Photo: Barbie
Since her creation in the late 50’s, Barbie doll has seemed to have it all. A string of high-powered jobs, from dentist and doctor to news reporter and pilot. Umpteen stunning homes complete with swimming pools and working lights. The latest flashy car. Ski holidays in neon-pink chalets and beach trips with all the right seaside accessories. And the most fabulous fashion, obviously. But all this time, Barbie has been missing something. She’s had plenty of options and opportunities and diversity in every area but one – her body shape.
Finally Mattel has sought to rectify this in a move which has seen the classic Barbie doll reimagined in four body shapes (tall, petite, curvy and slim) seven skin tones, 22 eye colours and 24 hairstyles. It’s a seismic shift and one that’s long overdue. It signifies a growing trend towards acceptance of differences. Girls playing with the new dolls, and women exposed to the media coverage, will realise that petite is more than ok. It’s great! Barbie may be plastic but she’s just gotten real about a very pertinent issue – image confidence – and given us a new role model.
The collection is available for pre-order via the Mattel shop.
