Photo credit: Blex.media
Kitty Black Perkins, the designer behind the first Black Barbie, is getting the biopic treatment.
Fly Butterfly Productions has announced a life rights deal with Perkins, whose work helped change representation in the toy industry. A feature film about her life, titled Kitty, is now in development.
Keena Ferguson is attached to direct the project, while Kadesha Powell will write the screenplay. Jasmine Farr will produce the film.
Kitty Black Perkins’ Barbie Story
The Kitty Black Perkins biopic will follow the designer’s journey from Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Mattel in Los Angeles.
Growing up during segregation, Perkins reportedly colored paper dolls brown because she wanted to see herself represented. Years later, that desire for representation would shape her career.
After joining Mattel in 1976, Perkins rose through the company and became the first and only Chief Designer in Barbie’s history.
Her biggest milestone came in 1980 when Mattel introduced Black Barbie. Perkins designed the doll, which marked an important moment for Black representation in the Barbie line.
Before then, Black dolls connected to Barbie had mainly appeared as friends or supporting characters. Black Barbie, however, carried the Barbie name and identity herself.
The Designer Behind Black Barbie
Perkins continued pushing for better representation throughout her career.
In 1991, she led the creation of The Marvelous World of Shani. The doll line featured different skin tones, facial features and hair textures that celebrated Black beauty.
The project also aimed to give young Black girls dolls they could see themselves in and look up to.
As a result, Perkins became an important figure in the history of representation in children’s toys.
Her work went beyond designing dolls. She helped expand the idea of who could be represented in one of the world’s most recognizable toy brands.
Kitty Biopic Moves Into Development
The upcoming Kitty Black Perkins biopic will bring that story to the big screen.
Ferguson will direct the film, with Powell handling the script and Farr producing. The creative team will explore Perkins’ childhood, career and impact on generations of children.
At this stage, the project is still seeking production partners and funding.
The film has received support from a South Carolina Arts Commission development grant. That backing will help move the project forward as the filmmakers look for additional support.
For now, Kitty offers a chance to tell the story of a designer whose work helped millions of children see themselves in a beloved toy.
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Source: Blex.media
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