Barbie is celebrating Black History Month in a fashionable manner. The renowned Mattel brand has collaborated with the fashion label Cross Colours for a series of editorial-style posts on the @BarbieStyle Instagram account.
Cross Colours gained prominence in the 1990s and was favored by influential figures like Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Dr. Dre, TLC, Will Smith, and the cast of In Living Color. According to a press release from Cross Colours, the joint editorial series by these two influential fashion brands aims to “celebrate positivity, inclusivity, and the ethos of Cross Colours, clothing without prejudice.”
“We are privileged to collaborate with Mattel and their exceptional team to introduce the Cross Colours Barbie and the Cross Colours Ken on BarbieStyle. Our brand advocates for Clothing Without Prejudice, which champions diversity and inclusion. We believe this collaboration is an ideal platform to amplify our message. Additionally, we believe these dolls epitomize style,” remarked Cross Colours founders Carl Jones and TJ Walker in the same press release.
They continued, expressing their views on Black History Month as a symbol of freedom to pursue their passions every day, inspired by past Black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Malcolm X. They emphasized their commitment to representing the freedom these leaders fought for – the freedom to express oneself. They highlighted how their work positively impacts and inspires communities, a significant aspect of their contribution.
Jones and Walker also praised Barbie’s influential role over its 65-year history, impacting countless individuals worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or race.
“This collaboration holds immense importance for us in the history of the Cross Colours brand. Barbie and her universe now represent individuals of diverse shapes, sizes, and colors, embodying our core mission: Clothing (and in this instance, ‘play’) Without Prejudice,” they added.
The @BarbieStyle Instagram page shared a series of photos featuring three melanated Barbie dolls adorned in classic Cross Colours attire. The ensembles include denim two-piece sets paired with vibrant hoodies and matching bucket hats, oversized denim jackets combined with one-piece jumpsuits and knee-high boots, and the trademark red, green, black, and yellow sweatsuit sported by the Ken doll, accompanied by a matching bomber jacket.
The Cross Colours pieces showcased in the editorial can be purchased at CrossColours.com.
