Ken is celebrating 65 years, and Mattel has discovered a rock star to assist mark the event. Lenny Kravitz has been named the toy firm’s second-ever Kenbassador, giving the Grammy-winning musician a brand new function on the planet of Barbie. The sudden partnership places Kravitz within the highlight as Mattel celebrates greater than six many years of Barbie’s male companion.
On September 17, Mattel and Lenny Kravitz revealed the rock star’s new function because the second-ever Kenbassador.
In a brief video posted on social media, the singer tosses bootleg denim denims, a cowl-neck tank prime, a belt, boots, a necklace and sun shades on a staircase earlier than revealing the Lenny Kravitz Ken doll. The digital camera zooms out, exhibiting Kravitz standing over his doll, with each wearing matching outfits and equipment.
Every week earlier than the announcement, Kravitz teased the collaboration by posting a photo of his doll’s tattooed arm whereas holding out a setlist.
“Barbie is an establishment, and as a child rising up, I couldn’t have imagined this. To be chosen by Mattel as a Kenbassador, solely the second in historical past, is an honor and completely surreal,” stated Kravitz in an announcement, per Rolling Stone.
Mattel Honors The Singer’s Music And Type
The discharge of Kravitz’s doll coincides with Ken’s sixty fifth anniversary.
Ken, full identify Kenneth Sean Carson, was first launched in 1961, two years after the Barbie doll’s launch. Like Barbie, Ken was created by Ruth Handler in response to requests for Barbie to have a romantic companion, based on TIME.
In an announcement, Mattel’s Head of Barbie, Nathan Baynard, stated the partnership with Kravitz celebrates the artist’s authenticity. “From his genre-defying music to his fearless method to private type, Lenny makes use of his platform to champion individuality whereas empowering others to do the identical,” Baynard famous.
Lenny Kravitz Explains Artistic Decisions Behind His Doll’s Type
Kravitz finds it “so cool” to have his personal doll, saying it by no means crossed his thoughts to have one made. He recommended Mattel for the eye to element and was impressed at how they replicated the tattoo of his mother’s portrait on his arm.
As for his doll’s style alternative, the singer stated it made sense to decorate it in garments he’s been sporting for his Blue Electrical Mild Tour, which kicked off in June 2024 and is presently on its third leg. “We bought it all the way down to all the main points of the boots and the denims and the belt with the holes and the rivets and the tops that I’ve been sporting,” he instructed PEOPLE.
The pair of sun shades was modeled after the identical classic ones he’s had from the Nineteen Sixties, and the necklace was created within the likeness of the one he wears, which as soon as belonged to his mom, actress Roxie Roker.
LeBron James Was The First Kenbassador
Basketball legend LeBron James was named the primary Kenbassador in 2025.
“Barbie is teaming up with the LeBron James Household Basis to launch the primary Ken® doll of knowledgeable athlete, LeBron James, to acknowledge his constructive affect on tradition, type, and neighborhood,” the press release learn.
For each LeBron James Kenbassador doll offered at Goal, Mattel donated a replica of the athlete’s e-book, “I Am Extra Than” to the Save the Youngsters group.
Kravitz’s collaboration with Mattel will reportedly profit the singer’s non-profit group, the Let Love Rule Basis, which focuses on offering medical care, catastrophe reduction, and meals help. The Barbie Signature Kenbassadors Lenny Kravitz Ken Doll retails for $70.
Lenny Kravitz’s Tour Is Wrapping Up
After two years on the street, Kravitz’s tour is coming to a detailed, with a remaining efficiency at Central Park’s Nice Garden on September 26.
“I’ve been touring for 2 and a half years now on this album,” Kravitz stated, referring to his twelfth studio album, “Blue Electrical Mild,” launched in Might 2024. “We’re coming to a detailed. [The doll] marks this time and this tour, which has been actually unbelievable for me. I believe it’s one of the best tour of my profession,” the singer stated.
