David Bowie’s Space Oddity was released 50 years ago today and there is a Barbie inspired by him.

The seminal David Bowie song “Space Oddity”, was released as a 7-inch single on 11 July 1969. The opening track of his namesake 2nd studio album, it became one of his signature songs. And curiously enough, Mattel has released a Barbie inspired by the amazing artist.

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The doll will be produced in a limited edition, as she is a Gold Label™️ doll. She’s dressed in one of his iconic Ziggy Stardust outfits, the metallic “space” suit with red and blue stripes, winged shoulders and red platform boots, as pictured in this legendary photo by Masayoshi Sukita from 1973. The suit was designed by his then costume designer Freddie Burretti (21 years old then and David’s boyfriend too!) alongside Kansai Yamamoto. The boots were designed and made by Kansai Yamamoto, bought by David and Angie from Boston 151, the shop in London’s Fulham Road that represented the designer in the UK. The boots would be worn again by Bowie, this time with jeans, in his nineties homecoming tour.

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The make up was by Pierre LaRoche, Bowie’s personal make-up artist. He designed the sunburst circle on the singer’s forehead (and later the lightning bolt). Which brings us to what I think is a missed opportunity here: I would have preferred for the Bowie tribute doll to be more androgynous, as befits the great artist, and also have the lightning bolt make up, plus more spiky hair. The doll looks nice and I will probably get her, but she’s too slick and proper for a representation of the artist in that era. Just see what it might have been in this OOAK doll made by talented Russian duo AFD Group Dolls.

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Here is the information from Mattel:

Barbie® David Bowie Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$50.00

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Introducing Barbie® as David Bowie. In a definitive celebration of two pop culture icons, Barbie® honors the ultimate pop chameleon, English singer, songwriter and actor, David Bowie, whose dramatic musical transformations continue to influence and inspire. With a career spanning over five decades, David Bowie was at the vanguard of contemporary culture as a musician, artist, and icon. He was, and remains to be, a unique presence in contemporary culture. Dressed as Bowie’s fantastic sci-fi alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, in the iconic metallic ‘space suit,’ this collectible Barbie® doll honors the cultural legacy of the musical genius who redefined rock and roll. Subject to availability. Colors and decorations may vary. 

  • Label: Gold Label®

  • Designer: Linda Kyaw

  • Release Date: 7/11/2019

  • Included with doll: Blouse, pant, boots, doll stand

  • Customization: Painted fingernails, painted art on forehead

  • Eyelashes: Painted

  • Fashion: Metallic suit and platform boots

  • Fashion Sewn On?: No

  • Body Type: Articulated-Original

  • Doll Stand: Yes

  • Facial sculpt: Star

  • Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13" x 3" x 8"

  • SKU #: FXD84

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A small tribute to David Bowie, 1947 - 2016

David Bowie was (is) one of the most influential and avant guard artists that ever walked this earth. As part of the tributes pouring out from all over the world in the wake of his death, I decided to re-make, with the help of a Fine Print Elise Jolie, two of his most iconic album covers: Aladdin Sane and Low. If you do not know who David Bowie is, please try and discover him, it will open a multitude of new worlds for you.


Alladin Sane cover tribute


Low cover tribute




The original Aladdin Sane album cover - Design Brian Duffy - Photography Brian Duffy/Celia Philo/Philip Castle - Design/Artwork Released April 1973


The original Low cover, Design Steve Schapiro - Photography Released January 1977