Madam C.J. Walker Barbie Inspirational Woman Doll with Accessories and Doll Stand, Gift for Collectors and Children from 6 Years

Product Information

Mattel's "Inspiring Women Series" has previously included Ida B. Wells, Ella Fitzgerald and Maya Angelou, among others. A'Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter who wrote her biography, said it's exciting to see Walker honored alongside these figures.

The Madam C.J. Walker doll features a rendition of the entrepreneur wearing a floral printed blouse and turquoise skirt and holding her original product, “Wonderful Hair Grower.” For Mattel, the toy is an opportunity to inspire children to break boundaries and educate them about Walker’s trailblazing career. It was a joy to work with Barbie on the design and creation of an Inspiring Women doll made in the likeness of my great-great grandmother, Madam C.J. Walker,” said Bundles in the statement. Nuera said he made sure to capture Walker’s essence with his design by incorporating her favorite colors into the doll’s clothes, along with incorporating Walker’s hair care products. Walker’s Barbie wears a ruffled purple blouse paired with a blue full-length skirt and holds a miniature Wonderful Hair Grower accessory in her hands. Nuera said he also collaborated with members of Walker’s family during the design process.What's everyone talking about?: Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day We wanted to focus on the fact that she manufactured hair care products and to make to make the young people and the adults who love it think about her being a businesswoman," Bundles said. Madam C.J. Walker Barbie® doll is sculpted to her likeness and features articulation for endless posing possibilities and inspired displays. Because Walker was known for her hair care and cosmetics products, the team knew that needed to be a part of the overall presentation as well. “I wanted to capture Walker in a time in her life where she was selling her Wonderful Hair Grower, at public meetings and private home demonstrations – the true spirit of self-made,” Carlyle says. “So the doll even comes with a mini tin of her Wonderful Hair Grower!” A new doll from Barbie’s inspiring women series honors Madam C.J. Walker, whose hair care business made her the first documented self-made female millionaire.

Walker was also a washerwoman for many years, Bundles said, signaling that she knew fabric and loved clothes.It's still very special to me that Madam Walker is part of a Barbie series because I know Barbie is international and reaches millions of people," she said. "So, it just really gives her a new exposure to an entirely new generation as well as the longtime Barbie collectors who are very passionate about it."