Marilyn Monroe’s influence has endured long after her death, shaping the worlds of film, fashion, and popular culture. Now, Barbie is celebrating that lasting legacy with a new doll created to mark what would have been the Hollywood icon’s 100th birthday.
Barbie brings Marilyn Monroe’s Hollywood glamour back to life
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, Monroe rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable stars of the 20th century. Her career spanned music and acting, with memorable roles in films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, Don’t Bother to Knock, The Misfits, and Some Like It Hot — a role that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.
Yet her true legacy extends far beyond her silver-screen charm. Monroe was a visionary entrepreneur who defied studio expectations, making history in 1955 as one of the first women in Hollywood to launch her own independent outfit, Marilyn Monroe Productions. It is this multi-dimensional legacy of ambition, artistry, and self-determination that Mattel is honoring for her centennial year.
A Barbie inspired by Marilyn’s most dazzling look
To capture the magic of Monroe’s most celebrated musical performance, Mattel worked hand-in-hand with The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC throughout every stage of development.
The final result recreates her show-stopping look from the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend musical sequence in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes — the 1953 film that solidified her global stardom.
The doll wears a floor-length, bold pink satin dress featuring a sleek silhouette and a statement oversized bow at the back, recreating the glamorous spirit of Monroe’s satin gown from the movie. Dramatic matching evening gloves paired with brilliant, sparkling simulated diamond jewelry complete the ensemble, giving the collector doll the unmistakable Hollywood glamour associated with the actress.
Rather than simply reproducing Monroe’s appearance, the overall design is intended to capture the enduring influence of the star’s fashion and screen presence.
“Barbie has a rich history of celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s legendary style as both a fashion icon and beloved actress,” said Robert Best, Vice President and Dolls Design Creative Director at Mattel. “As we celebrate her 100th birthday, we designed this doll as an homage to Marilyn, drawing inspiration from the pink satin gown and dazzling diamonds she wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. More than a tribute to this unforgettable look, we are honoring Marilyn as a pioneer — a savvy producer, a businesswoman and a boundary-breaking artist — and this doll celebrates the totality of her incredible legacy.”
A growing collection of Marilyn Monroe Barbie dolls
While this centennial release marks a major milestone, it also builds on a rich tradition of collaborations between the iconic movie star and the famed doll maker. Between 1997 and 2009, Barbie released several highly sought-after Marilyn Monroe tribute dolls, highlighting her greatest cinematic fashion moments:
- Barbie as Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch (1997)
- Barbie as Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in Pink Dress (1997)
- Barbie as Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in Red Dress (1997)
- Marilyn Monroe Barbie Doll #1 (2001)
- Marilyn How to Marry a Millionaire Barbie Doll Gift Set (2002)
- Barbie Doll as Marilyn Monroe Blonde Ambition Collection, Pink Label Collection (2009)
The latest doll continues that tradition while giving collectors another interpretation of one of Monroe’s most enduring looks.
Where to buy the new Marilyn Monroe Barbie doll
Collectors and Marilyn Monroe fans won’t have to wait long to add the latest doll to their collections. The $81 Marilyn Monroe Barbie Signature Doll is now available at major U.S. retailers, including Amazon.
Given the high demand for historical Barbie Signature releases and the nationwide centennial celebrations surrounding Monroe’s 100th birthday, fans are advised to secure theirs early while supplies last.
Source:
People