Who is Angela Merkel

- It seems to me that the fact that I am a woman is a bigger issue than the fact that I'm from the East. For me it isn't really important. I've only ever known myself as a woman.

- Europe must be solidly united today on the decisive, big issues, and we should also be able to shelve national concerns and sensitivities once in a while.

- I am not here for women only, but also for women.

The Mattel company unveiled a one of-a-kind Angela Merkel Barbie doll in honor of Germany's first female chancellor at the 60th International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany in February 2009.

The company's press release said, "Barbie has chosen to honour and recognise the Chancellor Merkel as a very modern role model for girls. Chancellor Merkel has successfully led her country while also having major impact with her work in Europe, where she recently received the Charlemagne Prize in recognition of her relentless work to reform the European Union.

"Angela Merkel is an incredible role model and with this unique Angela Merkel Barbie Doll we want to honour and recognize her impact and influence on women all over the world to whom she has been a tremendous inspiration." said Richard Dickson, GM and Senior Vice President of Barbie. "For 50 years Barbie has inspired girls to believe they can be anything, and Chancellor Merkel certainly brings that message to life for girls worldwide."

With Forbes Magazine naming her "the most powerful woman in the world at present time" for three years in a row, Angela Merkel represents what lies at the core of the Barbie brand. As Ruth Handler, Barbie's creator, explained; "My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices."

Angela Merkel's outfit consists of a single breasted trouser suit in black wool crepe. The jacket can be opened and closed with realistic snaps. Inside the jacket, it has a beautiful "Barbie Pink" satin lining that matches Angela Merkel's blouse. When closed, it is accessorized with "buttons" made out of nine Swarovski crystals, three at the front and three on each of the sleeves. On her left lapel, she is wearing a miniaturized "Barbie" silo head logo. To complete the trouser suit she is wearing sheer black knee highs with lace trim and square toe low heel pumps.

Angela Merkel's necklace is hand made with nineteen white petite pearls and four pink crystal beads with a silver chain closure. In designing her hair, a blond blend in a soft layered bob was chosen with wispy bangs brushed to the right."

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