Barbie now available in tall, petite or curvy body types

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Barbie’s got a brand new bod.

Mattel introduced Barbies with three new body types – curvy, tall and petite -as part of its 2016 “Fashionistas” line on Thursday.

Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president and Barbie’s global general manger, added: “Barbie has always given girls choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashions and accessories. Jeez bring back 1965 where BARBIE just looked like freak!” The new line includes dolls that come in seven skin tones, 22 eyes colours and 24 hairstyles.

The company said it will also continue to sell the original 11 /2 -inch Barbie. Even a blue-haired Barbie is among the new squad.

Mattel has made some changes in recent years; last year the company presented 23 new dolls with varying skin and hair color and a much-needed flat foot, rather than the perpetually arched one, created to fit into sky-high heels. But in order to connect with kids, the new dolls need to be added to Barbie YouTube videos, apps and shows, said Rosenberg.

This criticism led to several changes in the marketing of the doll, leading to Barbie advertisements adapting slogans like “It’s a great time to be a girl” and “Anything is Possible”. Now, original, tall, petite and curvy dolls will be available with different hair color, cut, and texture, as well as skin tone.

The new Barbie won’t be available at retailers until spring, but already she is mending some of the body image damage she perpetrated. They will be in stores March 1, Chidoni said. This, according to manufacturers, will allow children to choose a “doll that speaks to them” and will better reflect diversity and a broader view of beauty.

But with Barbie’s overall sales dropping 14 per cent worldwide in the third quarter, the doll franchise marked its eighth consecutive period of a more than 10 per cent decline.