Circle News

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, tennis champion Kim Clijsters and Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria have all been given the ultimate plastic accolade: being turned into a Barbie doll.

The three successful women join chat show host Oprah Winfrey and German president Angela Merkel in having one-of-a-kind dolls made in their image, as Barbie tries to shed its air-head associations.

"They are true role models for girls of all ages, embodying the essence and values of Barbie," said Rosa Zeegers, senior vice president of Barbie International.

"Whether you are four years old or 70 years old, we all need aspirational role models in our lives."

Kim Clijsters, who returned to sport after the birth of her daughter and went on to win the US Open last year, said it was "incredible" to see herself recreated in 11.5-inch plastic.

"It's an honour to be looked at as a role model - but that doesn't mean I'm the perfect woman!" she said.

Her doll features a tennis outfit resembling the one she wore for the US Open final, a racquet, a replica of the trophy and even a miniature version of her daughter Jada.

The JK Rowling doll, meanwhile, is dressed in the black wool suit and hot pink top combination she wore at the 2009 Monsters and Critics Award Banquet.

The three one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, which will not go on general sale, are being showcased in Mattel's showroom at the world's largest toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany.