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Doll-ightful! Anna Sui Becomes an Inspiring Women Barbie

May 1, 2025

Aldo Araujo

01 / 04

Anna Sui

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month, Mattel Inc’s Barbie brand is honoring one of the world’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers, Anna Sui, with an Inspiring Women Barbie doll.

The self-made CFDA member defined ‘90s grunge chic; her bohemian, bold and eclectic designs have won countless awards, and she remains an influence in global fashion history, representing American design excellence in the highest regard.

Now, Sui’s legacy is immortalized in a collectible doll which perfectly captures her essence—her signature red lips and black-winged eyeliner, her personal signature jewelry pieces, and a dress and boots from her 2007 collection.

“I’ve been a Barbie fan since childhood, and dressing Barbie played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for fashion. I spent countless hours designing looks for my dolls with fabric scraps leftover from my mom’s sewing projects—it was a creative outlet that encouraged me to follow my dreams,” Sui said. “I know my younger self would be incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope my doll inspires fans to embrace curiosity, nurture their creativity, and dream without limits.”

Amongst other Barbie’s from the Inspiring Women Series are Ida B. Wells, Dr. Jane Goodall, Madam C.J. Walker, Dr. Maya Angelou, Helen Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, and Rosa Parks, deservedly elevating Sui, a first-generation Chinese American designer, into the ranks of heroines who have inspired and changed the world for good.

In further celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the Barbie Dream Gap Project will donate to APEX for Youth in partnership with Anna Sui, a charity close to her heart and working in the NYC community around her. Apex for Youth works to empower underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Through programming focusing on health and well-being, education, and community engagement, their volunteers support and mentor students of all ages to build the next generation of tomorrow’s change makers.

The Anna Sui Inspiring Women Barbie Doll will be available for pre-sale on Mattel Shop and annasui.com starting May 1st.

AAPI Heritage Month
Anna Sui
Barbie

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