It’s been a long time coming but Barbie has a brand new look. Barbie dolls have been a staple in little girls toy collections for almost 60 years. There was a time when Barbie was looked upon as the epitome of femininity and standard of beauty. Even though Barbie’s actual measurements ( if Barbie was a real person her measurements would be 36-18-38 ) failed to represent any human woman, her looks represented only a portion of girls in society.
When I was growing up I had Barbie everything. Dozens of dolls, play sets, the convertible and an extensive wardrobe. Though most of my Barbie’s didn’t look like me I was lucky to grow up in the 80’s where I could get a Black Barbie like me. The first Black and Hispanic Barbie’s had been introduced in 1980.
In her biggest update since 1959 Barbie has a brand new look. No longer will she just come one size fit all just in multiple races with ethnically Caucasian features. Now Barbie will look even more like the average girl. Barbie has 3 new shapes and sizes, tall, petite and curvy. Barbie will also now come in seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. You could almost predict this after Mattel went out of the way to diversify Barbie in 2015 when they introduced 23 new dolls with different skin tones, hairstyles, facial features and flat feet. Mattel says new and varied range of hair, face and body will promote healthy and realistic self-image so that girls can ‘find a doll that speaks to them’.
“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,” Mattel executive Evelyn Mazzocco has said.
The only thing more diverse about Barbie than her new look are the various careers she has held over the last 55+ years. Followed careers paths from fashion model to firefighter to dentist and race car driver. Imagine a world full of little girls acting out their dream jobs with dolls that look just like them finally. Great Job Mattel.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPETP7-UfuI]
This writer thinks she will be looking for a new Barbie of her very own. A petite one, with kinky hair and hopefully a broad nose. Just like me! The new Barbies went on sale yesterday at Barbie.com and will be in stores March 1st. 33 new dolls will be released over the course of the year.
