Mattel’s New Ken Doll: “He’s Been Backpacking Through Tibet”

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  02.12.06 | 2:56 AM ET

imageCNN was droning on in the background Saturday— something about Mattel making over its famous Ken doll—when I heard someone mention Tibet and had to rewind the digital recorder. “Celebrity stylist” Phillip Bloch, who consulted on Ken’s makeover for Mattel, was trying to convince a CNN anchor that Ken was not gay, despite his metrosexual look.

Bloch: “People just get confused when a man is more sensitive, he’s more in touch with his spiritual side, he’s been writing poetry.”

Anchor: “He’s wearing a leather jacket.”

Bloch: “Well, his jacket is leather…his jeans are torn. He got them in Italy. He’s been backpacking through Tibet.”

So there you have it. Ken is officially a backpacker—the kind of guy who hikes in the Himalayas, studies Buddhism and writes poetry. No word on whether Barbie will soon be spring-breaking in Thailand, getting her hair braided outside a guesthouse on Khao San Road.

 

Tags: Asia, China, Tibet


4 Comments for Mattel’s New Ken Doll: “He’s Been Backpacking Through Tibet”

Slimfinger Turnpike 02.13.06 | 1:35 AM ET

I saw Ken at a guesthouse in Pai, and he was traveling with a German model who had a fondness for the local opium. Anyway she told me that Ken is not gay, but in fact bisexual.

Jerry Haines 02.13.06 | 5:00 PM ET

Clearly, he’s been on assignment for the J Peterman catalog.

Andrea 11.27.06 | 12:41 AM ET

PUT MORE KEN DOLLS IN STORES AND SOME CLOTHES TOO

barbie games 06.03.08 | 11:17 AM ET

In 2004, Ken left Barbie amicably seeking a new single life. In 2006, he returned more muscular and attractive than ever. While nothing is sure regarding the two years he was out of the spotlight, it’s obvious at least some of his time was used to develop a new physique and a new style.


Cheers.

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