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Barbie Introduces More Diverse Dolls to Show Beauty Comes in Many Forms

By Emma Taggart on January 30, 2020

Barbie has come a long way since the first-ever blond-haired, hour-glass-figured doll from 1959. Throughout the years, the iconic toy has evolved to represent real women of all colors, shapes, and sizes, to better reflect the diverse world kids see today. The latest models to be added to the Barbie Fashionistas line include a doll with vitiligo, a condition which causes pigmentation loss in the skin, as well as the first ever Ken doll to have long hair.

Over the past 5 years, Barbie manufacturer Mattel has introduced more than 170 new dolls that showcase 5 different body types, 22 skin tones, 76 hair styles, 94 hair colors, and 13 eye colors. There are even dolls that represent physical disabilities, such as a Barbie with a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic leg. The doll with vitiligo was developed after Barbie fans requested it, and the designers even met with a dermatologist to make sure the condition was accurately portrayed.

The new models are testament to the brand’s commitment to show that beauty comes in many forms. Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Mattel says, “We are proud that Barbie is the most diverse doll line on the market that continues to evolve to better reflect the world girls see around them.”

The doll with vitiligo and the new Ken doll are now available on the Barbie website. Keep a look out for more diverse doll designs due to roll out later this year, including a bald doll, representing kids suffering from hair loss.