duchess of Cambridge. She is also a vegan activist.

Edna Vogel-Amezcua, on the other hand, is much harder to find any information about; all I can find is that she is credited as a co-designer on this doll.

Although this is the first designer collaboration for Diwali, this is not the first Barbie that has been themed around Diwali. As part of the Dolls of the World: Festivals of the World collection, Mattel released a Diwali Barbie in 2006.

[luckshmii]

the new indian diwali barbie doll! 🎀

designed by anita dongre, her barbie wears a moonlight blue lengha with intricate dahlia, jasmine + lotus motif designs. 🪷

while pink is obviously iconic for barbie. anita wanted to bring something more meaningful to this collaboration, so the deep and rich hues of blue were the most natural choice. anita also stated that this barbie has a grace and elegance that all generations would appreciate. she is a timeless beauty that transcends age! 🪄

whilst sketching the personality for her barbie, anita designed the doll with the modern indian woman in mind - someone who is confident and proud of her indian roots, the young india. this barbie is a huge symbol of empowerment for brown girls across the world!

barbie reflects the stories that young girls see in the world around them, and this doll is a perfect representation of that. with her diwali inspired essence, this barbie encourages people everywhere to celebrate the beautiful heritage of indian fashion + culture! 🇮🇳

diwali is a festival that symbolises light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. it brings joy, hope and cheer to the community, so this doll is really special!

every young south asian girl across the world is now able to celebrate their culture + beauty with this barbie! 🪔

via vogue india.

[alittlebitbethany]

Hi everybody Happy Diwali I’ve posted a new video with Kavi to my YouTube channel to celebrate. Please check it out it would mean a lot to me. Image Description: a screenshot of a YouTube video featuring a photo of a Hindu American Girl doll dressed in a Bollywood dance outfit. There is a Diwali filter on the photo with a diya in the bottom left corner and rangoli in the upper right corner. The text reads BC’s Doll Place: Happy Diwali 2024! (With Subtitles).

[dolla-dolla-yeah]

Does anyone know if AG ever fixed the staining issue with Maritza's leggings or the Diwali top/do you know if just washing the items before putting it on your doll will prevent staining???

[haveamagicalday]

Duel of the American Girl Dolls: Winners!

Elizabeth Cole's best outfit is : Riding Outfit

Cecile Ray's best outfit is: Meeting Outfit

Marie-Grace Gardner's best outfit is: Summer Dress

Caroline Abbott's best outfit is: Winter Coat

Nicki Hoffman's best outfit is: Red Vinyl Jumper

Isabel Hoffman's best outfit is: Year 2000 Outfit

Ruthie Smithens best outfit is: Play Outfit

Nellie O'Malley's best outfit is: Spring Party Dress

Claudie Wells best outfit is: Meeting Outfit

Courtney Moore’s best outfit is: Meeting Outfit

Emily Bennet's best outfit is: Meeting Outfit

Felicity Merriman's best outfit is: Riding Hat and Habit

Kaya's best outfit is: Pow Wow Dress

Josefina Montoya's best outfit is: Weaving Outfit

Kirsten Larson's best outfit is: Checked Dress and Shawl

Nanea Mitchell's best outfit is: Holoku Outfit

Maryellen Larkin's best outfit is: Poodle Skirt

Melody Ellison's best outfit is: Birthday Outfit

Rebecca Rubin's best outfit is: Meeting Outfit

Samantha Parkington's best oufit is: Plaid Cape and Gaiters

Molly McIntire's best outfit is: After School Party

Addy Walker's best outfit is: Tartan Plaid Dress

Kit Kittredge's best outfit is: Overalls

Julie Albright's best outfit is: Calico Dress

Ivy Ling's best outfit is: Chinese New Year Outfit

The best Truly Me Cute Dress is: Red Jumper

The best Truly Me Exploration outfit is: World Traveler in Ireland

The best collector doll is: Shimmering Silver

The best American Boy doll outfit is: Tartan Plaid Outfit

The best World by Us/Mordern Girl outfit is: Evette's Meeting Outfit

The best Truly Me Fun and Hobbies outfit is: Christmas Recital

The best Truly Me Beach Wear outfit is: Beach Outfit

The best Birthstone Collection outfit is: September Sparkling Sapphire

The best Truly Me costume is: Medival Princess

The best Girl of the Year outfit is: Kavi's Bollywood Outfit

The best Truly Me dance outfit is: Ruby Ballet

The best Truly Me winter wear is: Sugar Plum Coat

The best Truly Me casual outfit is: Plaid Skirt and Sweater

The best Truly Me bed time outfit is: Penguin and Robe

The best Truly Me sports outfit is: Ice Dancer Outfit

The best Truly Me holiday outfit is: Diwali Celebration Outfit

[devoti]

naoya's eating laddu and his mouth is dotted all over with the crumbs zen 😔 he looks so cute that I have to forgive him unfortunately, bet our men are looking super cute in their jippa's hehe

zenn my darling angel,, wishing you a blessed deepavali my love,,, thinking about you and sae dancing in the patio while it lightly drizzles outside and im lovesick over that actually :((

