Mattel, Inc, a global toy and entertainment company, has unveiled a new Barbie book series celebrating fashion-led storytelling, created in partnership with internationally renowned Australian fashion illustrator, Megan Hess.
The series will launch on September 29, 2026, with three hardcover titles and four colour and activity books, designed for adults and young readers.
Published by Hardie Grant, the seven-book collection reimagines Barbie through high-fashion illustration, and highlights its history in the fashion space.
Megan Hess, whose bestselling fashion illustration books have earned her a global following across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia Pacific, credits Barbie as a formative influence on her creative journey.
Among the upcoming titles, they include Barbie: A Fashion Icon, The World of Barbie, and a range of colour and activity books for all ages, including adult colouring in books.
Mattel’s global head of publishing Ryan Ferguson said the collaboration unites Megan Hess’s signature fashion illustration style with the Barbie legacy as a fashion icon.
“Designed to inspire fans across generations, each hand-drawn illustration celebrates the craft of traditional fashion illustration while reflecting the inclusive representation of Barbie across personal-style and self-expression. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and culturally relevant,” Ferguson said.
Hess said it has been an honour to work with Mattel on the new book range. “It is truly the collaboration of a lifetime,” she said.
“If my five-year-old self had known I would one day collaborate with Barbie, I would never have believed it. I grew up playing with Barbie and imagining fashion shows on my bedroom floor, and she made me feel like I could conquer the world.
“I hope adults and children around the world find joy and inspiration in this collection, just as Barbie inspired the five-year-old me to follow my dreams and believe anything was possible.”
The Barbie brand made its first appearance in 1959. Today, the brand boasts over 175 looks and offers a unique voice across multiple platforms to engage a wide range of audiences.
Speaking on its involvement in the book range launch, Hardie Grant’s managing director of commercial, Julia Kumschick said the project brings together fashion, illustration and storytelling in a truly distinctive way.
“Originating in Australia and developed for a global audience, this series reflects a shared commitment to creative excellence and celebrates Barbie as a cultural icon through books designed to be treasured by readers of all ages.”