Florence, Nov 19 (IANS/AKI) Barbie dolls clad in Indian sari, wearing the Muslim burqa and the Japanese kimono are among a collection due to go under the hammer in the central Italian city of Florence Friday.

London-based Sotheby's are organising the auction, the proceeds of which will go to charity.

The collection of 500 Barbie dolls will from Thursday be on show at Florence's Il Serraglio gallery.

The dolls' outfits have been designed by Italian designer Eliana Lorena, who has worked for fashion labels such as Mandarina Duck, Poltrona Frau and Fila.

The show is being sponsored by Barbie's manufacturer Mattel's Italian subsidiary and marks the 50th anniversary of Barbie, the world's most popular doll.

The veiled 'Fullah' Islamic Barbie doll hit toy stores in 2006.