HAPPY DIWALI MY SWEETESTT BABYY!! STAWP COOKING THE SWEETEST SCENARIOS 🥹🥹 (the way my ass is studying i want this asap)

Did naoya steal the sweets from the kicthen or what now? he WOULDDD FAINT SEEING YOU DOLLED UP!!! are you home for diwali babe?

[toychest321]

Finding information on Jamila wasn't particularly easy, but from what I can gather...

(credit to @eepop-stuffs btw for getting her on my radar!)

Jamila was first released in 2006 by Simba Toys Middle East. According to an article published upon her debut at the 2006 Middle East Toy Fair in Dubai, her prototype initially intended to include fashions representing Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. However, these concepts never made it to final release, and we unfortunately have no photos of what they would have looked like.

Her initial lineup consisted of four dolls: herself, her male Arabic friend Jamil, her Indian friend Sunayana, and her Egyptian friend Kareema.

The name Jamila means "beautiful", and she seems to have only really been released with one outfit. She wore a black abaya with silver detailing with black shoes, and underneath wore a light blue tanktop with a white pencil skirt. Like her friends Sunayana and Kareema, Jamila has dark hair, brown eyes, and henna on her hands and feet.

(Credit to Bababolond on Flickr for the images)

For those unaware, Henna is a form of body decoration which originated from Africa and the Middle East, used with a natural dye from the Mehendi (lawsonia inermis). It is commonly tied to religious ceremonies such as engagements, weddings, Diwali, and Eid!

For Eid Al-Fitr, Henna would be applied towards the end of Ramadan as a symbol of the earthly delight of being alive. Jamila (and Sunayana if we're to believe they had identical Henna) seems to have eye imagery in hers, which represents protection from evil thoughts or wishes. It's also found on the top of her hands, also symbolizing protection, and on her feet, meant to soothe the nerves.

The name Jamil means "handsome". Jamil was initially released clean-shaven, but it seems later releases gave him facial hair. This might have been around the same time he was changed from Jamila's male friend to her husband, likely because (although opposite-sex friendships aren't explicitly forbidden) certain Muslims worry such friendships might result in inappropriate romantic thoughts. While this doesn't seem to be a unanimous belief across the board (many believing opposite-sex friendships are fine so long as you're careful), it might have caused enough controversy that Simba felt the need to marry the two so there weren't any implications. (Credit to Jan Unwichtig and Bababolond on Flickr for the images)

Ngl tho he is giving me major Kenergy...

Jamil comes with a white Thobe with silver buttons, a white Serwal ( undergarments traditionally worn beneath the Thobe), a white cotton undershirt, a white headscarf known as a Ghutra (tied with a black band called the Egal), black sandals, and a small dagger.

I'm actually not sure why his doll comes with a knife? The closest I could find was the Kirpan: a knife or sword which serves as a reminder to promote justice and protect the weak, mandatory for Amritdhari Sikhs to wear at all times. However, although non-Muslims sometimes confuse the two, Sikhism is a completely separate religion from Islam.

If anyone knows what this knife might be intended to represent, please let me know and I'll reblog an edit to this post!

After they were married, Jamila and Jamil had two children: Asad (meaning "Lion") and Almira (meaning "Princess"), both seen in the first illustration on this post. However, I can only seem to find one doll release for their daughter Almira, and none for Asad. Jamila comes in this playset in her base outfit, while her daughter (who cries when you press her stomach) wears pink pajamas. The playset includes a crib and several plastic accessories, including two hair brushes, a blow drier, and a baby bottle. Not only is this only release for Almira, but this also seems to be the only other release for Jamila aside from her initial core doll.

Sunayana means "woman with lovely eyes". She has long braided black hair, wearing a blue Lehenga Choli with a yellow Dupatta. Like Jamila, she also has henna on her hands and feet. She wears silver bangles, a silver necklace, and what I believe might be a Maang Tikka. Based on her images on the back of the doll boxes, I'm fairly certain she came wearing yellow sandal heels as well!

