Laverne Cox is Mattel's first-ever transgender Barbie

• Mattel has launched a doll in Laverne Cox's likeness as part of the Barbie Tribute Collection.
  
• Cox is the first transgender person to have a Barbie doll designed to their likeness.
• In an interview, the actor revealed that she was very involved in designing her Barbie.

Laverne Cox is a Barbie girl in a Barbie world.

Toy manufacturer, Mattel, has launched a doll in the actor's likeness as part of the Barbie Tribute Collection in honour of her impact as an advocate for LGBTQ rights.

Cox, who turns 50 on Sunday, told People that inspiring a doll in Mattel's legendary line-up feels "surreal."

"I can't believe it. I love her outfit," Cox said. "What excites me most about her being out in the world is that trans young people can see her and maybe get to purchase her and play with her, and know that there's a Barbie made by Mattel, for the first time, in the likeness of a trans person."

Speaking to E! News about the doll's launch, Cox said: "I am the first transgender person to have a Barbie created in their image."

Cox also shared her involvement in designing the doll, revealing the clever way she was able to give the doll outfit changes while still making it affordable.

"I helped design this with the team at Mattel, and I wanted to do multiple outfits. But to make it cost-effective – $40 (R629) retail – we could only do one look," she said.

"I was like, 'What if we did a look that peeled?'"

Cox's idea prompted her doll to be designed wearing what the Barbie design team described as "a triple-threat ensemble, with which she can serve multiple red-carpet-ready looks by layering on and off the different pieces."

Cox further revealed details about the design process, including the "60-year-old machine" they use to make a Barbie doll's hair.

"It was so fascinating to see the whole process and all of the incredible professionals who put their hearts and souls into designing this."

See the Laverne Cox Barbie doll HERE.