Mattel unveils new Barbie with Down syndrome

A new Barbie doll was introduced by Mattel Tuesday — the first one to represent a person with Down syndrome and part of its efforts to make the brand more inclusive.

Created to “allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as have Barbie reflect the world around them,” the doll is meant to inspire children to “tell more stories through play,” Mattel said in a statement Tuesday.

“Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world,” said Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls in a statement.

“We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”

The doll was developed alongside the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure it “accurately represents” a person with Down syndrome, including the doll’s shape, features (smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge with almond-shaped eyes), clothing (which feature the Down syndrome awareness colours of blue and yellow), accessories and packaging.

It’s also outfitted with pink ankle foot orthotics to match the outfit, as some children with Down syndrome use orthotics to support their lower limbs.

“It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” said Kandi Pickard, the National Down Syndrome Society president and CEO, in a release. “This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” and added the new Barbie serves as a reminder to never underestimate the power of representation.

“It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”

Earlier this year the brand unveiled a taller Barbie doll aimed at kids as young as 3, and ditched the hourglass figure that has become synonymous with Barbie along with it. The slightly softer-bodied Barbie follows on the high heels of tall, petite and curvy iterations that were released five years ago in a massive makeover.

Her fashion is more kidlike, too, with playful heart, star and flower designs on her pyjamas and flouncy preschool-friendly dresses and swim gear. Her accessories are larger for smaller hands, and her hair is extra long for easier brushing.

New Barbie movie coming out July 21

Besides new dolls, Barbie is also the subject of a new movie to be released July 21, and stars celebrities like Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Michael Cera.

The movie is a story about Barbie herself and what appears to be a rather nasty experience in “the real world,” outside of Barbie Land.

While plot details remain thin, the trailer offers some hints about where this tale takes us: Barbie, with Ken and his roller blades in tow, is expelled from Barbie Land, apparently for being imperfect, and goes in search of happiness among humans before returning to save her home.

Life in plastic, it seems, might not be so fantastic.

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