New Year according to the lunar calendar 2024 with Barbie!

In celebration of cultural richness and artistic expression, Barbie takes a graceful leap into the heart of Chinese tradition by releasing themed dolls each year around the Lunar New Year. Celebrating 2024 Lunar New Year Barbie dressed in a traditional xifu costume inspired by the fascinating world of Peking Opera, this doll embodies the essence of a cultural treasure, bringing to life the magic and elegance of celebrating the Lunar New Year.
The doll is now available for order on the Mattel Creations website only for club members and only one copy in hand!

A symphony of colors and symbols

Barbie's charming outfit showcases a traditional xifu costume in a vibrant shade of lucky red, embellished with a vibrant peony print. Peony, often revered as the "king of flowers" in Chinese culture, symbolizes good luck and prosperity. The choice of red, a color associated with luck and happiness, adds an auspicious touch to Barbie's ensemble, making her a carrier of positive energy and joy.

Spectacular water sleeves, a key feature of Peking Opera costumes, not only enhance the visual appeal, but also create exciting hand movements and expressions reminiscent of the stage. Attention to detail is evident in every stitch and fold, conveying the essence of a cultural art form.

Finishing off the look is an exquisite headpiece, carefully crafted with peony accents, ruby red jewels and regal gold detailing. This crown-style accessory is reminiscent of Peking Opera's Peony Pavilion, a classic often referred to as the Romeo and Juliet of the East. The intricate design of the headdress reflects the aesthetics of the robe, creating a harmonious and visually stunning ensemble.

To bring a modern touch to this traditional outfit, Barbie wears blue shoes decorated with playful pink pom-poms, adding a modern touch to her overall look. This combination of classical and modern elements reflects the versatility and timelessness of Chinese cultural traditions.

In addition to the exciting design, the Barbie Lunar New Year Doll 2024 pays tribute to the rich tradition of the Lunar New Year holiday. This important holiday, which is celebrated on the first new moon and ends on the first full moon according to the lunar calendar, is a time for families to gather together, have dinner and welcome the new year with joy and positivity. Barbie becomes a cultural ambassador, bringing the spirit of this holiday to homes around the world.

This stunning creation is the brainchild of designer Joyce Chen, whose inspiration for the doll's costume comes from Peking Opera's Peony Pavilion. Joyce shares, “I was inspired by the costumes from the Peking Opera play, also known as Romeo and Juliet in the East. The intricate details and bright colors of the traditional xifu costume, combined with the symbolic peony motif, allowed me to create a doll that not only reflects the essence of Chinese culture, but also celebrates the beauty of the Lunar New Year."

The attention to detail in the Lunar 2024 Barbie doll is nothing short of impressive. The crown-style headdress, an essential accessory in Peking Opera costumes, is embellished with ruby red jewels, royal gold detailing and peonies that reflect the design of the robe. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures that every aspect of the puppet reflects the cultural significance and artistic beauty of the Peking Opera tradition.

The Barbie Lunar New Year Doll 2024 is not just a collectible, but a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression. Barbie turns into a canvas, embodying the timeless beauty of Peking Opera and the bright traditions of the Lunar New Year. As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, Barbie is a symbol of unity, positivity and the enduring appeal of cultural heritage.