In a move to further promote inclusion, Mattel’s latest additions to its Barbie Fashionistas line of dolls includes one with the skin condition vitiligo, and one who is bald.
The toy manufacturer said it wanted to show “a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion” with the new dolls that possess unique qualities or different abilities.
This is not the first time Mattel is furthering the cause. Last year, their new doll collection included a Barbie who is in a wheelchair, and another one wearing prosthetic legs.
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They also introduced dolls with different kinds of hair and skin color, and more realistic body types, to balance the blonde, statuesque, disproportionately-sized one that the brand first became popular for. They even have the male Ken doll with long, blonde hair.
As to why these particular dolls were chosen to be unveiled this year, representatives from Mattel said, “If a girl is experiencing hair loss for any reason, she can see herself reflected in the line.”
Meanwhile, the Barbie with vitiligo seems to be highly favored too. When a photo of its prototype was posted on Barbie’s Instagram last year, Mattel reported that it became their most liked post ever.
Mattel also worked with young disability activist Jordan Reeves, who was born with a missing limb, in designing the doll with a prosthetic leg.
To date, Barbie’s Fashionistas line carries 176 different kinds of dolls that proudly represent diversity.
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