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Mattel partners with Ambush designer Yoon Ahn for futuristic Barbie collection
Mattel has announced a strategic collaboration with Yoon Ahn, the co-founder and creative director of the Tokyo-based fashion label Ambush, to release a limited-edition collector doll titled ‘Barbie / YOON’ or ‘Prototype 001’. The release is scheduled for September 4 at 9:00 AM PT exclusively through the Mattel Creations digital platform.
Moving away from traditional fashion-doll aesthetics, the design draws heavily from anime, science fiction, and cyberpunk influences. The doll features a stylized face sculpt with a blonde hime-inspired fringe, wearing a white and black suit with pink accents and silver-toned technological armor. The ensemble is completed with a matching headset and a robotic cat companion.
Ahn described the project as an exploration of an optimistic future where technology and humanity coexist. The collaboration aims to blend streetwear sensibility with high-concept world-building, marking what has been described as a humanoid direction for the Barbie brand.
Entities
Ambush · Barbie · Ken · Mattel · Mattel Creations · Yoon Ahn
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Día de Muertos Barbie carries the Mattel Black Label designation.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 2026 Día de Muertos Barbie and Ken dolls are priced at $81 each.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mattel launched the 2026 Día de Muertos Barbie and Ken collection.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Barbie features a deep-red satin gown with embroidery inspired by traditional Mexican pottery.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Ken doll features a deep-red jacquard coat with sugar-skull patterns and bone-print clothing.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The collection was revealed on September 1, 2026, via Mattel Creations.