Latest news with #InspiringWomenSeries
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Venus Williams barbie honours her push for equal rights
At left, Venus Williams in action on court and, at right, the Barbie honouring her. Photo Courtesy: Mattel When Mattel approached Venus Williams to make her own Barbie for the Inspiring Women Series, the American tennis legend was given free rein to select any outfit to be immortalized in. Williams, whose resume is long as her 6-foot-1 frame, had many moments to choose from throughout her trailblazing career. She could've selected the first of her seven Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2000 or opted to memorialize her first of four Olympic gold medals at the Sydney Games that same year. Williams could've even took it back to the 1999 French Open, where she won the first of her 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her little sister Serena Williams in their iconic braids and colorful beads. But Williams ultimately selected her win at the 2007 Wimbledon tournament and not for the reason you may think. It was the first year the women's and men's singles champions earned equal prize money at Wimbledon, a cause that Williams championed long before her win. "Wimbledon 2007 was a huge moment in my career — not just because I won, but because of what was happening off the court," Williams told USA TODAY Sports ahead of her Barbie's release on Aug. 15. "Championing for equal prize money wasn't just about me, it was about pushing for change for all women in sports. To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too." Williams said seeing her own Barbie marked a "full-circle moment." When she didn't have a tennis racket in her hand during her early years training alongside father, Richard Williams, and sister, Serena, Venus channeled her creative energy into giving her dolls one-of-a-kind makeovers. "I've always loved being creative, even as a kid, I used to sew clothes for my dolls," Williams recalled. "Seeing (my) finished doll was so surreal — it made me realize this doll represents something much bigger. It's about inspiring young girls they can dream big and break barriers too." Breaking barriers is Williams specialty. Two years before she triumphantly hoisted Wimbledon's Rosewater Dish for the fourth time in 2007, Williams met with officials from Wimbledon and the French Open. They were the two Grand Slams that didn't pay equal prize money at the time. When no change came from the meeting, Williams refused to leave the ball in the officials' court. She penned an article in The Times at the start of the 2006 tournament titled: Wimbledon has sent me a message: I'm only a second class champion. Williams' article was the catalyst for Wimbledon and the French Open to change. Both tournaments announced equal prize money for all competitors, beginning in 2007. Williams went on to win her sixth major singles title at Wimbledon that year and was the first woman to win the same purse as male champion Roger Federer. "My advice to any woman, not just advocating for equal pay but also advocating for themselves, is this: always bet on yourself and keep pushing, no matter how tough it gets," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "There's so much power in believing in yourself. When you use your voice, you create space for others to speak up too and that can create real change." Williams' Barbie is wearing a two-piece white set identical to what she wore to defeat France's Marion Bartoli, 6-4, 6-1, in the 2007 Wimbledon final. Her "Inspiring Women Series" doll also features Williams' accessories from the match, including her green gem necklace, dangly earrings, wristbands and visors, in addition to Reebok tennis shoes. (Williams signed a multi-million dollar deal with Reebok in 1995 at age 14 after walking away from Nike because she believed she could earn more, as depicted in the 2021 biopic, "King Richard.") Don't forget about her racket and tennis ball. "Venus chose that outfit herself actually, so she collaborated really closely with our talented Barbie design team," Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, told USA TODAY Sports. "They (worked) closely throughout the entire process of designing the doll to ensure it accurately reflected her appearance and her personal style." Berger said Williams' involvement with creating her own Barbie "added that personal touch to capture her impact as an athlete and an advocate. It's a moment that's important not only for the sport, for women, for fans, but to Venus personally." Venus Williams celebrates winning the ladies singles championship at the 2007 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Tennis Club. What's next for Venus Williams? The release of Williams' Barbie doll comes days ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, where Williams is teaming up with fellow American Reilly Opelka in mixed doubles. She recently returned to competition for the first time in 16-months at the D.C. Open in July.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Venus Williams Barbie Doll: How can you buy latest release? What we know about new toy
