Mattel released the Barbie as David Bowie doll in July 2019, dressed as his character Ziggy Stardust. Planet Rock, in a story published July 12, 2019, says the doll was launched to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Bowie’s single “Space Oddity,” released July 11, 1969, that it cost $50, and that pre orders sold out almost immediately when it went on sale the day before. Consequence of Sound posted its report on July 11, 2019. Hotpress reports that the doll was part of Mattel’s Gold Label Collection, that production would be limited to 20,000 or fewer worldwide, that it came with a stand and a certificate of authenticity, and that Bowie was the first musician in the Gold Label line. Mattel’s statement, quoted by Hotpress and Planet Rock, describes Bowie as an English singer, songwriter and actor.

The Victoria and Albert Museum holds a copy, made in Indonesia and designed in Los Angeles by Linda Kyaw, and describes it in detail. The costume is modeled on the metallic space suit that Freddie Burretti designed for Bowie’s character, in two pieces of silver, blue and red stripes, with pointed green and red striped shoulders and a wide collar, and platform…