MATTEL INTRODUCES NEW BARBIE DOLL WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME

In an effort to make it easier for more kids to discover a toy that reflects them, Barbie is releasing its first doll with Down’s syndrome.

The doll was created, according to Mattel executives, to “allow all youngsters to see themselves in Barbie.” To get the product on the market, they collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US.

In order to better represent women with Down’s syndrome, Mattel stated it sought advice from the NDSS and medical experts during the design process. As a result, a new face and body sculpt were added, with a shorter frame and a longer torso.

As stated by Mattel, this range of dolls “offers a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions, to inspire even more stories.”

In recent years, Mattel has introduced more diverse Barbie lines, including one that was influenced by actual women who challenged traditional expectations. Ibtihaj Muhammad, a fencer who became the first American to participate and win an Olympic gold while wearing the hijab, was used as the model for a doll wearing the garment that was published in 2017.

The move comes a few weeks before the release of the highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken. Greta Gerwig who directed hits such as Little Women and Ladybird is at the helm of the production. Barbie will be hitting cinemas on July 20th.