Almost 24 years after the singer's tragic death at the age of 22, Aaliyah's impact on the world of music continues to be "One in a Million." Celebrating her legacy, on what would have been her 46th birthday, Mattel is honoring the late singer with her very own Barbie as part of their Music Series collection.
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"Today on Aaliyah's birthday, Barbie honors the Princess of R&B's unmatched legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent," the official Barbie account posted to Instagram on January 16. "A rising star who left an unforgettable mark on pop culture, the Aaliyah Barbie doll remembers her iconic style, keeping her influence alive across generations.”
The Barbie Music Collector series celebrates legendary singers and songwriters who have created a lasting impact on the music industry. The series is part of Barbie Signature through Mattel Creations, which partners with world-famous designers, musicians, brands and pioneers of their time.
Aaliyah joins an iconic list of musicians who've been honored with Barbies of their own, including Gloria Estefan, Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Elvis Presley and Elton John.
"It really solidifies her legendary status along with those other legendary singers. It's absolutely amazing," Aaliyah’s brother Rashad Haughton said of his sister, who tragically died in a plane crash in August 2001.
According to Haughton, creating a Barbie in his sister's likeness had been on his mind for a while, and somehow it all serendipitously fell into place. "The universe sort of conspired to make this happen, at such a perfect time," he expressed. "I know for a fact that this was something that she had dreamed about since she was a little girl."
“I can vividly remember my sister playing with her favorite Barbie dolls for hours when we were kids,” Houghton said in a statement. “She would make them sing, dance and perform little concerts. It’s clear to me now that she was imagining dreams that would eventually become reality when she embarked on a career in entertainment at just fifteen years old.”
“Inspiring confidence, belief in yourself and embracing who you truly are is the essence of Barbie,” he added. “My sister would be ecstatic to see her legacy celebrated this way, empowering fans to dream big and believe they can be anything that their hearts desire.”
To ensure the doll accurately captured his sister, Rashad collaborated with the Barbie design team on the Music Collector Series doll, which retails for $55.
Inspired by her iconic '90s style, but particularly her outfit in the "One in a Million" music video, Aaliyah’s Barbie is fitted in a faux leather black top and matching pants with studded lace-up details. Her hair, in true Aaliyah fashion, is swooped over one eye. The look is complete with signature black sunglasses, a zipper vest and detached sleeves.
"One thing that we wanted to do was make sure that it was her," her Rashad said of the outfit. Noting he and the design teem chose the "One in a Million" music video look because of its symbolism — and the impact it can have on young girls.
"'One in a Million,' it makes little girls feel special," he explained. "It's having a dream. It's a beautiful song about love and having a special love. So all these different elements, just from a metaphorical standpoint, were perfect."
Already sold out on Mattel's website, customers will be able to shop the doll’s Target restock starting January 26. Well, while supplies last of course.