Washington, Nov 23 Barbie is all set for a traditional makeover - the doll will don a burqa for a charity auction.

The much-adored Barbie will be auctioned in the traditional Islamic dress for Sotheby's Save the Children charity.

Over 500 dolls were displayed in Florence, Italy, as part of the celebrations of Barbie's 50th anniversary this year. Manufacturer Mattel is believed to be supportive of the exhibit, partly the creation of Italian designer Eliana Lorena.

"I know Barbie was something seen as bad before as an image for girls, but in actual fact the message with Barbie for women is you can be whatever you want to be," Fox News quoted Lorena, as telling the Daily Mail. (ANI)