Following a successful collaboration in Australia for Barbie’s 50th Anniversary in 2009, Mattel invited Stefano Canturi to create a historical, one of a kind Barbie, deemed The World’s Rarest Barbie.
With a new challenge to add to his artistic repertoire, Stefano spent four weeks time designing Barbie from head to toe; her frame, her hair style, makeup, dress, shoes, nail polish and of course her exquisite jewels.
‘Barbie by Stefano Canturi’ wears a signature Canturi necklace, exemplifying Stefano’s ‘Cubism’ style of lace worked carré and baguette cut diamonds. Three carats of white diamonds drape around her neck, centered by an extremely rare and brilliantly coloured 1 carat square, emerald cut pink diamond; a registered tendered stone from the Australian Argyle mine. She also wears an iconic Canturi diamond ring on her right hand.
Stefano envisioned a very feminine yet confident look that both flatters and empowers. “I wanted the jewellery design to pay homage to Barbie’s modern yet timeless style, this is why I applied my Cubism design concept to her look; it is perfect for her”.
Beyond creating a beautiful and historic doll, Stefano wanted this project to have a meaningful contribution to the women who inspire him and for whom he designs.
As such, ‘Barbie by Stefano Canturi’ was auctioned at Christie’s prestigious "Magnificent Jewels" sale in New York on October 20th, with 100% of the profits donated by Stefano Canturi to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
