Get ready for a desert takeover! Reality star Olandria Carthen, affectionately known as the ‘Bama Barbie,’ is bringing her signature Black Girl Magic to Coachella this year, and she’s doing it in partnership with the iconic Barbie brand. This collaboration promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience in the desert.
Welcome to ‘Barbielandria’
Carthen announced the exciting news with a captivating clip, captioning it, “It’s about to be a Barbie takeover! See you in the desert 😉💗.” The activation, described as a ‘Barbie Dream House’ or ‘Barbielandria,’ perfectly blends Carthen’s unique style with the classic Barbie aesthetic. She was pictured posing in a chic pink Barbie pool float, sporting a vintage black and white chevron swimsuit and Chanel glasses, with her hair styled in a playful ponytail.
This partnership is a natural fit, celebrating Carthen’s rising star power. Beyond her reality TV presence, she’s become a muse for high-fashion designers and celebrity stylists The Reismans. Her recent appearance as the “Rookie” in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue further cemented her status as a prominent figure.
A Work Ethic Inspired by Mom
Carthen often speaks about her strong work ethic, which she credits to her mother’s influence. Growing up with a single parent and three siblings, she witnessed firsthand the dedication required to ensure the family never went without. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of creativity and resilience.
She recalled having to be resourceful to fund her education, sending out letters and taking on odd jobs like cleaning houses to pay for books. “Seeing how my mom got creative when it came to stretching that dollar, it made me get creative when I found myself in those tough moments,” Carthen shared in an interview with AFROTECH™.
Could an Olandria Barbie Be Next?
With this high-profile collaboration and her growing influence, the question on everyone’s mind is whether we might see an Olandria Barbie doll in the future. While we’ll have to wait and see, her presence at Coachella with the Barbie brand is undoubtedly a major milestone.
Are you excited about Olandria Carthen’s Barbie activation at Coachella? What do you hope to see? Let us know in the comments!