Title: Mattel's Commemorative Aaliyah Barbie Doll Sweeps the Market
In the two-decade anniversary of her tragic demise on August 25, 2001, following the filming of her music video for "Rock the Boat," Aaliyah's devoted fanbase continues to adore her music. This passion was evident when a Barbie doll inspired by the R&B sensation swiftly sold out within minutes of its release on Mattel Creations.
Retailing at $55, this Barbie is part of Mattel's Barbie Music Series, targeting adult collectors. Amongst the series' members are famed musicians like Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, and Tina Turner. Emulating Aaliyah's iconic "One in a Million" music video look, the doll is attired in black faux-leather pants, a crop top, zipped vest, detached sleeves, and statement shades. Due to such immense demand, she went on sale at 9 p.m. PT on January 16, 2025, primarily for subscribing members of the Barbie collectors group on the platform.
To satisfy the surplus of curious fans, the doll was also made available on Target's website. Unfortunately, Target's preorders too were quickly snapped up, and the website now indicates that more stock will be available on January 26. Fans in the UK can still purchase the doll on Amazon's UK site.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, Aaliyah, affectionately referred to as "Baby Girl" by her fans, found fame with her 1994 debut single, "Back and Forth." She had an impressive discography, with four albums achieving platinum status, three posthumously.
This Barbie is a celebration of Aaliyah's enduring legacy, having been designed in collaboration by Mattel's Barbie Design team and her brother, Rashad Haughton. In a press release, Rashad shared that his sister adored her Barbie dolls as a child and believed in realizing her dreams through play. He emphasized that Barbie encourages confidence, self-belief, and embracing one's true self, which embodies Aaliyah's life and impact on music.
Mattel's senior vice president, Krista Berger, expressed her excitement about honoring Aaliyah as a new addition to the Music Series, recognizing the unparalleled influence she had on the '90s R&B scene.
Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming demand, the doll has become scarce in some retailers. Fans seeking to acquire the collector's item will find it on selective Target locations or through more expensive resale platforms on eBay, where it is frequently sold at double the original price of $64.99.
The Barbie doll, inspired by Aaliyah, is part of Mattel's Barbie Music Series, which focuses on targeting adult collectors and features famous musicians like Aaliyah. Due to the immense demand, retailers like Target and online platforms like eBay have seen quick sales of the doll, making it a sought-after collectible in the marketplace.
