Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-no-one Barbie: Last year saw the launch of an “Inspiring Women” line, and this year’s upcoming dolls are even better. Mattel’s latest line of dolls is all about inclusivity.
Set to launch later this year, the brand’s 2019 Fashionista dolls will feature braided hair textures, additional body types and disabilities. The collection will include a doll with a wheelchair, one with a removable prosthetic leg and another with a more realistic body type.
When it came to designing dolls with disabilities, the brand did its research. In an effort to create the most relatable experience and accurate representation, the Barbie team reportedly worked with the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and 13-year-old Jordan Reeves, who has a prosthetic arm.
In a statement, the company said, “As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion.”
