But as American ideals of beauty have evolved to embrace the bootylicious bodies of Beyonce, the Kardashians and Jennifer Lopez, Barbie sales have sunk 20% from 2012 to 2014. With the additions, the Fashionistas now include four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles.
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The body transformations have been in the works for two years, said Mattel spokeswoman Michelle Chidoni to the Associated Press on Thursday. Plus, numerous dolls now have flat feet, in case a lifetime wearing heels also feels unrealistic. The company hopes more kids will be able to relate to the new dolls. While Barbie was once Mattel’s powerhouse brand, sales have plummeted in recent years as the doll has struggled to remain relevant to little girls who do not look like her and who play with toys other than dolls. She adds that it’s important for young boys to understand women’s bodies come in all shapes and sizes because “they grow up expecting girls’ bodies to look a certain way”.
Makers of the new dolls say they are glad to introduce the new looks to expand the popular dolls beyond a previously narrow standard of beauty.
However, labeling the dolls as curvy, tall and petite bothered some on social media. “I’m officially excited & proud to buy my daughter a barbie one day!” “Just like, now, the more curvier Barbie with dark hair and darker skin is just as attractive”.
According to CNN, for now, only some of the dolls are available and only through Mattel’s online store. They will be available at retailers this spring.
“There’s been lots of lines of toys over the years – certainly in the past 20 years – that have attempted to reflect the face of a more broad group of diversity, specifically race, if we’re being honest”.
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The US company behind the famous toy, Mattel, is adding “tall, curvy and petite” body shapes to its line-up of the fashion dolls. And the company’s stock price was down almost 43% from its 2013 peak.
