Wider offer on the dolls market, kids switching to tech games and toys and criticism (unrealistically thin, not reflective of the reality enough, gender stereotypes,...) are some of the multiple reasons that explain Mattel's Barbie dolls declining these past few years. The 'not real enough' part is the one Mattel is currently working on, especially since these Barbie dolls have become more than just a toy, they've become role models. In 2015, the manufacturer completed the collection with the release of 23 new dolls to the Fashionistas collection, all including a variety of skin tones and eye colors.
They're going further this year, with the introduction of new models to their Fashionistas line last week, all designed to reflect diversity, whether it's the skin tone, the hair color or the style. But the main feature, the one that is supposed to make the difference, is the body shape: in addition to the original Barbie, Mattel expands the set with curvy, petite and tall body shapes. All in all, 33 new dolls have been released. The complete Fashionistas collection now features 4 boby shapes, 14 face shapes, 7 skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles and 30 hair colors. The new dolls should go on sale in March but they are available for pre-order online. Prices start a $9.99
Photo: Mattel
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