Li Xiaopei, a student from China Academy of Art Shanghai Design Institute, named her doll "Lizzy" after her favorite character in the novel "Pride and Prejudice."

According to 23-year-old Li, Lizzy meets Barbie in a Shanghai wedding dress store. "That's why Lizzy wears a white wedding gown," she explains. "She also asks Barbie for suggestions on her gown because she wants to be the most beautiful bride."

It took her half a month to come up with the idea, finding the fabrics, finishing the clothes, makeup and hair for Lizzy. "Every girl loves Barbie," says the Zhejiang Province native. "I'm so excited that the doll I created might be chosen as Barbie's best girlfriend in China!"

All the visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favorite "Barbie's girlfriend in China" among the 16 dolls by students. The winner chosen in late October gets a certificate and award presented by Robert Best, principal designer of Barbie Collectibles, making his first trip to China.

"We believe in girls' dreams," says Laura Lai, general manager of Barbie Shanghai. "We'd love to help students with the dream of becoming a fashion designer fulfill their wishes a bit earlier."

Apart from Barbie's Chinese friends, the exhibition will also showcase more than 80 limited edition dolls designed by Best.

During the past 14 years at Barbie, Best has designed literally hundreds of dolls. They include the Millennium Bride Barbie Doll, Crystal Jubilee Barbie Doll, Billions of Dreams Barbie Doll, Pink Ribbon Barbie and the collectors' favorite, "Barbie Fashion Model Collection."

He has also designed celebrity series based on Audrey Hepburn, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.

"It is very difficult for us to 'win' these dolls because similar doll exhibitions are held in many other countries at the same time to celebrate Barbie's 50th birthday," Lai points out. "Most of the dolls on display this time in Shanghai are the only one in the world and thus very valuable - like luxury jewelry."

The company paid very high insurance to fly the delicate dolls from all over the world to Shanghai.

"We hope the exhibition during the National Day holiday will attract Barbie fans to the store," she says, "and put a smile on the face of girls of all ages."

Date: October 1-31, 10am-10pm

Venue: House of Barbie, 550 Huaihai Rd M.

Tel: 400-620-8181

(Shanghai Daily September 24, 2009)