By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel is introducing a licensed Barbie Dream Team collection in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026.
“Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything,” said Mattel’s head of Barbie, Nathan Baynard. “From astronauts to CEOs, Barbie has broken barriers and redefined what’s possible—igniting imagination and inspiring generations of girls to dream without limits.
“This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to build on that legacy with the launch of our Barbie Dream Team, celebrating an extraordinary group of global trailblazers who are paving the way for the next generation,” added Baynard. “By honoring their achievements, we hope to inspire girls everywhere to pursue their passions boldly and realize their limitless potential.”
The new toy collection features eight unique Barbie dolls made in the likeness of trailblazing women from around the world.
This year’s global Barbie Dream Team honors accomplished women including:
Serena Williams (United States): Tennis champion with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and successful entrepreneur.
Smriti Mandhana (India): The first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in all three formats.
Kellie Gerardi (United States): Research astronaut and payload specialist.
Regina Sirvent Alvarado (Mexico): Professional race car driver and one of the most prominent figures in Mexican motorsports.
Zoja Skubis (Poland): Youngest Polish woman to summit Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mount Everest (8,849 m).
Stephanie Gilmore (Australia): Professional surfer and the first woman to achieve eight World Surf League World Championship titles.
Helene Fischer (Germany): One of Germany’s most famous and influential contemporary pop artists.
Chloe Kelly (United Kingdom): Professional football player and a defining figure in modern women’s football.
“I’m so excited to join the Barbie Dream Team to celebrate International Women’s Day and show girls everywhere that science and space are for everyone,” said Kellie Gerardi.
“After helping open the door for scientists to fly and operate their own research on commercial spacecraft and walking through it myself as a payload specialist and astronaut, it’s now my mission to hold that door open wider for the next generation of girls to follow,” added Gerardi. “When you’re brave enough to leave your comfort zone and dream big, not even the sky is the limit.”
In addition to the doll collection, Mattel is launching a month-long Barbie Dream celebration offering a range of licensing, experiential and retail activations.
Throughout March, Barbie will spotlight licensing partnerships with six female-founded brands across the beauty, fashion and beverage sectors.
These licensing partners include:
Besita Boots for footwear.
Unique Vintage for themed clothing.
Stoney Clover Lane for bags and accessories.
Moment for botanical beverages.
FHI Heat for hair styling tools.
GK’s Elite and Cheer labels for athletic apparel.
The Barbie Dream Days celebration also features limited-time offers and promotions on Barbie dolls and accessories through the brand’s global network of retail partners.
In the U.S., fans can take part in the special promotions through major retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target.
For experiential activations, Mattel has planned a Barbie Dream Fest fan event that will take place in Fort Lauderdale from March 27 to 29.
Hosted in partnership with Mischief Management, the multi-day event will offer a variety of immersive experiences and themed events showcasing the legacy and evolution of the Barbie brand.
The event will also feature inspiring speakers such as Serena Williams, Angel Reese, Dr. Swati Mohan, Madison Marilla and others.
“I have always drawn inspiration from the powerful women in my life—from my mom, sisters and daughters to the dolls in my toy box growing up,” said Williams. “Now, I’m thrilled to be honored alongside this incredible group of female changemakers as part of the Barbie Dream Team. Just like so many women have empowered me to turn my fear into courage and doubt into confidence, I hope we can do the same by championing girls everywhere to pick up a racquet, become an entrepreneur or do whatever ignites their passion and brings their dreams to life.”
Serving as the owner and licensor of the Barbie franchise, Mattel is a global toy and entertainment company representing an extensive portfolio of wholly owned and licensed brands and IP.
The company offers a wide range of content, products and experiences across toys, playsets, interactive games, movies, digital experiences, TV, music, live events, experiential entertainment and more.
Image Credit: Barbie/Mattel.
Court Order for Tariff Refunds A Boon to Licensors and Retailers