Bill Greening, Principal designer on the Barbie Signature line at Mattel, just released the new TINA TURNER Signature Music Series doll. It’s simply the best!
The Tina Turner Signature Music Series doll is making headlines and selling out everywhere! Tell us how the Tina Turner doll came to be?
Let’s just say that Tina has been on my doll wish list for a very long time. Over the years, many other Barbie collectors have shared the same wish for a Tina Turner doll. Initially the Barbie team was having challenges getting in touch with Tina. I asked a good friend of mine who used to work at Capitol Records if he had a contact that could help us. It’s a crazy small world sometimes, and luckily he had a contact. We were in the early stages of the project right about the time she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so the timing was perfect.
When were you first exposed to Tina Turner’s music?
As a Gen-Xer, MTV was a big influence on my pre-teen and teen years. The songs “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Let’s Stay Together” were my first introduction to Tina. “What’s Love” played constantly on MTV! The song and iconic look really defined Tina’s ‘80s comeback for me.
Tell us about Tina’s look. The fashion and hair are spot on!
I think the costume is very authentic to the video, and there’s lots of nice detailing on the denim jacket. The ‘leather’ skirt, black top, tights, and black ‘80s heels really complete the ‘tough’ look. We used a lot of screen grabs from the music video to see the hair at all angles. The hair team did lots of trials to get the style and color just right. Lots of teasing and hairspray was involved!
Was Tina herself very involved?
She was very involved in the design process. The “What’s Love” video look was the choice right from the start. Tina also approved the face sculpt, skin tone, and Barbie body we used on the doll. There is also a little thumb ring painted on the doll that was important for Tina to include which she sells at www.Tina-turner.rocks. I think this likeness doll pays a great tribute to such an iconic performer. I was pleased to hear that the doll brought tears of joy to Tina’s eyes when she received her sample.
Have you worked on other women of rock before?
Oh yes, I got to work on Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, and Cher. I clearly love the 80’s!
Are there any more rock and roll icons planned in Barbie’s future ? Any clues you can reveal?
Yes, but can’t say who just yet. Keep checking the Barbie Signature page on MattelCreations.com regularly to see the latest dolls from the Barbie Signature team.
Thank you so much Bill! Your icons are our icons and you do them justice each and every time.
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About Deven Green:
Award-winning comedic chanteuse. You know Deven from the quotable “Welcome To My Home” and retro voice-over parody videos, officiating weddings, bingo balling, portraying Betty Bowers, as a judge on Drag Race, creative duo with Handsome Ned & performing with the best Queens in the world with her electric ukulele and inimitable smile. Check out her website here.
