By Karen Brooks AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Red-blooded beauties, step aside: a plastic Barbie doll will join a generation of iconic stunners next week in the Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Swimsuit edition. Striking a pose in the black-and-white swimsuit she wore for her debut in 1959, Barbie takes her place alongside a host of legendary SI Swimsuit alumni as part of a new promotional campaign with the magazine, Mattel officials said. “Barbie is a legend in her own right, with more than 150 careers and a brand valued at $3 billion,” Mattel spokeswoman Michelle Chidoni said. “She is in great company with the other legends, such as (actress-models) Heidi Klum and Christie Brinkley, to name a few.” The cover will be unveiled on the late-night TV talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Thursday, according to show representatives.
