Hijarbie Creator Acknowledges Mattel's Launch Of An Hijabi Barbie

Ibithaj Muhammad holding the hijabi Barbie. Image credit: Mattel

Haneefah Adam is the creative visual artist behind @hijarbie an Instagram account that showcases dolls clothed in hijab and mini modest garments she designs and creates, she launched the concept in 2015 to rave reviews.

Mattel, the creator of the Barbie doll recently launched an Hijabi Barbie modelled in the likeness of Ibithaj Muhammad, the first American hijabi Olympic medallist and Haneefah Adam acknowledged the launch of Mattel's hijabi Barbie on the @hijarbie Instagram account with a picture of a representation of Ibithaj Muhammad as an hijarbie doll and the following statement:

"Throwback to last year when Hijarbie was @ibtihajmuhammad during the 2016 olympics; inspiring Muslim women all over the world! Glad to see official Mattel @barbie Hijabi dolls."

We hope Mattel contacts Haneefah Adam to discuss working together on creating an authentic lifestyle for the hijabi Barbie.

Read the press statement from Mattel regarding the hijabi Barbie below:

"EL SEGUNDO, Calif., November 13, 2017 – Today, Mattel honors Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American Olympian to compete while wearing a hijab, as a Barbie Shero by gifting her a one-of-a-kind doll in her likeness. The doll was unveiled at the Glamour Women of the Year LIVE Summit, an annual event that gives young women the opportunity to hear from select past and present Women of the Year honorees, as well as other influential leaders from a variety of fields, in Brooklyn, NY. 

Muhammad is the latest honoree as part of Barbie Shero program that recognizes women who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls. Muhammad was presented this doll by last year’s Shero, body activist and model, Ashley Graham.

“Through playing with Barbie, I was able to imagine and dream about who I could become,” said Ibtihaj Muhammad. “I love that my relationship with Barbie has come full circle, and now I have my own doll wearing a hijab that the next generation of girls can use to play out their own dreams.”  

One of TIME magazine’s "100 Most Influential People" of 2016, Muhammad not only breaks boundaries with her swordsmanship, but with the launch of her clothing line, Louella. Noticing a gap in the marketplace, Muhammad designs new fresh and vibrant looks for the modest fashion industry.

"Barbie is celebrating Ibtihaj not only for her accolades as an Olympian, but for embracing what makes her stand out," said Sejal Shah Miller, Vice President of Global Marketing for Barbie. "Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented, and by honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything."

"Ibtihaj Muhammad has challenged every stereotype—which to me is the definition of a modern American woman," said Glamour Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive. "Last year, she was the first athlete from the U.S to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab, and today we are thrilled to celebrate Ibtihaj as the first hijab-wearing Barbie. She will play a tremendous role in ensuring that girls of the future see themselves represented fully and beautifully in our culture."