The 2012 I Want To Be... President Barbie doll can stand upright in her pink wedge heels
It may not be the first Barbie to have run for the U.S. presidency but it is certainly Mattel’s most capable candidate.
The American toy giant has released an ‘I Can Be… President’ Barbie, the first doll in 53 years of production that is able to stand straight on her feet without assistance.
The advance in design is thanks to a pair of wedge-heeled, magnet-filled shoes that have been securely strapped to the plastic doll’s miniature feet.
Dressed in a bright pink power suit, it has been created by fashion designer Chris Benz. Not so coincidentally, Benz has also dressed America’s First lady Michelle Obama in the past.
The new Barbie will be available in stores in August but fans may reserve the doll through an online pre-sale which is already up and running.
The American designer, who sported an appropriate bright pink hair do at today’s official launch in New York, said that the design for the inventive new shoes were based on the sling-back platform wedges from his spring 2011 collection.
He told Today.com that there wasn’t much difference between designing for a female doll and real women.
‘It’s actually the same process. You’re taking into consideration the things she already has and doesn’t have, where she’s going to be going.’
In the case of the new Barbie, an Oval Office-appropriate outfit was required.
Mr Benz told Today.com that he wanted to pay homage to the dolls he once played with at his grandmother’s house in the Eighties. They had featured big hair, bright hues and smart suits.
By adding elements of his own design work, which is often described as classic American sportswear, Mr Benz was able to create a look that ‘seems comfortable but powerful.’
The tiny skirt suit’s jacket was taken further into theme through its ruffled American flag trim.
A president-themed Barbie has been released during every major American election since 1992. The first Barbie to have campaigned was dressed in a blue, red and white ball gown and high heels.
Fashion designer Chris Benz created the outfit for the 2012 I Want To Be... President Barbie - a pink pencil skirt suit with red, white and blue piping
The designer said: ‘We love the idea that she should paint the White House pink. It would be a major accomplishment.’
The 1992 I Want To Be... President Barbie wore a star-spangled ballgown but by 2004 she had moved on to a snappy slim-fitting trouser suit
The ‘I Can Be… President’ Barbie is one of many Barbies that have been designed to inspire young girls who are beginning to think about future careers.
It is also available in African-American, Hispanic and Asian versions.
A CAREER CHAMELEON: BARBIE'S GUISES THROUGH THE YEARS...
Barbie isn't just a pretty face. Since her introduction in 1959, the doll has held down many different careers over the years.
The career Barbie represents a woman with choices, instead of settling for only being Ken's girlfriend with a great wardrobe. Some of her specialised industries have included education, medicine, military, political, public service and creative.
Multiple roles: Barbie was an airline pilot in 1990 and a firefighter in 1985
From nurse to rock star, veterinarian to aerobics instructor, pilot to police officer, Barbie's career choices have inspired children since the Sixties.
In 1965 she became an astronaut, four years before man walked on the moon.
In the Eighties she took to the boardroom as CEO Barbie, and in the mid- Nineties she ran for President for the first time.
Barbie was a pet store owner, complete with multiple tiny dogs, in 2008 and played the lead role of Clara in The Nutcracker ballet the same year
The doll has also been a news anchor, a chef and a lifeguard
Each Barbie is also sold with sets of clothes and accessories that fit her specialised career. For example, Lifeguard Barbie comes with a lifeguard chair, dolphin, and a life preserver, while the Spanish Teacher Barbie includes flash cards, a Spanish quiz, an easel, a notebook, a key chain, and a hairbrush.
This year Barbie also takes on a few famous personas, such as the iconic Grace Kelly, Cher and Farah Fawcett, as well as the new Aussie Barbie, complete with a dress inspired by the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
A big-haired Rock Star Barbie made an appearance in 1986; last year she got a fashion-forward makeover with tattoos and pink hair by Japanese-inspired brand Tokidoki
Barbie impersonated Farrah Fawcett's most famous pose in a red swimsuit last year (top) and singer Cher in a racy bondage-inspired get-up in 2007 (bottom)
The late Princess of Monaco got three tribute Barbies last year, including the To Catch A Thief doll (top) and the Bride doll (bottom)
Fancy dresses: Aussie Barbie wears a gown inspired by the Sydney Opera House (top) while for her 45th anniversary, Barbie got a new designer creation by Bob Mackie (bottom)
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