Honestly she might be one of my favorites of the line, since you sadly don't see many culturally-accurate Indian dolls compared to other ethnic groups. I especially love the use of color, and just how much jewelry she comes with!

Finally we have Jamila's Egyptian friend Kareema, whose name means "generous" or "kind". She has pale pink undergarments painted on beneath her clothes, which I assume Jamila has as well. Weirdly enough, however, she doesn't seem to have Henna like the other two.

Like Sunayana and Jamila she has long black hair, which is kept beneath a white hijab. She wears a long blue overcoat, matching jeans, blue shoes, and a multicolored striped shirt. As far as I can tell, her clothing doesn't seem to have Egyptian cultural roots like Sunayana's has Indian, however her modest style of dress and hijab are common for most Muslim women.

I've been meaning to make this post for at least a full week, and it's nice to finally get to share another beautiful yet obscure Muslim doll! It's a shame this doll didn't have more releases, since I'm honestly curious with the direction the might have taken with her and her friends based on the prior illustration! Regardless, I'm happy I got to share her and her friends with you all :)

Ramadan Kareem!

[manibolly]

Diwali Barbie is selling out -- and earning praise from Indian doll watchers : Goats and Soda : NPR

[raychleadele]

Some more doll sewing this week, this time specifically kurtas for Priya! One with long sleeves and a short skirt and another with shorter sleeves and a long skirt. I think the blue is my favorite, I think the color looks great with her skin tone! Next I think she needs a gold belt, and some new dupattas. She has the Diwali outfit so she does have a dupatta, but the hot pink isn’t really working with her other outfits. I will have to go fabric hunting though as I don’t have any currently that I feel would work. Even without it she’s still looking cute!

[indiandresses48]

TRADITIONAL WORK CHANIYA CHOLI

Lehenga choli or ghagra choli, which is also known as lehenga choli and locally as chaniya choli, is the traditional clothing of women from the Indian subcontinent, The Chaniya Choli and Ghagra Cholis, a very popular apparel for girls, is a preferred during the festive season and family events. While shopping for Indian wear for weddings, most women find the lehenga choli modern, an outfit that changes the entire look of a lady, making it fit for an instant glam doll look. Now we all know that lehengas are not only worn for weddings but also for Parties in Indo western lehenga outfits and also for festivals like Diwali party or the famous Navratri celebration. Lengha designs today are meant for all women who wish to dress in a totally glamorous look. 

Order your favourite color Chaniya Choli from our exclusive collections which offers you Chaniya choli in all price ranges and designs to choose from , order chaniya choli and adorn your self with this attractive color  that symbolizes royalty. power, nobility, luxury and ambition.

[swimmingcleaner]

Ethnic Dress for Baby Girls: a Colorful Journey into Tiny Traditional Fashion

When it comes to dressing up your little princess, there's nothing more delightful than ethnic wear. It's like wrapping her in a bundle of cultural charm with a dash of cuteness. Baby girls in traditional attire are the ultimate show-stoppers at weddings, festivals, and, of course, their own half-birthday party extravaganzas. So, grab a cup of chai, and let's dive into the wonderful world of ethnic dresses for baby girls with some giggles along the way.

Why Ethnic Wear is Always a Good Idea

Ethnic wear isn't just clothes; it's a mood. They let your little one show heritage and look like a walking bundle of love. Be it a chaniya choli for kids, an embroidered frock, or a tiny saree, these outfits are perfect to create memories—and, let's be real, Instagram-worthy photos.

Here's why ethnic wear wins hearts every time:

Vibrancy: Think bright colors and rich patterns as cheerful as the gummy smile of your little one.

Versatility: Great for festivals, birthday celebrations, and every single milestone that your little darling cuts.

Cultural Connection: Begin teaching them to cherish their culture. Who said tiny tots can't be trendsetters, too?

Types of Traditional Outfits for Baby Girls

The Birthday Frock with a Twist

Ah, the classic birthday frock for baby girls. But wait! We’re not talking about just any frock. We’re talking about frocks with an ethnic flair—think zari work, mirror embellishments, and pastel hues. These dresses combine tradition and comfort, letting your baby crawl, wobble, or toddle around with ease while stealing the spotlight.

Pro Tip: Look for frocks with adjustable sashes or drawstrings for a snug fit. After all, babies grow faster than your mobile data plan depletes!

