Barbie introduces its first doll with Down syndrome

This week, Mattel, Inc. introduced a brand new addition to the world of Barbie — a Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Crafted with the intention of increasing illustration and inclusivity, the brand new doll embraces the model’s mission for Barbie to higher mirror the world round us. 

“As probably the most numerous doll line in the marketplace, Barbie performs an essential function in a baby’s early experiences, and we’re devoted to doing our half to counter social stigma by means of play,” stated Lisa McKnight, Govt Vice President and International Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel in a press launch. 

Finally, the intention behind the brand new doll will not be solely to empower kids who will see themselves represented however for others to play with dolls that will not appear to be them. McKnight believes a baby’s interplay with dolls outdoors their very own lived expertise can result in extra empathetic attitudes, thus making a extra accepting and understanding world. 

Barbie labored intently with the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to make sure the doll authentically represented people with Down syndrome. NDSS, a corporation devoted to empowering people with Down syndrome and their households by means of sources, coverage change, and neighborhood engagement, offered steering and real-world experiences all through the design means of the doll, which allowed Barbie to create a doll that celebrates and resonates with the Down syndrome neighborhood. 

From its silhouette to its clothes and extra, Barbie made intentional design decisions for its latest doll. Along with the doll’s rounder face form, flat nasal bridge, and smaller ears, the doll’s palms characteristic a single line, a “attribute usually related to these with Down syndrome,” in line with the press launch. Equally, the doll comes wearing a yellow and blue butterfly-patterned gown, the colours and symbols of Down syndrome consciousness. To match her ensemble, the doll comes with a pink pendant necklace that includes three upwards arrows, one other image that unites the Down syndrome neighborhood, meant “to symbolize ‘the fortunate few’ who’ve somebody with Down syndrome of their life.”

“This implies a lot for our neighborhood, who, for the primary time, can play with a Barbie doll that appears like them,” stated Kandi Pickard, NDSS president and CEO, in a press launch. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should always by no means underestimate the ability of illustration. It’s a large step ahead for inclusion and a second that we’re celebrating.”

The brand new doll is a part of Barbie’s 2023 Fashionista lineup, which showcases a various vary of physique sorts and disabilities. The 2023 Fall Fashionistas assortment is out there in restricted portions on-line now and at main retailers this summer season and fall for $10.99.

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