Two of Today's Hottest Fashion-Forward Style Setters Team Up: Hilary Duff and Barbie Doll; #1 Girls Brand and #1 Teen Queen Make a New ``Fashion Statement''

Business Wire, Sept 23, 2004

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Mattel announces today that Hilary Duff -- teen actress and top pop musician -- has teamed up with fellow style setter, Barbie(R) doll, to introduce a new range of Barbie(R) dolls called Fashion Fever(TM), girls apparel, accessories and Barbie(TM) fragrance. The campaign, a first of its kind for the venerable Barbie(R) brand, shows Barbie(R) as the ultimate fashion doll and fashion line, reinforcing its position as the #1 brand with girls.

"When I was younger, I was so inspired by Barbie(R)," said Hilary Duff. "She has been a role model for my friends and me -- I love her style and her spirit!"

Recognizing that girls today take their fashion cues from Hollywood, the Barbie(R) brand selected a partner who could bring Barbie(R) doll's signature fashion statement to life in a way that is relevant and authentic for girls. Hilary Duff was the obvious choice. Joining Duff in one of the two national launch spots will be her older sister Haylie Duff. Additional Barbie(R) ads will roll out this fall on television, print and outdoor.

"Hilary is many girls' #1 favorite star and a person they trust and look to for fashion styles and trends, making her a perfect fit with the Barbie(R) brand," said Tim Kilpin, Senior Vice President Marketing, Mattel.

This marks the first for the Barbie(R) brand, as the doll and the consumer products come together to create a strong Barbie(R) brand statement with dolls, apparel, beauty and more.

In addition to teaming up with one of the most fashionable teen idols today, Barbie(R) brand also recently made some style noise with the launch of Fashion Fever(TM) dolls, available nationwide Fall 2004, where Barbie(R) and friends -- Drew(TM), Kayla(R) and Teresa(R) -- dress in the latest, hottest, casual fashion. A new clothing line for girls will be available this fall, exclusively at Federated Stores, such as Macy's, offering girls cool and trendy apparel. Additionally, the new Barbie(TM) fragrance that launched in August in partnership with PUIG Beauty and Fashion Group, known for their many high-end designer fragrances, brings the Barbie(R) essence of style, excitement and femininity to girls of all ages.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT)(www.mattel.com), is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family of toys and games is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), and Fisher-Price(R), which also includes Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R), as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 36 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. (C) 2004 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.