Well done, Mattel!
Following pressure to make Barbie into more of a role model, to make her body better reflect those of actual female bodies, the company has given its iconic doll a makeover.
As of this spring, tall, curvy and more petite versions of Barbie will be available in a number of skin tones and hair types.
“Barbie has always given girls choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashion and accessories,” Evelyn Mazzocco, Mattel’s senior vice president of global girls and games brands, said in a statement.
“We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand – these new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them – the variety in body type, skin tones and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them
Over the past few years, sales of Barbie have dropped significantly.
According to Time Magazine, in 2012, Barbie global sales fell by 3%. They dropped another 6% in 2013 and then a whopping 16% in 2014.
The new dolls, which are now available for preorder on Amazon and shop.mattel.com, will feature 22 different eye colors and 24 hairstyles.
The new Barbie is a response to the widespread belief that the original doll’s shape only recognized one size as acceptable.
“We believe we have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty,” Mazzocco says.
As we said at the outset of this article: Well done, Mattel.