Mattel’s Barbie launches new diversity ranges as its named gobal toy property of the year by NPD

Having recently been named the 2020 top global toy property of the year and the number one fashion doll in the UK by the NPD Group, Mattel’s Barbie is pushing forward with its mission to represent global diversity and inclusivity further within the fashion doll aisle.

Through new additions to its Fashionistas line-up, the Barbie brand now welcomes its latest inclusivity push with Ken in a wheelchair, Ken with rooted hair, and a Barbie with lighter skin with vitiligo.

The Barbie Fashionistas line is recognised as the doll brand’s most diverse and inclusive range with more than 175 looks, offering children a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, as well as body types and fashions to choose from. The latest additions to the range are reflective of the responsibility that Mattel takes in broadening the fashion doll brand’s diversity by bringing new inclusivity to the Ken doll collection.

The new diverse range will be available across the UK from this February. The brand will also be rolling out new product packaging that includes a reusable bag for kids to carry their dolls and improve portable play.

“As Barbie accelerates to new heights as the number one global toy property and holds as the number one fashion doll property, the message is clear that Barbie brand is more relevant than ever,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.

“As the most diverse fashion doll line on the market, we take great responsibility in better reflecting the world around us and know there are many positive benefits to exposing children to dolls with different skin tones, hair types, abilities and more.

“We are proud to offer an even wider range of diverse choices with the latest Barbie Fashionistas line so more kids see themselves reflected in our doll line.”