Mattel India unveils Katrina Barbie!

Mattel India, the global leader in toys, presented Superstar Katrina Kaif with a One-of-a-kind Barbie® doll specially crafted in her likeness. The Barbie® doll created by skilled designers captures the popular bollywood actress' famous signature style showcased at the "Barbie All Doll'd Up' show at Lakme Fashion Week 2009 as a part of Barbie's 50th Birthday Celebrations. Katrina Kaif is the first bollywood icon to be crafted in the form of a Barbie® doll.

In 2009, Katrina Kaif had wowed the audience at Lakme Fashion Week having walked the ramp as a real life Barbie for the "Barbie All Doll'd Up' show. The doll in the likeness of Katrina Kaif is a special single exclusive piece in the world, featuring the winning designer outfit by young prodigy Nishka Lulla worn on the runway by Katrina.

Mattel Toys India decided to unveil this doll today as a special early Christmas gift for Katrina and also to be in time to announce the further extension of their association with Katrina Kaif, by announcing the launch of another Special Barbie® Doll in likeness of Katrina Kaif which will be launched in 2011 as a part of Barbie's Birthday Celebrations next year, enabling every young fan of Barbie and Katrina Kaif to take home a Barbie® doll made in likeness of Katrina Kaif for keepsake.

Speaking on the occasion, Karun Gera, Commercial Director, Mattel Toys India said, "Barbie's birthday celebrations continue with the unveiling of the first-ever Barbie® Doll in likeness of a Bollywood Superstar - Katrina Kaif". He further added, "For Barbie the talented Katrina Kaif was an obvious choice as she represents a true youth and fashion icon, a trend setter with an amazingly gifted personality. As the quintessence of grace and beauty, she would definitely be the people's choice to model the iconic Barbie® doll. The Katrina Kaif Barbie perfectly captures the spirit of freedom, creativity and style that is a hallmark of both Katrina and Barbie's personalities. We are happy to present the doll here today to Katrina Kaif."

An extremely excited Katrina Kaif said, "As a child, like all young girls I too have grown up with Barbie. She has been a friend and I have shared many experiences with her. Barbie is the ultimate fashion icon and is the most popular doll in the world! She has captured my imagination for many years and now when I get an opportunity to be a part of Barbie's heritage ' I am enchanted, deeply honoured and humbled as I today join the ranks of iconic women who represent Barbie's aspirational values. I am extremely grateful to Mattel for presenting me my very own Barbie® doll. I hope that my young fans are equally thrilled with this doll".

Embodying the personalities of two of the most beautiful women in the world is not an easy task but with Barbie and Katrina as their muse; Mattel designers seem to have succeeded in fulfilling their vision. The chief designer Stephen Sumner, a Project Designer with Mattel and a graduate of Parsons School of Design, terms the Katrina Kaif Barbie® doll as a labour of love specially crafted by skilled designers from across the globe.

The dress adorned by the Katrina Kaif Barbie® Doll is a fairytale unto itself. Slender halter straps demand your attention, only long enough to direct it to the intricately designed & well-fitted bodice. The dress skirt, however, is the cynosure of all eyes! With its seemingly unending layers of bright-colored brocade skirt ruffles with hints of golden trimming, it is what makes the dress so spectacular. The Miss Barbie sash with miniature Swarovski Crystals is re-created to the exact tee as the one sported by Katrina Kaif on the runway at the Barbie All Doll'd Up show Lakme Fashion Week on Barbie's 50th Birthday. And finally, the Tiara on the doll is the apt accessory that makes the doll precious & perfect!

A celebrity in her own right, Barbie has also inspired Tinseltown, with several A-list celebrities joining the ranks to be immortalized in Barbie® doll's sculpt and name. Supermodel Twiggy was the first celebrity to join Barbie® doll's family in 1967 and since then, the list has included: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Goldie Hawn, Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Kim Clijsters and Shakira to name a few.

Katrina Kaif joins the list with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Heidi Klum who have been honoured to have One-of 'a-kind Barbie® dolls made in their likeness to mark Barbie's 50th Birthday Anniversary Celebrations, acknowledging them as the new era icons to join Barbie's list of outstanding people and women of substance.