This May, Barbie is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in a truly fashionable way—by honoring world-renowned designer Anna Sui with her very own Barbie doll. Known for her whimsical and rebellious designs that helped define the 1990s grunge aesthetic, Anna Sui is the latest trailblazing figure to be added to Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series, a collection that celebrates groundbreaking women from history and modern culture.
Anna Sui built her brand from the ground up, becoming a fixture on runways and red carpets worldwide. Her influence spans decades and continues to inspire new generations of designers and creatives. In fact, this wasn’t Anna Sui’s first rodeo with the brand. Back in 2006, she collaborated with Mattel to design Boho Barbie, a doll that showcased her iconic bohemian style.
Now, she’s been immortalized as a Barbie doll—an honor that celebrates not just her fashion legacy, but also her role as a cultural pioneer.
The new Anna Sui Barbie is a stylish miniature version of the designer herself. Clad in one of Sui’s signature all-black ensembles, complete with a star-print dress and statement sunglasses, the doll reflects Sui’s personal style and creative spirit. According to People, Sui worked closely with Mattel to ensure every detail—from the signature red lips to the green polish on her nails—accurately captures her aesthetic and personality.
“I hope this Barbie will inspire other women to dream what it is they want to do with their lives,” Sui shared in an interview with People. The collaboration not only honors her accomplishments but also amplifies a powerful message about perseverance, individuality, and representation.
Beyond the doll itself, the launch includes a meaningful charitable element. In honor of Sui and in support of the AAPI community, Barbie is making a donation to APEX for Youth—a New York City-based nonprofit that provides mentorship and educational support to underserved Asian and immigrant youth. The organization holds special meaning for Sui, who has long supported its mission to help young people achieve their full potential.
The Anna Sui Barbie is now available for pre-sale on Mattel Shop and AnnaSui.com, retailing for $35. It’s a collector’s dream and an empowering tribute that arrives just in time to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
The release of the Anna Sui Barbie during AAPI Heritage Month is a timely reminder of why visibility and representation are essential, especially in industries like fashion and entertainment. For many young Asian American girls, seeing someone who looks like them—someone who’s built a successful global brand, who’s known for breaking the mold, and who’s now being honored with her own Barbie—can be incredibly powerful. As Sui shared with ELLE, “Sometimes being a little different helps people notice you and helps people pay attention.” They just have to find their own path and their own way—and remember that it’s different for everyone.
From the runways of New York to the palm of your hand, Anna Sui’s influence now graces a new generation in miniature form. The Anna Sui Barbie isn’t just a collectible—it’s a celebration of fearless style, cultural pride, and decades of unapologetic creativity. Whether displayed on a shelf or gifted to an aspiring trendsetter, she’s a reminder that style is more than what you wear—it’s a statement of who you are.
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