that disability is entering the mainstream.
Designed in partnership with the US National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the new Barbie
is the latest edition to the Mattel brand’s Fashionistas line, which features a range of diverse
dolls.
The Down syndrome doll is a milestone in the 64-year history of Barbie, which recently has
been on a mission to become more inclusive across its products.
Design specifics for the doll designed in close consultation with NDSS include a face and
body sculpt reflective of women with Down syndrome, a shorter frame and longer torso and
pink ankle foot orthotics to match the outfit. Notice also Barbie’s yellow and blue butterfly
dress symbolising the internationally recognised colours associated with Down syndrome, a
pink pendant featuring “upward chevrons” to represent triplication of the 21st chromosome.
Mattel wanted not only to capture the physical characteristics of the community but also to
“do some storytelling in the product and spark conversation.”
Lisa McKnight, global head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel said she hoped the new doll would help
“teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world.”
The Fashionistas line consisting of 175 dolls is the cornerstone of the Barbie brand, according
to McKnight, who explained it is “reflective of the importance that the brand places on
representation, diversity and inclusivity.”
Last year, half of the dolls sold by the brand were diverse dolls, with the bestselling dolls a Barbie in a wheelchair and a Black doll with an afro hairstyle.
This year’s collection also includes a Barbie with braces and a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg.
The Progression of Barbie
The original Barbie doll launched in 1959 featured long legs, a tiny waist, and flowing blonde
locks.
University of South Australia academics suggested the likelihood of a woman having Barbie’s
body shape was one in 100,000. Some campaigners called for Barbie to represent a more
realistic body image, while some people with disabilities said the dolls were not relatable. In
2016 Mattel released Curvy Barbie, Tall Barbie and Petite Barbie, as well as a wide range of skin
tones reflecting many different ethnicities.
Diversity and Inclusion In Action
We know there will be varied reactions to this launch from our families and the wider community – mostly positive, though some have not been so supportive in terms of how truly representative this doll may be, which we understand and it is this diversity of views that we warmly welcome.
If nothing else, this newly released Barbie doll will spark curiosity, conversation and a search
for information by putting Down syndrome into the mainstream – and what better stage to do
this than in childhood through toys. We welcome this announcement and look forward to the
dolls hitting Australian stores through Mattel’s distributors here.
The inclusion agenda feels in full force at the moment, and rightly so - perhaps even late as
some would observe.
Other notable achievements in recent months includes Ellie Goldstein, the first model with
Down syndrome on the cover British Vogue in an edition which also features 19 people with
disabilities from fashion, sport and the arts and Kmart’s release of the Baby Charlie doll with
Down syndrome.
