Mattel is celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday with a new Barbie doll inspired by one of the Hollywood icon’s most memorable looks from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Marilyn Monroe Barbie Signature Doll recreates the actress’s glamorous appearance from the famous “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” musical number in the 1953 film.
It marks the seventh Barbie designed in Monroe’s likeness.
The collectible doll features Monroe in a hot pink gown with an oversized bow at the back, opera gloves and sparkling diamond jewellery around her neck, wrists and ears.
Developed with input from The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC, the doll was released on August 18 and is aimed primarily at collectors and Monroe fans.
This is not the first time Mattel has recreated Monroe’s famous Gentlemen Prefer Blondes look.
In 1997, the company released a Marilyn Monroe doll wearing a baby pink satin gown as part of its Hollywood Legends Collection.
The latest version offers a more dazzling interpretation of the iconic costume, with brighter colours and elaborate accessories.
The doll arrives two months after Monroe’s 100th birthday and two weeks after the 64th anniversary of her death.
It is also the second celebrity-inspired Barbie released by Mattel this month, following the Whitney Houston Barbie on 8 August.
The new Barbie is among several events and releases marking Monroe’s centenary.
In Palm Springs, more than 1,000 fans dressed as Monroe in her famous white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch to celebrate her birthday, set a Guinness World Record and raise funds for LGBTQ+ charities.
Meanwhile, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is hosting Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon until February 2027.
The exhibition features Monroe’s personal belongings and costumes, including the original pink dress designed by William Travilla for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
The 73-year-old gown remains one of the most recognisable costumes associated with Monroe and has become a centrepiece of the centennial exhibition celebrating the enduring legacy of the Hollywood legend.
