By John Hayden
When you see Laverne Cox’s brilliant, bright smile, you can’t help but smile back. When you see her new Barbie doll, you can’t help but beam with pride.
The iconic doll franchise is once again making history with its first trans doll. The Laverne Cox edition coincides with her 50th birthday.
Cox worked closely with Mattel’s creative team making sure every detail reflected her sense of pride and style.
“I can’t wait for fans to find my doll on shelves and have the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modeled after a transgender person to their collection,” Cox said when it was released. “I hope that people can look at this Barbie and dream big like I have in my career. The space of dreaming and manifesting is such a powerful source and leads you to achieve more than what you originally thought was possible.”
Cox has been a role model in the trans community, and the LGBTQA+ community overall, for years. Her breakout role on Orange Is the New Black brought her to national attention. A fan petition to make her a part of the Barbie Collection was started in 2018.
Once Mattel decided it was a great idea, they paired Cox with Carlye Nuera, their lead designer for the Barbie Signature Collection.
In an interview with InTheHeartStories.com, he said, “Barbies allow people to feel seen and represented, whether it’s because of the doll’s skin tone, facial features, body type, hair texture/style, or just the fashion’s vibe.”
From the doll’s skin tone to fashion, Nuera and Cox obsessed over every detail. In the end, it took 18 months for the designing duo to get everything just right.
Mattel praises the collaboration as the creation is a perfect product at the perfect moment.
“As a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and the first transgender woman of color to have a leading role on a scripted TV show, Laverne Cox uses her voice to amplify the message of moving beyond societal expectations to live more authentically. She wears a triple-threat original design, featuring a deep red tulle gown gracefully draped over a dazzling, silver metallic bodysuit. Her hair is swept into glamorous Hollywood waves while dramatic makeup completes her look.”
Laverne Cox’s Barbie is $40, and a portion of the proceeds goes to TransFamilySOS, a cause close to Cox’s heart. You can find the doll at Target, Walmart, and on Amazon.
