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David Bowie Barbie doll unveiled on Space Oddity's 50th anniversary

Doll retails for $50 (£40)

Clémence Michallon
New York
Thursday 11 July 2019 15:16 EDT
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David Bowie performs his final concert as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon, London on 3 July, 1973.
David Bowie performs his final concert as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon, London on 3 July, 1973. (Express/Express/Getty Images)

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Mattell has unveiled a new Barbie doll modeled after David Bowie, on the 50th anniversary of his song “Space Oddity”.

The doll bears the likeness of Bowie’s glam alter ego Ziggy Stardust, dressed in the character’s signature striped suit and red platform boots.

Its hair is swept back in an imitation of Bowie’s bright red locks Other details of the doll’s look include black nail polish and large dangle earrings.

“In a definitive celebration of two pop culture icons, Barbie honours the ultimate pop chameleon, English singer, songwriter and actor, David Bowie, whose dramatic musical transformations continue to influence and inspire,” Mattel wrote on its website.

“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.”

The doll, which is being sold as a collectible for adults, retails for $50 (£40).

Bowie famously created Ziggy Stardust in 1971, before the 1972 release of the concept album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

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He then retired the character in 1973.

The song “Space Oddity”, which chronicles the space launch of the fictional astronaut Major Tom, was released as a single on 11 July, 1969. It remains one of Bowie’s most famous songs.

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