Zendaya's memorable dreadlock Oscar red carpet look has been turned into a Barbie doll, and the results are as stunning as they are inspiring to young girls everywhere.
"When I was little I couldn't find a Barbie that looked like me. My...how times have changed,"the 19-year-old singer captioned a side-by-side photo of herself and the doll. "Thank you @barbie for this honor and for allowing me to be a part of your diversification and expansion of the definition of beauty. Can't wait to keep doing amazing things with you."
Last week, Barbie announced that they would be making this one-of-a-kind doll to celebrate diversity and encourage kids to raise their voices, according to Entertainment Weekly. "It's a positive message to send to my fans," Zendaya said in a press release. They debuted the doll for the first time on Saturday at the Barbie Rock 'N Royals Concert Experience in Los Angeles, which benefited the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
When Zendaya rocked this look on the red carpet, "Fashion Police" host Giuliana Rancic criticized her hair with some racist and hurtful comments, and the host received a ton of backlash for it. While she did end up apologizing eventually, Zendaya stood up for herself and openly called Rancic out for what she had said. "There is already harsh criticism of African American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair," she said at the time. "To me locs are a symbol of strength and beauty, almost like a lion's mane."
Barbie teamed up with designer Carlyle Nuera to create this now iconic look. "Barbie honors @Zendaya with this one-of-a-kind doll as she encourages girls to Raise Their Voices! #BeSuper," they tweeted alongside a photo of Zendaya holding the doll.
Even the stylist's responsible for Zendaya's locs couldn't be more proud to be a part of this moment. "I've never been so honored in my life, to be a part of groundbreaking history!" stylist Shelby Swain captioned a photo of the doll. "Never did I expect that this statement would become an #Iconicbarbie! Thank you @zendaya @luxurylaw for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this momentous day!!!"
"Now there is a Barbie wearing a look that I actually styled!!" her other stylist Luxury Law wrote. "Full circle moment for me. Thanks @zendaya for always trusting me and being my real life Barbie."
