She may be the most famous doll in the world, but Barbie has long been criticised for presenting a totally unrealistic body image to young girls – and rightly so. After all, if she were scaled up to real life proportions, she’d be physically unable to walk on her own two feet…
But now that’s all about to change. Mattel, the toy manufacturers behind our favourite childhood style icon, have just announced that Barbs is getting a refreshingly realistic makeover. The iconic doll will now come in three further sizes, ‘petite,’ ‘tall’ and ‘curvy,’ and will also be available in seven skin tones, 18 eye colours, and 18 hairstyles. Phew. She’ll also have articulated ankles, so she can swap her trademark heels for flats.
While the tiny-waisted original doll will still be available to buy, Barbie’s latest makeover is undoubtedly a stiletto-clad step in the right direction, ushering in a new, more body positive era for the brand.
‘Barbie has always given girls choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashions and accessories,’ said Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president of Barbie. As a mother of three girls, Mazzocco was conscious of the need to create a more realistic and inclusive doll. ‘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.’ Amen to that.