For International Women’s Day, Mattel introduced eight unique Barbie dolls celebrating female friendship. The collection features notable duos including U.S. Olympic gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, British actors Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, Australian tennis champions Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty, and Brazilian disability advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira. These dolls, part of Barbie’s Role Model series, aim to inspire girls by honoring remarkable women. Notably, the dolls are one-of-a-kind and not for sale. This release aims to recognize and promote the importance of female bonds and achievements.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Mattel presented eight new Barbie dolls that honor female companionship.
These dolls highlight the theme of female friendship and empowerment.
- Mattel introduced eight limited-edition Barbie dolls for International Women’s Day, celebrating female camaraderie.
- The dolls are inspired by gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, disability advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira, and others.
- Stars of “Ted Lasso,” Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, also inspired one of the pairs.
Mattel has introduced eight exclusive Barbie dolls that celebrate the significance of female friendship, perfectly timed for International Women’s Day on March 8.
The new dolls feature four pairs, including U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalists Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, and British actresses Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple. These dolls are part of Barbie’s Role Model series, which honors extraordinary women to inspire girls around the globe. They are not available for purchase.
Here’s what you need to know about these special edition friendship Barbie dolls.
Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey
Jordan Chiles, 23, and Jade Carey, 24, are U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalists. Both were vital members of the U.S. gold-medaling gymnastics team during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Last year’s gold medal was Chiles’ inaugural Olympic medal. During the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, she contributed to the U.S. team’s silver medal win.
Earlier this year, Chiles published her memoir, “I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams,” detailing her journey to Olympic success.
Carey won her first gold medal in the floor exercise final during the 2020 Summer Olympics. She also earned a bronze medal in the vault final during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple
Hannah Waddingham, 50, and Juno Temple, 35, are British actresses renowned for their roles in Apple TV’s acclaimed series “Ted Lasso.”
Waddingham is also recognized for portraying Septa Unella in “Game of Thrones” and her recent role as Mother Witch in “Hocus Pocus 2.” Temple is famous for her performances as Dot Lyon in “Fargo” and Thistlewit in the Disney film “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019).
The two actresses became close friends after meeting in the restroom following the initial “Ted Lasso” read-through, forming a bond cherished by the entertainment community.
During a Variety interview with Waddingham, Temple stated, “It’s like having a connection that feels like a safe space, regardless of the situation. She’s my comfort zone; when I make eye contact with her, I feel at home.”
Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, 73, and Ashleigh “Ash” Barty, 28, are celebrated former Australian tennis champions.
Throughout her professional journey that commenced in 1965, Goolagong Cawley amassed 120 titles, including four Australian Open championships, one French Open title, and two Wimbledon wins, as noted by the Tennis Hall of Fame. She reached the U.S. Open finals four times and was ranked as the world’s No. 1 in women’s singles in 1976 before retiring in 1983.
Barty, who launched her career in 2010, has also captured several titles, including three Grand Slam singles titles. In 2019, she became the second Australian female to hold the title of world No. 1 in women’s singles by the Women’s Tennis Association. Barty announced her retirement in 2022.
Both Goolagong Cawley and Barty are the only Australian women to have won the Australian Open and have forged a close friendship, with Goolagong Cawley serving as Barty’s mentor for several years. In 2022, she surprised Barty by personally presenting her with the Australian Open trophy.
“Experiencing such a significant moment together, on such a spectacular court, during a tournament that means the world to us,” Barty reflected in an interview with Marie Claire Australia in 2022.
Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira
Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira are notable Brazilian advocates for disability rights.
In 2014, Antonini fell victim to a drunk-driving incident, resulting in the amputation of her left leg. To inspire others, she founded Instituto Paola Antonini in 2020, a charity dedicated to providing rehabilitation for individuals with physical disabilities through donations of prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, and rehabilitation supplies. The institute also offers psychological and physiotherapy support.
Kelen Ferreira, who was affected by the tragic fire at Brazil’s Kiss nightclub in January 2013, sustained severe third-degree burns on significant portions of her body, including her arms and hands. Her right leg was amputated below the knee due to the severe injuries caused by the fire, which claimed more than 240 lives.
Antonini and Ferreira developed a friendship after Antonini portrayed Ferreira in the drama series “The Endless Night,” which recounts the events of the nightclub fire.
Are the friendship Barbie dolls for sale?
No, these eight Role Model Dolls were uniquely crafted for each of the women. They are not available for purchase.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Connect with her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Have a story idea? Reach out via email at [email protected].