(CNN) -- When Barbie burst onto scene in a black and white swimsuit in 1959, she was considered a rebel who embodied both "the sensuality of Marilyn Monroe and the innocence of Debbie Reynolds." Now, she's returning to her "fashion model" roots in an updated version of her iconic zebra swimsuit, and not everyone's pleased. Barbie caused a stir when Mattel and Sports Illustrated revealed last week that she would appear in the 50th anniversary edition of its annual swimsuit edition, which hit stands Tuesday. The partnership includes a promotional cover-wrap that will appear on 1,000 copies declaring Barbie "the doll that started it all," a four-page advertising feature inside the magazine and video outtakes posted online. The doll is also for sale at Target.
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Barbie's appearance in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is causing a stir
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Barbie featured in magazine is also for sale at Target
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Mattel says campaign's goal is to empower fans to celebrate what makes them unique
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Critics say "unapologetic" campaign blurs lines between real women, inanimate objects
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