Mattel Celebrates Female Friendship with Unique Barbie Role Models
In a heartwarming tribute to female camaraderie and achievement, Mattel has unveiled eight extraordinary, one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls. This inspiring collection, launched just ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, celebrates the profound importance of female friendships and honors exceptional women who serve as role models for girls worldwide. The dolls, part of Barbie’s prestigious Role Model series, are not intended for sale but rather as symbolic gestures of recognition and inspiration.
The collection showcases four remarkable duos, each representing a powerful bond of friendship and shared success. These pairings include U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalists Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, British actors Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, former Australian professional tennis champions Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ashleigh "Ash" Barty, and Brazilian disability advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira. Each doll is meticulously crafted to reflect the unique features and personalities of the women they represent.
Gymnastics Greats: Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey
Jordan Chiles, 23, and Jade Carey, 24, are celebrated for their exceptional athletic achievements and their unwavering support for one another. Both were integral members of the U.S. gold-medaling gymnastics team during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
For Chiles, the 2024 gold medal marked a pinnacle in her career. Prior to this victory, she contributed to the U.S. team’s silver medal win at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Chiles has also shared her personal journey in her memoir, "I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams." The book offers an intimate look into her path to the Olympic stage, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way.
Carey, a formidable gymnast in her own right, secured her first gold medal during the 2020 Summer Olympics in the floor exercise final. She further solidified her Olympic legacy by earning a bronze medal in the vault final during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Her dedication and perseverance have made her an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
"Ted Lasso" Besties: Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple
Hannah Waddingham, 50, and Juno Temple, 35, are acclaimed British actors whose friendship blossomed on the set of Apple TV’s hit series "Ted Lasso." Waddingham is also known for her captivating roles as Septa Unella in "Game of Thrones" and Mother Witch in "Hocus Pocus 2." Temple has garnered recognition for her performances as Dot Lyon in the television series "Fargo" and Thistlewit in the 2019 Disney film "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil."
Their connection transcended the professional realm, evolving into a deep and supportive friendship. As Temple eloquently described in a Variety interview alongside Waddingham, "It starts with feeling truly like if anything happened, whether it be good, bad, catastrophic, she’s a safe space as long as I connect with her, like just make eye contact with her. She feels like home." Their bond has resonated with audiences, solidifying their status as one of the entertainment industry’s most beloved friendships.
Tennis Legends: Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ashleigh "Ash" Barty
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, 73, and Ashleigh "Ash" Barty, 28, are celebrated as former Australian professional tennis champions who share not only a passion for the sport but also a close personal connection.
Goolagong Cawley’s illustrious career, which commenced in 1965, saw her amass an impressive 120 career titles. Her triumphs include four Australian Open victories, one French Open title, and two Wimbledon championships, as documented by the Tennis Hall of Fame. She also reached the finals of the U.S. Open on four occasions. In 1976, Goolagong Cawley achieved the pinnacle of her sport, earning the world No. 1 ranking in women’s singles by the Women’s Tennis Association. She retired from professional tennis in 1983.
Barty, whose professional career began in 2010, has also achieved remarkable success, securing multiple titles, including three Grand Slam singles championships. She followed in Goolagong Cawley’s footsteps, becoming the second Australian woman to be ranked as the world No. 1 in women’s singles by the Women’s Tennis Association in 2019. Barty retired from the sport in 2022.
Beyond their shared accomplishments on the court, Goolagong Cawley and Barty share a close friendship. Goolagong Cawley served as Barty’s mentor for many years, providing guidance and support. In a touching moment in 2022, Goolagong Cawley surprised Barty by presenting her with the Australian Open trophy. "To be able to experience that together on such a big occasion, on such a beautiful court, and in a tournament that means so much to both of us," Barty told Marie Claire Australia in 2022, highlighting the significance of their bond.
Disability Advocates: Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira
Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira, both Brazilian disability advocates, are recognized for their resilience, advocacy, and friendship.
In 2014, Antonini’s life was profoundly altered when she was involved in a drunk-driving accident, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg. Determined to inspire others facing similar challenges, Antonini founded Instituto Paola Antonini in 2020. The charity is dedicated to providing rehabilitation services for individuals with physical disabilities through donations of prosthetics, orthoses, wheelchairs, and rehabilitation accessories. The institute also offers psychological and physiotherapy support.
Ferreira’s life was forever changed by a devastating fire at Brazil’s Kiss nightclub in January 2013, which claimed the lives of over 240 people. Ferreira, who was present at the nightclub that night, suffered third-degree burns on over 20% of her body, including her arms and hands, as reported by the BBC. Her right leg was amputated below the knee due to necrosis, a type of cell death, caused by her shoe becoming fused to her foot from the intense heat. At the time of the fire, Ferreira was 21 years old.
Antonini and Ferreira’s friendship blossomed after Antonini portrayed Ferreira in the drama television series "The Endless Night," which depicted the tragic nightclub fire. Their shared experiences and commitment to advocacy have forged a strong and enduring bond.
These extraordinary Barbie Role Model dolls serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of female friendships, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. While these dolls are not available for purchase, their message of empowerment and inspiration will undoubtedly resonate with girls and women around the world.
