Many brands today are embracing inclusivity and diversity, such as Mattel's 2023 Barbie film, which addresses patriarchy, misogyny, and beauty standards. Continuing this trend, Mattel released a Filipina doll from the Barbie Signature collection as part of the Styled By Design series.

Designed by Carlyle Nuera, a Filipino-American and lead designer for Barbie Signature, the doll was made available to Barbie Fan Club members at mattelcreations.com on October 9 and to the general public on October 10.

Celebrating Filipino Heritage in Barbie

In an Instagram post, Mattel unveiled its newest doll inspired by Filipina haute couture. The doll has brown skin and wears a modern corset, a butterfly-sleeved terno, a malong skirt, and a sun crown adorned with sampaguita flowers, inspired by the sun motif on the Philippine flag.

There are also traditional design elements such as bakya (wooden clogs) with traditional house motifs and a sampaguita flower necklace symbolizing national heritage. Tribal tattoos on her arms and traditional jewelry such as janggay (metal fingernail extensions) and bracelets complete the doll's look, paying homage to the indigenous culture and traditions of the Philippines. This combination of elements offers a rich representation of the diversity of Filipino culture.

This latest edition also presents an authentic representation of Filipina features and traditions in the Barbie character. The doll has distinctive facial features, including almond-shaped eyes, brown skin, a prominent Asian nose and long, wavy dark hair, which are strongly identified with Filipina women.

Barbie's Filipino Designer Carlyle Nuera

This special edition Filipina Barbie was designed by Carlyle Nuera, a Filipino-American designer who has been with Mattel for 14 years and currently serves as Lead Designer for Barbie Signature.

Nuera, who has contributed to more than one hundred Barbie designs, has always prioritized diversity and cultural representation. With this doll, he elevates traditional Filipina fashion to haute couture as a tribute to his Asian-American heritage, according to the Mattel Creations website.

In an Instagram post, Carlyle Nuera expressed that designing the Filipina Barbie was an opportunity to create something meaningful for his community in the spirit of representation, acknowledging that his Filipino identity is an important part of who he is. He hopes this doll will make children feel seen, represented, inspired and proud. The Barbie line also gives designers the creative freedom to choose their artistic direction when creating designs.

The Sisterhood of Barbies

Carlyle also designed the 2015 Mutya Barbie. He sees the new Filipina Barbie as the "younger sister" of the Mutya Barbie, where the "older sister," Mutya, is portrayed as graceful and responsible.

The 2015 Mutya Barbie dazzled in a long pink Filipiniana with a sheer outer layer embroidered with floral patterns and adorned with gold jewelry. She also carried a gold fan as an accessory.

The new Filipina Barbie wears the same bracelet as Mutya Barbie, creating a bond between them. Unlike her elegant older sister, this new Barbie is the adventurous younger sibling who even borrows her sister's jewelry.

The latest Filipina Barbie edition is now available for pre-order on Mattel's official website, priced at $100.