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Barbie launches its first-ever Diwali doll in collaboration with Indian designer Anita Dongre; Here’s how to use it

Barbie launches its first-ever Diwali doll in collaboration with Indian designer Anita Dongre; Here’s how to use it

The new Barbie doll will grace grand Diwali celebrations around the world, especially in India.

The newest Barbie Signature figure will feature traditional Indian elements such as a patterned lehenga skirt, a floral vest known as a koti, and a crop top called a choli.(

On Friday, ahead of India’s biggest festival of lights, Mattel launched a special Diwali Barbie doll dressed by Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. Diwali will be celebrated on October 31 this year.

The latest Barbie Signature figure features traditional Indian elements such as a patterned lehenga skirt, a floral vest known as a koti, and a crop top called a choli.

According to Mattel, the exclusive Barbie doll is dressed in a “Moonlight Bloom set consisting of a floral Koti vest, choli top and lehenga skirt decorated with dahlias, jasmine and Indian lotus – symbols of strength and beauty.” Furthermore, sparkling earrings and gold bracelets were added to the ensemble to “reflect the radiant lights of the festival.”

Mattel further stated that Dongre’s work, including Barbie’s gorgeous look, “beautifully combines modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.”

Here’s what Anita Dongre has to say about her exciting Barbie project

“On the occasion of Diwali, Barbie and I encourage fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture,” Dongre said in a press release.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Dongres said, “I didn’t have a chance to own Barbie because it wasn’t available in India when I was a child. But it’s an amazing feeling to be able to design your own Barbie. This is my first doll and it’s really special to finally have a Barbie that I designed!”

She further revealed that she was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Indian design to the world when Mattel asked her to collaborate on the Barbie Diwali doll. “I am particularly excited to bring Diwali, a truly global celebration, to the forefront.”

Read also: Barbie movie review: Greta Gerwig has fun with clever satire, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have great fun

Earlier this week, the fashion designer told USA TODAY that it took over a year to design the outfit and create multiple prototypes before she settled on a dark blue ensemble with Dongre’s signature print, inspired by nature.

Dongre mentioned that she had eight to ten designs because she wanted the Barbie set to appeal to all girls around the world, which is why the top is a modern interpretation of the “Rajasthani koti” and the length resembles a skirt.

How to use Barbie doll Diwali

Customers will receive the doll in a huge box, in the color of Barbie’s dress, decorated with characteristic Dongre motifs.

Starting October 4, major retailers like Target, Amazon and Walmart, as well as Mattel’s website, will be selling the Barbie Diwali doll for $40.