Barbie Introduces First Doll With Down Syndrome
"We are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play," stated Mattel.
Mattel, Inc. has just announced the release of a Barbie doll with Down syndrome
Image via Mattel
In an effort to have more children see themselves as Barbie and reflect the world around them, the 64-year-old fashion doll manufacturer introduced the new doll "to inspire all children to tell more stories through play".
"As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child's early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play," said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.
The company's aim is to have more children see themselves in Barbie, while also play with dolls that do not look like themselves
"Doll play outside of a child's own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world. We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play," she added.
British model Ellie Goldstein with Barbie's first doll representing someone with Down syndrome.
Image via Sky News
Barbie worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure that the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome
Throughout the design process, NDSS' guidance and real-world experiences helped the team come up with the doll's sculpt, clothing, accessories, and packaging.
Image via Mattel
With NDSS' help, Barbie introduced a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of a person with Down syndrome, including a longer torso, shorter frame, smaller ears, and flat nasal bridge.
The doll also wears pink ankle foot orthotics.
"Some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their feet and ankles, and NDSS provided a box of orthotics to serve as real-life inspiration for the ones this Barbie Fashionista is wearing, matched to her outfit and the bright colours in her design," stated Mattel.
Her dress features butterflies and yellow and blue colours — symbols and colours that are associated with Down syndrome awareness. Her necklace pendant has three chevrons, which are symbols that unite the Down syndrome community.
Image via USA Today/Mattel
For years, Barbie faced criticism for providing girls a role model of a female body type with unrealistic proportions.
All that changed in 2016 when the company started to take on a more inclusive approach.
According to CNN, in 2016, Barbie introduced new body types, as well as broadened the number of skin tones, eye colours, and hairstyles.
The company currently has dolls with 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, nine body types, and counting.
Image via Mattel/CNN
Image via Mattel
The new line of Fall Fashionista Barbie dolls for 2023, including this model with Down syndrome, are available in limited quantities online and at major retailers
Image via Mattel
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