Renowned Chilean-American author Isabel Allende, known for her powerful storytelling and trailblazing literary career, has been honored with her very own Barbie doll. Part of the Barbie “Inspiring Women” series, this collectible celebrates Allende’s enduring influence on generations of readers and writers. With a career spanning decades, Allende’s work has broken barriers, and now, through this doll, she continues to inspire young girls to dream big and pursue their passions. This tribute highlights not just her literary achievements, but her resilience and activism, reminding us all that storytelling can shape the world.
What Does Isabel Allende’s Barbie Look Like?
The Isabel Allende Inspiring Women doll exudes a powerful presence. She commands attention in a stunning red dress, draped with a flowing cape. Bold gold statement earrings, sleek black heels, and vibrant red lips complete her signature look – both bold and elegant. But this Barbie goes beyond fashion.
Two meaningful companions accompany her: Perla, her beloved dog who inspired Allende’s first children’s book, and a miniature replica of La Casa de los Espíritus, her internationally acclaimed debut novel written during her exile from Chile.
“The best part is the dog,” Allende tells TODAY.com, noting that Perla inspired her first children’s book.
Beyond the charming accessories, Allende sees a deeper meaning. “The doll represents the wish that every person, especially women, has of understanding their own life and telling their story”, says the 82-year-old author, who has written 28 books and sold more than 77 million copies.
The Barbie design team collaborated closely with Allende to create a doll that faithfully captures her likeness. However, the process had a surprisingly eerie twist.
“(Mattel) sent samples to the office with [sic] for the skin and the hair. It was funny, because we were not expecting it. And we’ve got a box with four bald, decapitated heads. And we said, ‘What is this?’ And that was the Barbie,” she recalls with a laugh during her interview with TODAY.com.
Initially, the toy company considered giving the doll Allende’s iconic bright white hair. “But it didn’t look good,” she admits.
“They decided it was better to use my former (hair) color, when I dyed it, because that was the time when I wrote The House of the Spirits. I suppose it’s also easier for young girls to connect, or to feel identified, with someone who does not have white hair,” she explains.
Why Isabel Allende Agreed to Join Barbie’s Inspiring Women Line of Dolls
For Isabel Allende, the decision to join Barbie’s Inspiring Women line, alongside trailblazing figures like Celia Cruz, Anna May Wong, Bessie Coleman, Wilma Mankiller, and Kristi Yamaguchi, was rooted in her desire to inspire girls.
“The whole point of this collection is to show girls that you can be anything you want,” she says.
Reflecting on Barbie’s evolution, Allende acknowledges the doll’s shift from its earlier image. “The Barbie of the old times wasn’t exactly the most feminist icon, and I was a raging feminist when I was young,” she recalls. But “everything has changed” for Barbie since then. “The image of Barbie has changed completely, and now it’s very empowering. But before, it wasn’t, in my opinion, when I was young.”
Born in 1942, Allende grew up in a conservative, Catholic society that offered few opportunities for women. “When I was growing up, there was no horizon for girls like me,” she explains. Her family focused on her brothers becoming professionals, despite her being an excellent student. “It wasn’t easy,” she adds.
Yet, Allende forged her own path. As the niece of Chilean socialist president Salvador Allende and the daughter of a diplomat, she grew up crossing borders, living in Chile, Bolivia, and Lebanon. In 1975, she fled Santiago during a military dictatorship and spent 13 years in exile in Venezuela and the United States.
“My life has been ups and downs, good and bad. I have been a refugee. I have been displaced all my life. I have had two divorces. My daughter died. There has been pain and loss, but also always love and joy and connections, friends, the beauty of nature. Dogs. I’ve always had dogs around, and that kept me joyful,” she says.
Looking at young women today, Allende sees more possibilities than ever. “Now you can be anything,” she says.
“Almost everything is possible if you put enough effort and discipline, and if you have help. Don’t think you can do everything alone because that’s not real. You need help in life. There are many helpers in life. Be connected.”
Allende encourages women to support one another. “Think of other women as your sisters,” she advises. “Whatever you do for yourself benefits everyone.”
Isabel Allende Guest Stars in The Barbie Podcast
Allende is featured as the second guest on The Barbie Podcast, in which she shared her journey of becoming one of the most widely read Spanish language authors in the world and a dedicated social rights activist. You can watch the episode below:
Launched on September 13th, The Barbie Podcast is an experiential show for kids with big dreams and curious minds. Co-produced by Barbie and Sony, the podcast is packed with inspirational stories, role models, and fun activities that kids and families can engage in to unlock limitless possibilities. Hosted by Barbie (aka “Malibu”) and Barbie (aka “Brooklyn”), the podcast features remarkable guests from all over the world who share their life, work, how they became trailblazers in their fields and offer wisdom to the next generation.
“I have been telling stories since I was a child. Stories have incredible power, they challenge our minds and touch our hearts, they connect us to other people and teach us that we are not alone in the journey of life. I celebrate the Barbie brand’s initiative to inspire the next generation with the stories of unsung heroes,” Allende said in a statement. “It’s an honor to be included in the Barbie Inspiring Women doll collection and to share my story in The Barbie Podcast. I want young kids to dream big. Everything is possible!”
Where to Buy Isabel Allende’s Barbie
The Isabel Allende Inspiring Women doll is now available for pre-sale on Mattel Shop for a suggested retail price of $35.