Some global icons continue to endure; the empathy of Princess Diana is name-checked in Russia and Mexico, Coco Chanel’s style and business empire in France and the philanthropy and elegance of Audrey Hepburn across all markets.
Even Mattel’s Barbie – hardly a feminist icon – is getting in on the act with its Inspiring Women doll series. The likes of US snowboard sensation Chloe Kim, aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and filmmaker Patty Jenkins represent a very different type of Barbie girl.