The Aaliyah Barbie doll has become an instant collector’s item, selling out just hours after its release on January 16th, what would have been the late singer’s 46th birthday. As of Thursday afternoon, the doll is listed as sold out on Mattel’s website. The Barbie Instagram account shared a post celebrating the addition to the Barbie Music Series, writing, “Today on Aaliyah’s birthday, Barbie honors the Princess of R&B’s unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent.” The post continued, “A rising star who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, the Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations.”
The doll is inspired by Aaliyah’s look in the “One in a Million” music video. It features a sleeveless faux leather vest, a black faux leather crop top, silver-studded pants, black aviator sunglasses, and armbands. Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah’s brother, worked closely with Mattel on the project and was “blown away” by the final design. He shared with TODAY.com that his sister would have loved the doll’s edgy look, noting that her favorite color was “all black.” Haughton explained, “It’s still tight fitting, it’s still a little bit sexy. But it’s pants so it brings that power and that confidence and expression. It really just checked all the boxes of what my sister represents and also what Barbie represents, which is empowerment and expression.”
The doll was initially available for $55 to Mattel’s Barbie Club 59 members. It will be released at Target on January 26 for $55.99. Aaliyah’s album One in a Million was certified double platinum within a year of its 1996 release. Her influence on R&B and fashion continues to resonate today, with Mattel stating, “Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and innovative sound helped shape ’90s R&B, and her influence on music and fashion continues to be felt today.”
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