Starting in 2015, toy company Mattel began the process of updating the iconic Barbie line to better line-up with a more diverse demographic.
It began with new skin tons and elasticities for the doll, and in 2016 they responded to criticisms of unrealistic proportions by adding new body types.
Half a century later, the iconic doll had a major facelift.
10The Original Is Still Around
They haven’t retired the original design entirely, as seen above. Though they’ve updated her clothing to match modern fashion trends, a doll based on the familiar Barbie design still exists.
9Curvy
For years consumers voiced concerns that Barbie instilled unrealistic or otherwise impossible beauty standards in impressionable kids. To combat this Mattel is releasing a curvy body type, seen above.
8Tall
Wanting no one to feel left out of the fun, they released a tall figure, too.
7And Petite, Too
6But It’s Not Just New Fashions
The clothes aren’t the only thing that’s changed: the dolls are becoming more ethnically diverse, too.
5All Dolled up
Even something as simple as the doll’s hair is getting updated, from new colors to new cuts.
4Science!
The new STEM Barbie teaches engineering via the inclusion of construction kits. Though some people take issue with what she’s building (a rotating shoe rack and a washing machine, for example), the toy is still educational and complex.
3A Much Needed Update
You might remember Barbie: I Can Be A Computer Engineer, a story in which Barbie designs a video game but needs help from male associates to help her finish it. This wasn’t exactly empowering to many, so the new game designer Barbie is going solo.
2Still, Not Everyone is Happy
While many have praised the diverse changes to the Barbie line, others still say that the doll is merely focused on fashion and materialism, not empowerment.
1She’s Come to a Long Way
Over fifty years later, Barbie has gotten some major changes. Do you think they’re for the better?
