Mattel has launched a new line of African American Barbie dolls that are inspired by designer Stacy McBride-Irby. The dolls are a direct spin off of the Barbie and Grace story and are meant to give girls another set of smart, sassy and fashionable “role models”.  From the Barbie Collector web site:

As told by designer Stacey McBride-Irby, the So In Style™ story revolves around Grace™, who was friends with Barbie® in Malibu before moving away to Chicago, where she met Trichelle™ and Kara™, her new BFFs. There, they began to mentor young girls in their community – Courtney®, Janessa™, and Kianna®.

“I want them to be examples to real girls,” says McBride-Irby, “but I wanted to make sure they had an aspirational theme also, that moms will hone in on.” Each pair comes with accessories that reflect their interests – math and music, drill team and science, art and journalism.

Other features of the dolls include new skin tones and AquaCurl hair which can be curled or straightened with a mist of water. The little sister dolls are a little taller than the Kelly line so they can interact better with the larger dolls.

Meet the Designer of the So In Style line – Part 1:

Meet the Designer of the So In Style line – Part 2:

The collection, which should be in stores shortly – just in time for the holiday shopping season,  includes:

Barbie So In Style Grace & Courtney Dolls

Barbie So In Style Kendal & Kara Dolls

Barbie So In Style Trichelle & Janessa Dolls

Additional items from the collection can be seen and purchased directly through the BarbieCollector.com site now.