Julie Bishop: Mattel makes Barbie doll based on politician's likeness

Julie Bishop is being honoured by Barbie with her own one-of-a-kind doll as she’s announced as the brand’s official Role Model for Australia.

The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, 64, was presented with a doll in her likeness – which is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Mattel toy company.

‘I am delighted to work with Barbie as an Official Role model as I hope it will encourage young women and girls to aspire to set big goals, work hard to achieve them and be leaders in their field,’ she said.

Honour: Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop is being honoured by Barbie with her own one-of-a-kind doll as she’s announced as the brand’s official Role Model for Australia

Julie’s doll, which is not for sale, features her signature blonde bob and is dressed in a navy coat and dress, and red heels.

The doll also comes with an Australian passport and a suitcase – a nod to her four-year tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

Julie was impeccably dressed for the photo shoot with her Barbie, captured by renowned photographer Russell James.

Dressed for success! The retired politician, 64, was presented with a doll in her likeness – which is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Mattel toy company

Tribute: Julie’s doll, which is not for sale, features her signature blonde bob and is dressed in a navy coat and dress, and red heels 

She wore a navy coat and Armani dress, along with sparkling earrings and a broach.

The retired politician completed her look with a pair of her signature red pumps, which she famously wore on her last day in office.  

Julie said: ‘I was genuinely thrilled to see a Barbie in my likeness, particularly as she was dressed in the outfit I wore when a resigned as Australia’s Foreign Minister, a political role that I was honoured to hold.’

Dream big: Julie said of the honour, ‘I hope it will encourage young women and girls to aspire to set big goals, work hard to achieve them and be leaders in their field’

Mattel’s custom doll pays homage to Julie’s trailblazing career in both national and international politics, which spanned more than 20 years.

During her career she formalised a partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Fashion Chamber to promote local fashion and design on the world stage. 

Julie stepped down as Foreign Minister in August 2018 and quit politics the following year.

Standing out from the crowd: The recognition paid homage to her trailblazing career spanning over 20 years in both national and international politics. Pictured right is Julie in red

Hard work: During her career she formalised a partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Fashion Chamber to promote local fashion and design on the world stage

She has since become a fixture on the social scene, and recently attended Australian Fashion Week in Sydney.

As of January last year, she has been chancellor of the Australian National University, and is the first woman to hold the position. 

Julie also serves as Chair of the Telethon Kids Institute and Chair of the Prince’s Trust Australia, and was recently appointed by the UK Government to the G7 Equality Advisory Council.

Departure: Julie stepped down as Foreign Minister in August 2018 and quit politics the following year

In the past, Barbie has honoured high-profile Australians including media doyenne Ita Buttrose, conservationist Bindi Irwin and Paralympian Madison de Rozario.

Barbie’s Role Model program aims to inspire the next generation of women to break boundaries in diverse fields as part of Barbie’s Dream Gap Project.

The Barbie’s Dream Gap Project initiative raises awareness around factors that limit girls from achieving their full potential.

Life after politics: She has since become a fixture on the social scene at Australian Fashion Week, and charity galas. As of January 2020, she has been chancellor of the Australian National University and is the first woman to be in the role