It’s 2009 and Barbie has a few new friends in her clique! For the first time in history, Mattel is launching a new African-American line of dolls called So In Style (S.I.S.). The new fly girls on the block: Grace, Kara and Trichelle are all BFFs who live for fashion. But the stylish trio are also grounded and mentor their little sisters Kianna, Courney and Janesa by introducing them to activities in art, music and sports. The designer of the collection Stacey McBride-Irby (illustrated above) is a talented Black woman who has designed for Mattel over a decade and also has a five year-old daughter.
The S.I.S. doll line features a more authentic-looking African-American doll from Mattel. The doll’s facial features include fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair. ESSENCE.com spoke exclusively to McBride-Irby and here’s what she had to say about S.I.S, “Barbie inspired me to realize my dream of becoming a designer. I want to share that same excitement and experience with other African American moms and girls.” says McBride-Irby who also designed last year’s Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. centennial doll. The S.I.S. Barbie dolls will be available in June at select Target stores–BB