This July (2009), black Barbie is spectacularly showcased in Vogue Italia's special issue, seen above.
In July 2008, Vogue Italia created the first Black Issue sending a strong message about the importance of diversity to the fashion world.
And now the magazine has replicated the Black Issue with a special, collector Barbie supplement that pays tribute to Barbie through artistic photography and fashion.
It's similar to the larger Vogue Italia book entirely dedicated to beautiful models including Naomi Campbell, Lyia Kebede, Sessilee Lopez and Jourdan Dunn.
The Vogue Italia Black Issue was conceived by Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia, who decided to dedicate a full issue to black models that have reached successes in the influential areas of fashion and art. It was her vision to extend the edition this year to include images of Barbie.
Sozzani said: "Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate the anniversary issue to Black Barbie"
The first black doll from Barbie was introduced in 1967 as Black Francie, and the first Black Barbie doll introduced in 1980.
And this autumn sees a newer model of black Barbie dolls called "So In Style", designed with a new facial sculpt that has fuller lips, a wider nose, more distinctive cheek bones and curlier hair.
"So In Style" Barbie dolls will be available in a limited edition of 2,000 sold exclusively in quality toy outlets in Italy or online here. As well as in the UK next year.Amber Morales,
Daily Mirror's Fashion Director