Mattel is releasing curvy, tall and petite body types for Barbie
AMEN.
In great news for positive body image everywhere, Mattel has released three new body types for our girl, Barbie.
The curvy, petite and tall body types have just been announced by the toy company and accompany a total of seven skin tones, 18 eye colours and 18 hairstyles.
The release comes after dwindling sales for Mattel – the company faced a 16% decrease in Barbie sales in 2014 alone – and a weakening public perception of the brand.
“I think parents were saying that Barbie was a bad role model for girls, that she represents an unrealistic body type,” said social media strategist for Barbie, Jess Weiner.
This set off a two-year design initiative for Mattel to think about “Progress not Perfection.” We’ve already seen this progress through Barbie wearing flats and the Barbie-fication of successful and inspirational women. Last year also saw a more diverse range of skin tones, hair textures and ethnicities introduced to the Barbie line.
Barbie’s new bod was announced via a Time cover story titled “Now can we stop talking about my body?” It’s a poignant headline and an intelligent read. You can (and should) check it out here.
Those who are loving the new range will be able to nab it when it drops in Australia in March.
Oh, and can we get a round of applause for Mattel? It’s about time.
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