Mattel has announced the launch of its newest Barbie Fashionista on Tuesday, which includes a doll representing a person with Down Syndrome for the first time.
The move is part of Mattel’s efforts to create more diverse representations of beauty and promote inclusivity for children of all abilities.
Mattel collaborated closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure that the new Barbie doll accurately represents individuals with Down syndrome. The doll’s shape, features, clothing, accessory, and packaging were all reviewed by a medical professional to ensure authenticity.
The new Fashionista doll introduces a new face and body sculpt illustrative of women with Down Syndrome, including a shorter frame and longer torso. The face features a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are slightly slanted in an almond shape. Its palms include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down Syndrome.
The new Barbie doll wears a pink ankle foot orthotics to match her dress, and her sneakers feature a zipper to represent children with Down Syndrome, some of whom use orthotics to support their feet and ankles. The doll’s clothing and accessories were also designed in collaboration with NDSS to ensure that they are inclusive and representative.
In a statement, Kandi Pickard, NDSS president, and CEO expressed how much this means to the community, saying,
This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.
The launch of the new Barbie doll represents a significant milestone in the toy industry and is expected to have a positive impact on children and adults with disabilities. The move also aligns with Mattel’s broader initiative to create dolls that reflect the diversity of society and provide more opportunities for children to see themselves in the toys they play with.
Mattel’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity through its Barbie line has been widely praised by advocates and consumers alike.
The company’s efforts to create positive representations of diverse beauty and abilities are commendable, and it is hoped that other toy companies will follow suit to create a more inclusive world for children of all abilities.
https://twitter.com/Mdpau182/status/1650913487562981442?s=20
I know I’m supposed to be outraged or something, but I’m honestly pretty okay with this. 🤷🏼♀️ If DS kids don’t want to play with it, that’s fine – but this just…isn’t a problem for me.
— Zelda A. Gabriel (@ZeldaAGabriel) April 26, 2023
