More Barbie News (I’ll Stop Now, I Promise)

joan looking cool

Just in time for the upcoming Runaways biopic — directed by Floria Sigismondi and starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning — the Mattel toy company is unveiling its “Ladies of the ’80s” collection’s Joan Jett Barbie.

The set includes Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, and Cyndi Lauper in all their ’80s glory – Lauper in a poofy red dress, Jett rocking out with a guitar in all-black and sneakers, and Harry in a tight, shiny, hot pink mini-dress with mic stand in hand. The dolls are going to sell $34.99, and set for release in December.

Harmless nostalgia or upsetting appropriation of feminist icons by a most unfeminist icon?

Any guess as to the average age of doll buyer? Would the girl who LOVED JJ buy a Barbie of her as an adult? With no twinge of guilt?
I’m guessing any hesitation will be quickly overcome. Too optimistic?

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About angelgibson

I am a former big ad agency brand planner, running footloose and fancy-free through the streets of New York City. I read all those huge research reports that explain how and why consumers love or are indifferent to particular brands, the types of messaging that make them break out in night sweats, and the ONE thing you are not doing that your customers really wish you would. I read a lot of other stuff too. I write custom reports, design proprietary research, basically help my smart and fabulous clients become even more so.

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