Tag: Fashionistas

Mattel Launches First-Ever Down Syndrome Barbie – 2023 Barbie Fashionistas #208

Mattel®, the company behind the iconic Barbie® brand, has broken new ground in the world of inclusive toys by announcing the upcoming release of the first-ever Down Syndrome Barbie in Partnership with The National Down Syndrome Society. The company has partnered with British model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down Syndrome, for the campaign launch of this groundbreaking doll.

The Down Syndrome Barbie is sculpted to include facial features characteristic of Down Syndrome, marking a significant milestone in Mattel’s commitment to representing diverse children and promoting inclusivity. The doll will also wear a necklace with three upward-facing chevrons, symbolizing the 21st chromosome. The presence of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome is the genetic material responsible for Down Syndrome.

Barbie Fashionistas Doll # 208, Doll with Down Syndrome Wearing Floral Dress, Created in Partnership with The National Down Syndrome Society
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Ellie Goldstein, a trailblazing model with Down Syndrome, has appeared in various fashion campaigns, including those for Gucci® and Allure®. Goldstein’s collaboration with Mattel signifies the company’s dedication to breaking barriers and championing representation for all.

Since its inception, Barbie has made strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, with dolls representing various races, body types, and careers. This latest addition to the Barbie lineup is yet another example of the brand’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of representation in the toy industry.

The Down Syndrome Barbie is currently available for order at Amazon and will be available for purchase at other retailers this summer and fall, with a portion of the proceeds going towards organizations that support individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. This move further solidifies Mattel’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation through play.

As the toy industry continues to evolve, Mattel and Barbie lead the charge in promoting diversity and inclusivity. The release of the first-ever Down Syndrome Barbie is a testament to the company’s commitment to representing all children, empowering them to embrace their individuality and the world’s unique differences.

Barbie Ken Fashionistas Doll #192, Brown Cropped Hair, Vitiligo, Malibu Tank, Red Shorts, Blue Sandals, Toy for Kids 3 to 8 Years Old
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Available for Amazon Prime 11% Off $10.99 $9.75 (as of January 3, 2024 16:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Barbie Fashionistas Doll #171, Curvy, Vitiligo, Long Brunette Hair, Off-shoulder Polka Dot Dress, Purple Purse, White Boots,Toy for Kids 3 to 8 Years Old
4.7 out of 5 stars(1090)
Available for Amazon Prime $13.70 (as of January 3, 2024 16:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Barbie Fashionistas Doll #150 with No-Hair Look Wearing Pink Floral Dress, White Booties & Earrings, Toy for Kids 3 to 8 Years Old
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$36.19 (as of January 3, 2024 16:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Barbie’s Body Evolution: Embracing Inclusivity and Challenging Beauty Standards

As society’s perception of beauty evolved, so did the need for a more inclusive representation of body types.

Since her creation in 1959, Barbie® has been synonymous with the world of dolls and has captured the hearts of children and adults alike. The iconic toy has undergone a significant transformation over the years, with Mattel®, the brand behind Barbie, striving to reflect society’s evolving understanding of beauty and the importance of representation. This article explores the journey of Barbie’s body type evolution and its impact on inclusivity and body positivity in the toy industry.

A Brief History of Barbie’s Body

When Barbie first debuted in 1959, she had a distinct hourglass figure, with an impossibly tiny waist and long legs. This body type was considered the epitome of beauty at the time, but it perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards for young girls. As society’s perception of beauty evolved, so did the need for a more inclusive representation of body types.

In 2016, Mattel took a significant step towards inclusivity with the introduction of the “Fashionistas” line, which featured dolls with a variety of body types, including tall, curvy, and petite. This move was hailed as a positive change, with the new body types allowing for a more diverse representation of beauty.

Expanding the Line: More Body Types and Ethnicities

Following the success of the Fashionistas line, Mattel continued to expand Barbie’s range of body types and ethnicities. In 2019, the brand introduced dolls with physical disabilities, including a wheelchair-using Barbie and another with a prosthetic leg. This move was a milestone in the toy industry, as it encouraged inclusivity and representation for children with disabilities.

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In 2020, Mattel introduced a new line of gender-neutral dolls called “Creatable World®,” which allowed children to create their own custom characters without being confined to traditional gender norms. This line further emphasized the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The Impact on Society and the Toy Industry

Barbie’s evolution has had a profound impact on the toy industry and society as a whole. By offering dolls with diverse body types, skin tones, and abilities, Mattel has created a more inclusive and representative toy landscape. This change not only empowers children to see themselves in their toys but also helps them understand and appreciate the differences among people.

The transformation of Barbie has inspired other toy companies to follow suit, with brands like Lammily®, a line of dolls that promotes realistic body proportions, and the “Healthy Roots Dolls®,” which celebrate the beauty of natural hair textures.

A Toy Industry Leader Paving The Way

Barbie’s body type evolution reflects a growing awareness of the need for diversity and representation in the toy industry. As Mattel continues to expand its range of inclusive dolls, children can learn valuable lessons about body positivity, self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing differences. With Barbie leading the way, the future of the toy industry appears to be moving towards a more inclusive and representative landscape for all.

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