Laverne Cox makes history with first ever Trans Barbie doll

Iconic.

Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox has made history after she was honoured with her very own Barbie doll, the first doll modelled after a trans person. Toy brand Mattel is celebrating the trans actress, producer, writer and activist and has created the doll to look like her to commend her impact as an advocate for LGBTQ rights. Cox said: "It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll. "I can’t wait for fans to find my doll on shelves and have the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modelled after a transgender person to their collection. I hope that people can look at this Barbie and dream big like I have in my career. "The space of dreaming and manifesting is such a powerful source and leads you to achieve more than what you originally thought was possible." The actress has made history before as the first ever transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, and said she was "very involved" in every step of creating her doll. The Barbie's outfit involves a burgandy bustier and skirt which can be removed to reveal a silver catsuit under, as Laverne didn't want to be limited to one look.

"I was like, “What if we did a look that peeled?”" she told E! News.

"She gives you a catsuit fantasy, honey. Transgender Barbie is in effect. She’s giving you looks. She’s giving you everything."

Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, told Metro.co.uk: "We are proud to highlight the importance of inclusion and acceptance at every age and to recognise Laverne’s significant impact on culture."

The doll is part of Mattel and Barbie's Tribute Collection, aiming to "celebrate visionaries who inspire through their incredible contributions and impact as trailblazers." Others with dolls in the collection include Vera Wang and TV icon Lucille Ball.

Mattel said in a statement: "Barbie knows that representation matters, and we are committed to continue to increase diversity in all our collections, so that more people can see themselves reflected."