The new Aaliyah Barbie doll, released by Mattel, commemorates the late singer's influence on music and fashion. The doll is inspired by Aaliyah's look from her 'One in a Million' music video, featuring a black faux leather ensemble complete with her signature aviator sunglasses and armbands. Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah's brother, collaborated with Mattel on the design, ensuring it encapsulated her essence. Haughton expressed his excitement, stating, 'It really just checked all the boxes of what my sister represents and also what Barbie represents, which is empowerment and expression' [1].

Aaliyah, known as the 'Princess of R&B,' left a lasting impact on the music industry with her innovative sound and style. Her sophomore album, 'One in a Million,' was certified double platinum, and she received multiple Grammy nominations. Despite her career being tragically cut short at the age of 22, her influence continues to resonate. The new Barbie doll not only celebrates her musical achievements but also her unique fashion sense, which has inspired many artists in the hip-hop and R&B genres. 'Aaliyah’s smooth vocals and innovative sound helped shape ’90s R&B,' noted Mattel in the doll's listing [1].

The Aaliyah Barbie doll is part of Mattel's Music Collector Series, which includes dolls of other music legends such as Stevie Nicks, Gloria Estefan, and Tina Turner. This series aims to honor influential artists who have left a mark on the music industry. The Aaliyah doll's initial release sold out quickly, but fans will have another opportunity to purchase it when it becomes available at Target stores on January 26. Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior VP of Barbie, stated, 'We hope that the Aaliyah Barbie serves as a powerful reminder to her loyal fans and Barbie collectors everywhere that, like Aaliyah, they can unlock their limitless potential' [3].