I squealed with glee as I pulled the Vogue Italia Black Barbie Issue from the shelf at my favorite magazine cafe. Growing up I lived vicariously through Barbie. She was my window into adult life, my voice into fashion, and an outlet for drama and glam that was hard to come by as a girl. With Barbie turning 51 years young and Black Barbie turning 31, I wonder what the future holds for the 11.5 inch icon. Mattel's Richard Dickson says, "...I'd like to use her potential to launch useful messages that make people think. I'd like her to start being a voice in the world and for the world, making statements."
To that I say "Hello, Dolly"!
images scanned from The Barbie Issue Vogue Italia--July 2009
Click here to view the whole issue.