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Barbie Now Comes In More 'Realistic' Body Types And Skin Tones
Living in a Barbie World (Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)
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Life in the Barbie Dreamhouse just got more interesting with the unveiling of three new body types and a wider array of complexions for the classic doll.Mattel Inc., the El Segundo-based toy manufacturer announced today that Barbie dolls will now be available in tall, curvy and petite, reports the L.A. Times. Barbie will also be available in seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles, starting this year.
Barbie's latest makeover is seen as an attempt to revive the dolls popularity following slumping sales, and, oh right, probably address decades-long criticism that the dolls offer an unrealistic representation of a woman's body and lack much in the way of diversity.
"These new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them," Evelyn Mazzocco, global general manager for Barbie, said in a statement. "The variety in body type, skin tone and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them."
The new dolls are part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, which caused a stir last year when it debuted with the company's first ethnically diverse collection of dolls.
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Of course, for some, the new dolls aren't exactly a "win":
Having a "curvy #Barbie" isn't a win for girls/women. It's a win when the discussion is no longer about our bodies. pic.twitter.com/z88oIredhN
— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) January 28, 2016
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