By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel is launching a Blind Barbie Fashionista doll and Black Barbie Fashionista doll with Down Syndrome in partnership with non-profit advocacy organizations.
Mattel’s Barbie design team worked alongside the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure a respectful and accurate representation of people in the Down Syndrome and Blind communities.
“We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging,” said Mattel SVP, Krista Berger. “We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle,” added Gerger. “We are delighted to introduce these dolls in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and National Down Syndrome Society to further our mission for every young girl to feel represented and celebrated through Barbie.”
In 2023, the Barbie brand worked alongside the NDSS to introduce the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome to its Fashionista line.
This year, Barbie has renewed its partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to introduce its next doll with Down syndrome to the 2024 Barbie Fashionistas line-up.
The Barbie designers worked with members of the NDSS and the Black Down Syndrome community to ensure accurate representation of physical characteristics.
These characteristics include a braided hair texture a shorter frame, a longer torso, low muscle tone, a single-lined palm and a distinctive face sculpt with a rounder shape, smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge, pink eyeglasses and almond-shaped eyes with white dots located in the iris.
The fashion items included with the doll was designed with symbols and colors representing Down Syndrome awareness incorporated throughout the doll’s outfit and accessories.
These symbols include a blue and yellow color palette and three arrows featured on the heart patterns of the doll’s dress to represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down Syndrome have.
The NDSS connected the Barbie team with a focus group of Black individuals with Down Syndrome to review the doll’s sculpt, hair, fashion and glasses to ensure it resonates well with members of the community.
“NDSS is thrilled to introduce a second Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” said NDSS CEO, Kandi Pickard. “Having this doll launched alongside the new Barbie doll with Blindness marks another important step in expanding representation for the disability community.We are proud to partner with Barbie as they grow to reflect our diverse and beautiful world.”
Mattel’s Barbie designers worked closely with the AFB organization throughout all stages of the design process for the new Blind Barbie Fashionista doll to ensure an accurate depictiction of individuals with blindness and low vision.
The Blind Barbie doll includes a distinct face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience and low-vision accessible ecommerce communication.
The Blind Barbie Fashionista doll features a face sculpt that is designed with an eye gaze that faces slightly up and out to accurately reflect the eye gaze of a blind individual.
The Blind Barbie Fashionista’s design also includes additions such as a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip, dark sunglasses for light sensitivity protection, elbow articulations to allow for comfortable cane use tactile clothing textures, high-contrast hook & loop fasteners on the doll’s top and an elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.
Barbie worked with AFB to conduct product testing with blind and low-vision children to ensure that the doll provided an accessible and satisfying play experience.
The packaging for the Blind Barbie Fashionista doll includes prominently featured braille writing to provide accessible branding.
“It was an honor to collaborate with Barbie on the development of the blind Barbie doll,” said AFB CEO, Eric Bridges. “By increasing representation and promoting awareness about the experiences of blind individuals and those with low vision, our shared goal is to inspire boundless opportunities for everyone, ultimately leading to a world of greater accessibility and inclusion.”
To celebrate the new Fashionista Barbie launch, Barbie is also collaborating with the accessible fashion brand, Aille Design, on a Barbie-inspired collection.
The licensed collection features co-branded apparel and accessories with Aille Design’s signature readable braille beadwork made with Swarovski pearls.
The Aille Design’s collection includes Barbie’s original black and white chevron pattern on a slip dress, a black neck scarf and a t-shirt in Barbie pink.
The Barbie Fashionista’s series currently offers more than 175 looks in a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, hair textures, body types, disabilities and fashions.
Mattel Partners with Non-Profits for Diverse Barbie Fashionista Dolls
