Barbie is honoring Mexican musical legend, fashion icon and all around creative extraordinaire Juan Gabriel with a new doll full of easter eggs.
"Juan Gabriel expressed his love for Mexico through fashion as well as song," says the official Mattel website, highlighting the "charismatic style" displayed by El Divo de Juarez.
A beloved figure in Latin America, Juan Gabriel released more than 30 studio albums and composed over 1,500 songs throughout his 40+ year his career. The six-time Grammy nominee won over people's hearts with hits like "Hasta que te conocí," "Querida," and "No tengo dinero," the first song he ever recorded at 21.
The latest addition to Mattel's Barbie Signature Music Series features a bold black and gold bolero jacket, reminiscent of Juanga's mariachi outfit during one of his most memorable performances; his 1990's concert in El Palacio de Bellas Artes, in Mexico City. This iconic presentation is regarded as the "apotheosis" of his career, cementing his importance as a popular music artist in a scenario typically reserved for "high culture."
The Juan Gabriel-inspired doll was designed by Angel Kent, a young toy designer originally from Mexico City. He also designed the prop mariachi band that accompanied Barbie in the official promo photo shoot, inspired by the classic off-white mariachi outfits with deep-red bows worn by Juan Gabriel's band during his Bellas Artes show.
"I am in love with this representation of my Mexican Culture. Barbie and the mariachis are full of character," Kent said in a story posted to his Instagram account.
Under Kent's direction, the doll features brown skin and slightly smaller eyes in "Odile" style, or almond-shaped mermaid eyes, painted by face designer Minh-Tam Nguyen.
"Thank you Barbie for the opportunity and Juan Gabriel's estate for their trust in me. Viva México," said Kent.
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