Venus WIlliams was approached by Mattel to have her own Barbie Doll included in the Inspiring Women Series. It was an offer she could not refuse. The Barbie series began in 2018 and has honored an abundance of women that have made an impact on society. The current collection has several dolls including Dr. Jane Goodall, Maya Angelou, Anna Sui and Madam C.J. Walker. Venus is set to be the next edition to the family. Williams, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, has been a global phenomenon in the tennis world. Alongside her sister, Serena, she won her first ever major trophy as the US Open Women's Doubles champion in 1999. She completed this feat at the age of 19 with Serena (18). Venus single's career was also a success capturing seven Grand Slam Women's Singles. A grand total of 49 women's single titles, 22 women's doubles, 3 Olympic gold medals in doubles and a 2000 single's gold medal cap off one of the greatest tennis careers of all time. When selecting what she wanted her doll to look like, Williams decided with her 2007 Wimbledon outfit as it not only represented a win but was the first year the women's and men's singles champions earned equal prize money at Wimbledon. WIlliams had advocated for this long before her win. "Wimbledon 2007 was a huge moment in my career — not just because I won, but because of what was happening off the court," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "Championing for equal prize money wasn't just about me, it was about pushing for change for all women in sports. To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too." When can you buy the Venus Williams Barbie? The doll is set to be released on Aug. 15, just before the US Open where Williams will compete in mixed doubles with Reilly Opelka. Venus WIlliams advocating for change The two piece all-white outfit has more meaning than just a single's title. It signifies the hard work and dedication Williams gave to see equity in her sport. Two years before her 2007 win at Wimbledon, Williams met with officials from Wimbledon and the French Open, two Grand Slam tennis events that didn't pay equal prize money at the time. Nothing came from that meeting but that didn't stop Williams. In 2006, she wrote an article in The Times titled "Wimbledon has sent me a message: I'm only a second class champion." The article caused a change and the both tournaments announced equal pay for all competitors in 2007; a measure that continues today. "My advice to any woman, not just advocating for equal pay but also advocating for themselves, is this: always bet on yourself and keep pushing, no matter how tough it gets," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "There's so much power in believing in yourself. When you use your voice, you create space for others to speak up too and that can create real change." This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Venus WIlliams Barbie: What to know about doll, career, advocacy Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
EXCLUSIVE: Venus Williams gets own Barbie honoring her push for equal pay
When Mattel approached Venus Williams to make her own Barbie for the Inspiring Women Series, the American tennis legend was given free rein to select any outfit to be immortalized in. Williams, whose resume is long as her 6-foot-1 frame, had many moments to choose from throughout her trailblazing career. She could've selected the first of her seven Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon in 2000 or opted to memorialize her first of four Olympic gold medals at the Sydney Games that same year. Williams could've even took it back to the 1999 French Open, where she won the first of her 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her little sister Serena Williams in their iconic braids and colorful beads. But Williams ultimately selected her win at the 2007 Wimbledon tournament and not for the reason you may think. It was the first year the women's and men's singles champions earned equal prize money at Wimbledon, a cause that Williams championed long before her win. "Wimbledon 2007 was a huge moment in my career — not just because I won, but because of what was happening off the court," Williams told USA TODAY Sports ahead of her Barbie's release on Aug. 15. "Championing for equal prize money wasn't just about me, it was about pushing for change for all women in sports. To see that moment honored with a Barbie doll is incredibly special. I hope it inspires young girls to speak up, believe in themselves, and know they have the power to change the game too." MORE: How to buy new Venus Williams Barbie, part of the inspiring women collection Venus Williams: 'My Barbie doll told my story' Williams said seeing her own Barbie marked a "full-circle moment." When she didn't have a tennis racket in her hand during her early years training alongside father, Richard Williams, and sister, Serena, Venus channeled her creative energy into giving her dolls one-of-a-kind makeovers. "I've always loved being creative, even as a kid, I used to sew clothes for my dolls," Williams recalled. "Seeing (my) finished doll was so surreal — it made me realize this doll represents something much bigger. It's about inspiring young girls they can dream big and break barriers too." Breaking barriers is Williams specialty. Two years before she triumphantly hoisted Wimbledon's Rosewater Dish for the fourth time in 2007, Williams met with officials from Wimbledon and the French Open. They were the two Grand Slams that didn't pay equal prize money at the time. When no change came from the meeting, Williams refused to leave the ball in the officials' court. She penned an article in The Times at the start of the 2006 tournament titled: Wimbledon has sent me a message: I'm only a second class champion. Williams' article was the catalyst for Wimbledon and the French Open to change. Both tournaments announced equal prize money for all competitors, beginning in 2007. Williams went on to win her sixth major singles title at Wimbledon that year and was the first woman to win the same purse as male champion Roger Federer. "My advice to any woman, not just advocating for equal pay but also advocating for themselves, is this: always bet on yourself and keep pushing, no matter how tough it gets," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "There's so much power in believing in yourself. When you use your voice, you create space for others to speak up too and that can create real change." Venus Williams collaborated 'closely' on Barbie Williams' Barbie is wearing a two-piece white set identical to what she wore to defeat France's Marion Bartoli, 6–4, 6–1, in the 2007 Wimbledon final. Her "Inspiring Women Series" doll also features Williams' accessories from the match, including her green gem necklace, dangly earrings, wristbands and visors, in addition to Reebok tennis shoes. (Williams signed a multi-million dollar deal with Reebok in 1995 at age 14 after walking away from Nike because she believed she could earn more, as depicted in the 2021 biopic, "King Richard.") Don't forget about her racket and tennis ball. "Venus chose that outfit herself actually, so she collaborated really closely with our talented Barbie design team," Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, told USA TODAY Sports. "They (worked) closely throughout the entire process of designing the doll to ensure it accurately reflected her appearance and her personal style." Berger said Williams' involvement with creating her own Barbie "added that personal touch to capture her impact as an athlete and an advocate. It's a moment that's important not only for the sport, for women, for fans, but to Venus personally." What's next for Venus Williams? The release of Williams' Barbie doll comes days ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open, where Williams is teaming up with fellow American Reilly Opelka in mixed doubles. She recently returned to competition for the first time in 16-months at the D.C. Open in July. "Coming back to D.C. reminded me how much I truly love this game," Williams said. "I've always stayed true to myself and played on my own terms. For me, excellence has no limits — I play because I love the process, and fully embrace each moment." Williams, 45, earned a straight sets victory over World No. 35 Peyton Stearns in the opening round to become the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since 2004. Williams fell short in the second round against Magdalena Frech and made a quick, first-round exit at the Cincinnati Open, but she nonetheless celebrated being able to play "healthier than ever." "Reconnecting with that feeling, along with the energy and support of the fans, was truly something special," Williams added. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mattel Honors Fashion Designer Anna Sui With Her Own Barbie Doll for AAPI Heritage Month (Exclusive)
Mattel is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a new Barbie doll of Chinese fashion designer Anna Sui The doll is featured in the Inspiring Women Series, which has previously honored Kristi Yamaguchi and Anna May Wong Sui tells PEOPLE how her Barbie came together from the outfit to the glam Anna Sui designs for the runway, for the stars and, yes, even for Barbie dolls. In 2006, the Chinese-American fashion icon collaborated with Mattel on the Boho Barbie, a figurine that encapsulated Sui's signature bohemian aesthetic, but not the woman behind the seams. Now, almost 20 years later, that is all changing. Today, Sui, 60, is the face of her very own Barbie figurine featured in Mattel's Inspiring Women Series and the moment comes just in time for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (May 1-May 31). It's an opportunity that she tells PEOPLE she "never dreamed would happen." Sui immersed herself in the process of creating her own doll and had "a lot of fun" doing it. "It was such an amazing moment when they said, you can choose what body type you want, your skin tone, your hair type. All those things were in the selection of how we were developing," she says. Related: Kristi Yamaguchi's Barbie Celebrating 1992 Olympics Gold Medal Moment Even Includes Her 'Big Hair' (Exclusive) What she and the team also approached with precision was creating an outfit for mini Anna Sui. The doll comes glammed up in a grunge-forward starburst dress paying homage to one of Sui's 2007 collections, is decked out in accessories inspired by her personal treasures and Spring 2025 designs and carries a miniature version of the Anna Sui Classic Eau de Toilette fragrance. Sui's signature glam — her bangs, her red lip, her black eyeliner (which she loves so much she does her eyes up before she hits the gym) and a colorful nail polish — come together to reflect the designer to the fullest. "This is me and this is how I feel the most comfortable. I think that having that recognition of a look is really important. You kind of, I don't know, become a caricature of yourself," explains Sui. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. From head to toe, Sui's Barbie tells a story of perseverance. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit as a child of Chinese immigrants, she wasn't surrounded by peers who looked like her. But, she says, "I think the fact that I was unique, I liked that. And so I pursued that and my style became much more exaggerated even once I moved to New York and started experimenting with looks and makeup and clothes...I liked the attention. I wanted to stand out." A motto she always stuck by: "You have to stick with your guns." Now Sui — a former Parsons student who launched her label in 1981 and put on her first runway show a decade later — hopes that her Barbie will "inspire other women to dream what it is they want to do with their lives." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Related: Barbie Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with Doll of Late Chinese-American Hollywood Icon Anna May Wong "Everything that we've talked about is really trusting in your own instinct, building your confidence [and knowing] that you are unique and there's a way that you can do it. Not everybody's the same. You can't do it the way other people do it. You have to find your own path, and you have to stick with it," she adds. In honor of AAPI Month, Mattel's Barbie Dream Gap Project will also be donating to APEX for Youth, a non-profit organization based in New York City that empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families through community, mentorship and other resources. Read the original article on People
