Shiona Turini is known for working with some of the biggest stars, and being a part of some of the biggest films when it comes to costume design. Now she had collaborated with Barbie to make her mark during Black History Month.
Shiona, who is known to work with big stars such as Beyoncé, Solange, Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, and many others, used her talents as she teamed up with Style Barbie to design some amazing looks for the dolls as 2020 officially marks 40 years since the first Black Barbie was released.
According to People, the four-part campaign features a variety of dolls that celebrate diversity as they rock the super stylish looks. There is a doll in a wheelchair, another doll rocking an afro, while another doll rocks a head full of braids. With more than 20 looks, Shiona says that the campaign is rooted in the idea of “community and sisterhood.”
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There is an all-black collection, where Shiona says she was inspired by the all-black activists in history. The next collection is a monochromatic collection, where there is a printed-green backdrop that helps the clothes on the dolls pop.
The all-red collection was inspired by the first Black Barbie, which released back in 1980, and the final collection was inspired by the clothes from the 2019 film “Queen & Slim,” which Shiona designed for.
She took to social media to express her excitement for the collection and said, “I grew up obsessed with @barbie and while she was one of my first fashion icons, I clearly remember searching shelves for a doll that looked like me and coming up empty-handed. The first black Barbie was introduced in 1980 – in a sparkly red dress with an Afro pick in her hair. Here she is, on her customized throne, surrounded by friends created and styled by me. I hope other young children, and adult Barbie lovers, are as excited to see themselves reflected in these dolls as I am.”
Take a look at all four of the collections here.
Source: https://people.com/style/shiona-turini-styles-barbie-digital-campaign/
TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
