Mattel's "Barbie...I can be President" doll in outfit by Chris Benz / Photo: Mattel

WASHINGTON - Barbie is running for US president again, the manufacturer of the iconic doll said Wednesday, this time in a pink power suit from a New York designer whose clients include Michelle Obama.

Mattel said its "Barbie I Can Be... President" doll - developed in collaboration with the White House Project, a women's leadership development organization - is intended "to plant the seed of leadership in a girl's mind."

Its pink outfit with patriotic red, white and blue trim and matching pink wedge shoes is the work of New York fashion designer Chris Benz, whose formal wear is favored by the First Lady for glittering gala events.

"I was so excited to jump into the playful world of American fashion design ... for such an iconic customer," said Benz in a Mattel statement. "It was very important for the outfit to convey professionalism and strength in silhouette and design."

Mattel previously released Barbie-for-president dolls during the 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2008 election campaigns. The latest version will be in stores this summer "in Caucasian, African American, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities."

On Tuesday, a spokesman for Mattel said it would release a "friend of Barbie" doll next year that is bald in support of children who have cancer and lose their hair in treatment.