The Mesmerizing Mini Lehenga

The chaniya choli for kids is an absolute game-changer. It's like giving your baby the runway look but for a family gathering. With a flared skirt, cute blouse, and a tiny dupatta, this outfit is bound to make her look like a doll straight out of a fairy tale.

Why it's a winner:

It's super breathable, which means fewer tantrums (we hope).

Perfect for twirling moments that'll make your heart skip a beat.

The Teeny-Tiny Saree

If you thought sarees were just for grown-ups, think again! Baby sarees are a thing, and they are absolutely adorable. With pre-stitched pleats and soft fabrics, these sarees ensure that your little diva can flaunt traditional vibes without getting tangled in six yards of cloth.

Anarkalis for Little Angels

Mini anarkalis are as royal as it sounds. The free-flowing frock-like ethnic garments suit a wedding or festivals just so right. The moms like it for these are lovely to the eyes and enough to provide the space that these crawling creatures need for exploring.

Dhoti Sets for that Quirky Look

Who says ethnic has to be predictable? A dhoti set with a short kurta is a playful yet traditional choice for your baby girl. These outfits are perfect for festive events like Diwali, where your baby can dazzle in unique style.

Choosing the Perfect Ethnic Dress

Shopping for ethnic wear can be overwhelming. Here's how to make sure you pick the perfect outfit without losing your cool:

Comfort is Key

A formula for disaster is babies and scratchy fabric. So, go with soft and breathable materials, such as cotton or silk blends. You want your baby to look glamorous, not grumpy!

Size Matters

Don't buy something that fits just right today; remember, babies have a growth spurt every time you blink. Go for a slightly larger size so you get a few more months out of that cute outfit.

Ease of Dressing

Buttons, zippers, and ties are your best friends. Avoid anything that requires complex engineering to put on. Your baby’s patience (and yours) has limits.

Styling Tips for Ethnic Wear

Now that you’ve got the outfit sorted, it’s time to amp up the cuteness quotient.

Accessorize: Add a floral headband, tiny jhumkas, or a matching bangle.

Footwear Fun: Jutis or colorful mojaris are perfect for completing the look.

Hairdressing Tricks: A simple braided ribbons or hair cliped pom-poms can do wonders.

Buy Ethnic Baby Girl Dresses Online

Local boutiques and online stores are treasure troves of ethnic wear for kids. Popular e-commerce websites have options for all possible events. Keep an eye on festive sales to avail great deals that are as amusing as your little one's laughter.

Wrapping it all up

More than a mere fashion statement, dressing up your baby girl in ethnic attire is a celebration of culture, tradition, and endless cuteness. It can be a birthday frock for baby girls, a sparkly chaniya choli for kids, or a pint-sized saree, but every dress speaks volumes of love, heritage, and much cuteness.

So, next time that you are planning her attire, remember: a bit of sparkle, a bit of tradition, and a great deal of comfort can work wonders in turning your miniature tot into the star of an occasion. And let's face it, nothing gets better than seeing your little baby rock an outfit for which everyone says, "OMG, where do you get that from?"

Now go on, parents! Take in the ethnic vibes and don't forget to click a hundred pictures because these moments are worth cherishing forever.

[barbielore]

I will be very honest that I do not know much about the holiday of Diwali, but I have seen a handful of signs locally for celebrations occurring on November 12. I am given to understand that it is a light festival though this is approximately the limit of my knowledge.

In 2006, as a part of the Festivals of the World series, Mattel released a Barbie to represent Diwali.

The Festivals of the World collection was a bit of a strange one, as there are some tonal differences between different festivals represented in the collection. For example, on the back of the box you can see Diwali being displayed alongside Kwanzaa and Oktoberfest.

This was not the first time that Mattel explored this area. I have found multiple articles referring to Mattel creating a Diwali doll in 1998 as part of an attempt to expand the Barbie line into India; I haven't been able to find this doll specifically, but there are a number of Barbie in India and Expressions of India dolls from around this era.

The articles linked above are critical of Mattel for showcasing a stereotypical and at times inaccurate/disrespectful display of Indian culture, including the claim that the 1998 Diwali Barbie I can't find had blue eyes.

Of course, there's no way to know if Mattel were earnestly trying to showcase diversity and falling short, or if they were just trying to market to a new audience. We can make our assumptions, but we don't necessarily know for sure.

If anyone who has more knowledge and understanding of this area I would really appreciate their input. My apologies if any of the above is controversial or incorrect; please correct me if so.