Barbie has taken another step towards making its brand more inclusive this week. The much-loved brand is releasing a new Barbie with Down syndrome, hoping to better represent the world children see around them. No doubt it will be popular, here’s how to get the Barbie with Down syndrome in the UK and how much it will cost.
Barbie hasn’t always been known for being the most representative. However, this has undoubtedly changed with the release of dolls in wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and now, with Down syndrome.
Mattel, the company that owns Barbie, said they wanted to “enable all children to see themselves in Barbie.”
Mattel Release New Inclusive Barbie
Now the most “diverse doll line in the market,” Mattel announced yesterday (April 25) about the new addition to the range.
We are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie.
The team worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to ensure to the doll was as accurate as possible. The charity’s guidance informed all decisions made on the new Barbie from start to finish, including the sculpt, accessories and packaging.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of NDSS.
To go into detail, the Barbie with Down syndrome has the following adaptations to be an accurate representation of women with the condition:
- A new face sculpt to make it rounder, have smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge. The eyes have been slightly slanted and are now more almond in shape.
- The body is shorter with a longer torso. There is also a single line on the Barbies’ palms, a characteristic of Down syndrome.
- The outfit includes butterflies in yellow and blue. This represents the colours and symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness. The doll also wears a pink necklace with three upward chevrons, representing the three repeating chromosomes associated with the condition. This symbol has become indicative to the community, who use it to unite those with Down syndrome and their families.
- The doll also has pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) and she has sneakers with a zipper detail. Real AFOS were provided by the NDSS to inform the design.
How To Get The New Barbie With Down Syndrome In The UK
Though it won’t be released for another few weeks, the Barbie with Down syndrome can already be preordered.
Fans in the UK can head to the Smyths store website to get their hands on the doll. Reasonably priced, it will sell at an RRP of £13.99. However, the store currently has it listed at an even cheaper £10.99.
The retailer says it expects to get stock from May 5 til May 11. So, they may be on shelves well before summer!
A great present, even if you do hold off until Christmas. It’s fantastic to see the doll in the iconic Barbie range.