
Barbie, the 63-year-old American doll maker, will launch a brand new set of dolls in June as a part of its ongoing efforts in the direction of variety and inclusion.
From creating the model’s first Barbie doll with a listening to support, to a Ken doll with vitiligo, the 2022 Fashionista line – which can debut at Walmart, Goal and Amazon – will assist youngsters “see” self is mirrored,” mentioned Mattel’s International Director of Barbie Dolls, Lisa McKnight, in a press assertion.
She added that kids also needs to be inspired to play with dolls that aren’t like them to assist them “perceive and have fun the significance of inclusion.”
For Barbie with a listening to support, the corporate sought the experience of Dr. Jen Richardson, a number one knowledgeable in instructional audiology, to assist precisely mimic the toy’s behind-the-ear machine. Richardson says the ponytail Barbie full with scorching pink listening to aids may very well be inspirational to those that have skilled listening to loss. She mentioned in a press launch: “I’m deeply moved when my younger sufferers see and play with a doll that appears like them.
Adjustments have additionally been made to Barbie’s stereotypical physique sort. From smaller breasts to fuller figures and even slimmer, much less muscular male dolls, these new toys purpose to symbolize totally different physique varieties.
Barbie dolls have turn out to be more and more various lately. In 2019, they launched a blonde, blue-eyed Barbie in a wheelchair and a brown-haired doll with prosthetic legs. In 2020, the corporate launched a black Barbie with vitiligo – it grew to become one of many Fashionista line’s best-selling merchandise within the US that 12 months, based on the corporate. Likewise in 2021, the black doll with afro coiffure has been a world success, rating as one of many prime 5 hottest fashions worldwide.
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