Iconic singer Stevie Nicks is expanding her legacy in the world of collectibles with the release of her second Barbie Signature doll. This new doll celebrates her seminal first solo album, Bella Donna, an album known for hit tracks like "Edge of Seventeen." The announcement follows the success of her first Barbie, which captured her style from the Fleetwood Mac Rumours era.
Nicks, at 77 years old, has expressed a strong desire to see her solo work recognized in this unique way. She sees these dolls as a vital part of her artistic story, linking her Fleetwood Mac days with her successful individual career.
Key Takeaways
- Stevie Nicks releases second Barbie doll inspired by her solo album Bella Donna.
- The new doll features a white dress, white boots, and a top hat, contrasting her first black-clad Barbie.
- Nicks views the dolls as a significant part of her musical legacy and plans a photo book.
- The Bella Donna Barbie quickly sold out in pre-sales on major retail platforms.
A Deep Dive into the Bella Donna Barbie
The new Bella Donna Barbie showcases a distinctive white ensemble. It features a flowing white dress with angel sleeves, complemented by white boots and a matching top hat. This look directly references the cover art of her 1981 album.
Nicks intentionally chose this all-white aesthetic for her solo debut. She wanted it to be a clear visual departure from the predominantly black attire she wore during her time with Fleetwood Mac, particularly the Rumours period. She stated, "The first Barbie is all in her black. And then I purposely, in my life, when I did the Bella Donna cover, I said, 'No. I have to wear the exact opposite. I have to wear all-white.'"
This deliberate contrast highlights the two distinct phases of her career. She added, "They had to be standing there together." This sentiment underlines the storytelling aspect behind the dolls.
Doll Details
- Inspiration: Stevie Nicks' 1981 solo album, Bella Donna.
- Outfit: White dress with angel sleeves, white boots, top hat.
- Contrast: Designed to visually oppose the black attire of her Rumours-era Barbie.
The Legacy of a Musical Icon
Nicks views these Barbie dolls as more than just merchandise. For her, they represent a significant part of her musical life story and legacy. "They're a story of my whole musical life," she explained. "If I have a legacy, if I have 'What do I leave behind that is sacred?' I think that it'd be Barbie."
She believes the Rumours and Bella Donna Barbies will be a substantial part of what she leaves behind. This perspective elevates the dolls from simple toys to cultural artifacts that embody her artistic journey.
"'Rumours' and 'Bella Donna' Barbie are a huge part of what I leave behind when I go on to the next planet."
The singer has a long-standing personal connection to dolls, having been a collector of baby dolls for many years. This personal interest adds another layer of meaning to her involvement in the Barbie project.
Future Plans and Collector's Joy
Nicks' affection for the dolls is evident in her plans to publish a book of photographs featuring them. She described the Barbies as "alive," stating, "So it's truly like they're alive, amazing puppets that come to life for me." This personal connection highlights her deep appreciation for the project.
She humorously acknowledged her enthusiasm, saying, "I know it sounds like I'm a fanatic. I've turned into a crazy lady, but I don't care because it's brought so much joy to me." This quote reflects the genuine happiness the dolls bring her.
Cultural Impact of Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls have long been a platform for celebrating cultural icons and historical figures. Recent collaborations have included dolls honoring civil rights activists, scientists, and artists. These dolls serve not only as collector's items but also as a way to introduce younger generations to influential personalities and their contributions.
The demand for the Bella Donna Barbie was immediate and strong. Pre-sales for the doll quickly sold out on major retail platforms such as Walmart and Amazon. This rapid sell-out demonstrates the enduring popularity of Stevie Nicks and the appeal of these unique collectibles.
The Artistic Journey Captured
The creation of these two specific dolls, representing her time with Fleetwood Mac and her solo debut, offers a comprehensive snapshot of Nicks' artistic evolution. The Rumours Barbie, clad in black, symbolizes a powerful chapter in rock history.
The Bella Donna Barbie, in its contrasting white, marks her bold step into individual artistry. Together, they tell a compelling visual story of a career that has spanned decades and influenced countless musicians and fans.
Nicks expressed a whimsical desire to have "every outfit" she has ever worn turned into a Barbie doll. While acknowledging the impracticality, she confirmed that the Rumours and Bella Donna outfits are indeed the "two best ones" for this honor.
Her vision speaks to the profound impact fashion and visual presentation have had on her artistic identity. These dolls, therefore, are not just representations of her music, but also of her iconic style, which has become synonymous with her persona.
The success of these dolls suggests a strong market for artist-inspired collectibles that go beyond typical merchandise. It indicates that fans are eager for items that offer a deeper connection to the artist's narrative and creative journey.
For collectors and fans, these Barbies are more than just toys; they are tangible pieces of music history, celebrating the enduring influence of Stevie Nicks.