Thursday, 4 February 2016

Selena Quintanilla the Barbie Doll? Fans Launch Petition After Mattel Announces Major Change


Selena Quintanilla-Perez
Will Selena Quintanilla get her own Barbie doll?

Fans of the Tejano music queen, one of the most popular late music icons, have launched a Change.org petition to have Mattel produce one made in her likeness. The initiative was started after the toy manufacturer announced last week plans to release Barbies bearing three new body shapes, including a curvy one, following years of consumer demands for changes to the iconic doll's slim figure. 

"There has yet to be any curvy Hispanic barbie dolls in any Barbie line and we think Selena is a perfect candidate for that kind of representation," the text reads. "Selena was truly a person to be admired and I think young girls and boys would appreciate having a Selena doll in their collection."

Mattel has not responded. More than 2,900 people have signed the Change.org petition as of Thursday afternoon. 

Selena Quintanilla 
"Selena is a fashion icon not only within the Latin community but in American culture," one supporter wrote. "Her style has influenced many, many of today's biggest stars. It's time that we now look back at who 'started it all' and honor her legacy by imprinting her style on a Barbie, which is a symbol of modern pop culture.

"Because ANYTHING FOR SELENAS!" another supporter wrote.

A Selena doll made by ARM Enterprise was released in 1996 and later discontinued. Several are on sale on eBay.

Selena, who went by just her first name professionally, was born in Texas and rose to fame in the late '80s and early '90s. She was known for her sexy, flashy stage outfits, many of which contained bedazzled bustiers, and maintained a huge fan base. She died at age 23 in 1995 after a former employee shot her.

Jennifer Lopez played Selena in a now-cult 1997 film. J.Lo received her own Barbie doll in 2013. Other celebrities who have gotten their own Barbies include Katy PerryHilary Duff, Shakira and BeyoncĂ©.

Last July, it was announced MAC Cosmetics will honor Selena with a limited edition makeup collection, set to launch later this year.

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