It's a Barbie world, and Dame Helen Mirren is running it. The actor, who narrated the last year's hit Barbie film, has been honoured with a one-of-a-kind doll made in her likeness ahead of International Women’s Day this Friday.
“I am absolutely blown away by my Barbie," said Helen. "To be chosen by Barbie as a Role Model is a huge compliment, and something I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams happening to me at this stage in my life.
“It's a very special thing, and something I can add to my list of my favourite achievements; becoming a Dame of the British Empire, having an Oscar, having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and having my own Barbie!”
You can see the Barbie here:
The Barbie's look is based on Helen's iconic outfit from the 2023 Cannes red carpet, where she debuted blue hair while wearing a cornflower blue gown by Del Core, and jewellery by Bulgari. Obsessed. And yes, she's holding an Academy Award – a nod to her Best Actress 2007 Oscar for her role in The Queen.
Speaking about the look, Helen Mirren said, “The intricacy and detail of the doll is extraordinary; I love that the Barbie doll is wearing one of my favourite ever red carpet looks, and it was the first time I’d ever had blue hair, and it felt so exciting.
“I like to embrace theatrical fashion and the joy that having fun with fashion can bring, and I think that this joy should be age-less. And the cherry on top of the cake is my doll having a miniature Oscar. It is an absolutely perfect reproduction.”
Helen continued, “As an actor, after decades of roles; the importance of storytelling to me means telling stories about the whole of humanity, not just stories of youth or one type of story. Stories of young people are wonderful because they're just beginning life, they have energy and I love the fact that young people are constantly challenging what has come before them. But you know there are stories to be told about the whole of humanity, and all of our journeys, at all of our different ages in life.”
She is one of eight women who have been recognised by Barbie as global role models, including, Viola Davis, Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue, Maira Gomez, Lila Avilés, Nicole Fujita, and Enissa Amani.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Barbie and Dolls notes, “Barbie’s story has never been just about her. It’s about the countless young girls she’s inspired, and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way. For the past 65 years, Barbie has used her global platform to empower the next generation to dream big, explore their limitless potential, and direct their own narrative to shape their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize over six decades of stories Barbie has helped write and the doll that continues to give everyone the opportunity to dream – and dream big.”
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
