BARRIO – The iconic Barbie brand just released three new dolls for Dia de los Muertos, which is celebrated early November. One of the dolls is a collaboration with Mexican fashion designer Benito Santos.

Barbie designer Javier Meabe, who is Mexican American, described in a press release the “flood of emotions” he feels each year while working on the new Día De Muertos dolls. “I’m honoured and excited to represent this holiday that is so close to my own heart,” he said. “I understand how important this holiday is and am grateful for the opportunity to continue celebrating these traditions with Barbie respectfully.”

Meabe also described working with Santos as a “highly collaborative experience.” Santos’s doll wears a dramatic black dress with red-and-white embroidery, and a cropped bolero jacket. “He shared trend boards so we could understand what themes he was eager to convey and then we worked together to bring his creative vision to a Barbie scale,” Meabe said. “It was a passion project from both Benito’s team and the Barbie team.”

Barbie’s 2022 Día De Muertos dolls are currently available online; the Barbie and Ken dolls are priced at $80, while the Santos-designed doll is $100 and currently appears to be sold out.