When Zendaya showed up at the Oscars in gorgeous, waist-length dreadlocks this year, she was consciously making a statement "to remind people of color that our hair is good enough," as she later wrote on Instagram. Now, the Disney star and singer has taken that statement to a generation that probably doesn't get to stay up late enough for the Oscars: Barbie fans.
On the red carpet of the Barbie Rock 'N Royals Concert Experience (a benefit for VH1's Save the Music Foundation), which she hosted on Saturday at the Hollywood Palladium, Zendaya showed off her very own Barbie. And by very own, we mean the 11-inch doll was modeled after her Oscars look, complete with the Vivienne Westwood gown and ornamented locs. (And no, Giuliana Rancic, she doesn't come with a patchouli scent.)
"I'm excited to be a part of the new direction the Barbie brand is headed, specifically how they are celebrating diversity in the line and encouraging kids to raise their voices," Zendaya said in a press release about the doll and the show last week. "It's a positive message to send to my fans, including my nieces, who are coming with me to the concert."
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That "new direction" is the Barbie Fashionista line, which according to Mattel, includes "23 new dolls, featuring eight skin tones, 14 different sculpts, 18 eye colors and 23 different hair colors." Unfortunately, the Zendaya doll is not one of those — she is a one-of-a-kind creation. Oh, c'mon, Mattel. Pretty please?