Edited press release
Churchill Downs and Mattel have announced release of the Kentucky Derby Barbie Doll in conjunction with the 135th Run for the Roses.
According to a press release from the two companies, the Kentucky Derby Barbie doll is dressed in a “playful floral sun dress, faux pearl necklace and sassy spring sandals. True to Kentucky Derby fashion, Barbie doll’s look is topped off with a stylish, oversized white hat with blossoming flower accents.”
Churchill Downs and Mattel also announced the availability of a life-sized Kentucky Derby Barbie replica hat. Up to 135 of the replica hats will be created by Christine A. Moore to commemorate the 135th Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Barbie. The first hat will be auctioned off through the Clothes®Off Our Back Foundation. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Clothes Off Our Back’s charities, including Feeding America (formerly named America’s Second Harvest), The Art of Elysium, Hope North and H.E.L.P. Malawi. The remaining 134 hats will be available on a made-to-order basis on www.thederbystore.com.
“This is a great project that brings together two iconic American brands in a very special way,” said Casey Cook, senior director of marketing and licensing for Churchill Downs Inc. “We are so pleased to work with Mattel to create the Kentucky Derby Barbie as part of the Pink Label Collection and even happier that we were able to extend the project to include the replica hats that Barbie collectors and enthusiasts can proudly own and wear.”
“Barbie and the Kentucky Derby have come together to celebrate a legendary American sporting and fashion event,” said Stephanie Cota, senior vice president, Barbie. “As a fashion icon, this gorgeous collector doll and replica hat pays tribute to Derby fashion and is sure to excite Barbie collectors, Kentucky Derby fans and fashionistas alike.”
The Kentucky Derby Barbie doll is available for purchase through Walmart, Walmart.com, Barbie Collector Dealers, Barbie Collector Catalog, www.barbiecollector.com and www.thederbystore.com.