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Toronto, July 19, 2005 - Inuit Legend Barbie, designed by Ryerson Fashion student Christy Marcus, has made its debut to national media fanfare.
Ms. Marcus describes designing the outfit for the all-Canadian Barbie as a dream come true. The new Barbie is one of the first Barbie Collector Dolls to be designed and retailed exclusively in Canada.
Inspired by her Inuit heritage and paying homage to her grandmother, Ms. Marcus researched and created the winning entry in a 2004 competition to celebrate the Barbie doll’s 45th anniversary.
Mattel Canada and the Ryerson School of Fashion jointly sponsored the “What Will Barbie Wear in 2005?” competition. Ryerson students were given the exclusive opportunity to design a Canadian Barbie based on their unique vision for one of the world’s quintessential fashion icons.
Inuit Legend Barbie wears a parka-inspired faux-fur trimmed composition with vibrant painted panels reminiscent of Inuit prints, with contrasting muted colours on the skirt and bodice. The doll’s brunette hair is beautifully styled in a side braid.
Ms. Marcus has made numerous appearances in the media, including Canada AM and CTV National News, to talk about the design and launch of the new doll.
Retailing at $69.99, the new Barbie is available at selected specialty retailers, as well as through Sears Wishbook, Toys R Us online and at the Ryerson Bookstore.
Ryerson University’s School of Fashion is renowned as the premier undergraduate program in Canada for the study of fashion design and communication. Acclaimed both nationally and internationally, the School delivers an outstanding education to over 600 students, leading to a Bachelor of Design. Its alumni dominate the Canadian fashion industry, and include such fashion luminaries as Lida Baday, David Dixon, Anne Hung and Arthur Mendonça.
The Fashion program is designed to prepare students for professional opportunities in the global fashion industry. Among the School’s core values is a commitment to international, regional and local collaborative partnerships with other educational institutions and the Fashion industry. Mass Exodus, the School’s annual exhibition of student design collections, attracts fashion industry leaders, media and retailers.
