Celebrate one of the most important milestones in Barbie history with the stunning Black Barbie 45th Anniversary Doll, released by Mattel in 2025 to commemorate 45 years since the introduction of the first Black Barbie in 1980.
This collector edition pays tribute not only to the original doll, but also to the remarkable designer behind her – Kitty Black Perkins.
In 1980, Mattel introduced the first Barbie doll officially named Black Barbie. While Black characters had previously appeared within the Barbie world, this landmark release was significant because she carried the Barbie name herself. The doll was created by Kitty Black Perkins, who went on to become Chief Designer for Barbie during an extraordinary 28-year career with Mattel.
The 2025 anniversary edition deliberately draws inspiration from that historic 1980 design. Her dramatic scarlet gown echoes the original Black Barbie's glamorous red styling, while giving it a sophisticated contemporary collector finish.
The doll wears an elegant off-the-shoulder red gown with a sweetheart neckline, combining satin and flowing chiffon detailing. Her voluminous natural curls, glossy red lips and rich skin tone create a striking display presence, finished with gold-tone accessories and coordinating heels.
Mattel credited Kitty Black Perkins and Bill Greening as the doll designers, making this especially meaningful for collectors: Perkins herself is directly associated with both the historic original and its 45th anniversary tribute.
She uses the elegant Model Muse body and the Simone face sculpt, and was issued under the Barbie Signature Black Label collector range.
More than simply a beautiful Barbie, this is a piece that represents an important chapter in Mattel and Barbie history – celebrating representation, design and the legacy of one of the most influential designers to work on the Barbie brand.
An exceptional addition to a Barbie Signature, Black Barbie or historically significant doll collection.
CONDITION
Brand new and NRFB – Never Removed From Box.
This example is in mint collector condition, with the doll remaining completely untouched and displayed in her original presentation packaging.
Ideal for a serious collector.
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Official Mattel Barbie Signature collector doll
- Black Barbie 45th Anniversary
- Released: 2025
- Product number: JBJ22
- Celebrates the original 1980 Black Barbie
- Doll designers: Kitty Black Perkins & Bill Greening
- Packaging designer: Jennifer Cretacci
- Face sculpt: Simone
- Body type: Model Muse
- Collector label: Black Label
- Dramatic red off-shoulder gown
- Gold-tone bracelet
- Coordinating heels
- Voluminous curled hairstyle
- Doll stand included
- Certificate of Authenticity included
- Presented in premium Black Barbie 45th Anniversary display packaging
- Genuine Mattel product
- NRFB / Never Removed From Box
WHY COLLECTORS WANT HER
The significance of this release goes considerably beyond the dress or presentation.
The original 1980 Black Barbie represented an important change in Barbie history. Earlier Black dolls had existed within Barbie's circle of friends, but the 1980 release was the first Black doll specifically presented as Barbie herself.
Kitty Black Perkins' involvement makes the anniversary edition particularly special. She was responsible for designing that original doll and became one of the most important designers in Barbie's history, spending 28 years at Mattel.
For the 45th anniversary, Mattel returned directly to that heritage rather than simply producing another commemorative colourway. The red gown, gold accessories and glamorous styling deliberately reference the appearance of the 1980 doll while creating something distinctly modern.
That makes JBJ22 both a visually impressive display doll and a genuine heritage Barbie release.
BRAND / MANUFACTURER
Mattel
COLLECTION
Barbie Signature
YEAR
2025
SKU / MODEL NUMBER
JBJ22
