Mattel has recently released a new line of Barbies and it features "4 body types, 7 skin tones, 22 eye colors, [and] 24 hairstyles." It is important to note that each doll is named Barbie, no matter the size, shape, or color. Some people are apt to call this new line unnecessary, but I believe that since these dolls serve as companions for young girls ages three and up, it is about time Barbie got an upgrade to realism.
1. Different body types.
The new line of Barbie Fashionistas comes in four body types (from left to right): petite, tall, curvy and original.
Petite: This doll is thinner (less busty) and shorter than original Barbie. There are a lot of girls out there who feel self-conscious about not having super-model long legs or cleavage beyond an A cup, but this doll is beautiful and petite.
Tall: This doll is also thinner and less busty than original Barbie, but taller too. She has a longer neck, arms, legs — and isn't afraid to show them off! A lot of girls grow up with a height complex and feel like they need to cover their long legs, but this doll shows that there's no need.
Curvy: This doll is almost the same height as original Barbie, but has thicker thighs, a wider rear and a slight pouch on her tummy. I think this has to be the most revolutionary of the three new body types. So many girls struggle with their weight, and this doll tells them that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Original: This doll is the traditional (unrealistic), male ideal of a female shape. An hourglass figure with a trademark tiny waist, moderate hips, relatively disproportionate breasts and bottom. There are 12 of these new dolls in comparison to the 7 that each of the other body type was awarded.
2. Different skin colors.
Mattel claims to have seven new skin colors to help represent different ethnicities that young girls can identify with.
3. Different hair and clothing styles.
Another important (and overlooked) plus to this new line of Barbies is the varied hair styles and outfits. They tell young girls that they can express themselves however they choose (and that their subsequent personalities are completely valid).
This original Barbie has casual preppy style with long brown hair — you might see a lot of this around campus. In fact, she's probably a psychology major.
This original Barbie, on the other hand, is dressed more vintage-glamorous and is probably a fashion merchandising or even a theater major. (I would also note that she is wearing flats which is good because young girls should know that it's okay to be comfy! Though sadly, that means she can only trade shoes with other flat-footed Barbies.)
This curvy Barbie is dressed for the gym — a bold move for the thicker model! This shows girls that you don't have to be stick thin in a sports bra to go and run a couple laps on the track.
This petite Barbie has half pastel blue and half pastel purple hair. Needless to say, she must have a fun and extroverted personality!
This tall Barbie has shaved sides and platinum blonde hair, none of which seem to effect her femininity. This is a very strong message especially to those who are marked as masculine for cutting their hair.
Now, would I still like to see a Netflix Barbie who has her hair in a tangled mess, wearing sweatpants, a mustard stain on her chin, no makeup, more than a slight pouch on her tummy and an equally slovenly Ken sitting right next to her? Hell, yes! But we should celebrate the progress that Mattel has made and hope that other toy makers soon follow suit.
#TheDollEvolves
