Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced the expansion of its Barbie Fashionistas line with the introduction of a blind Barbie doll [Image of Blind Barbie Doll]. This addition reflects the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within the toy aisle, allowing all children to find a doll that resonates with them.
The launch is supported by the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA), a champion for visually impaired individuals, fostering their independence through mobility and skill development.
“We understand that Barbie transcends being just a doll; she embodies self-expression and fosters a sense of belonging,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls. “We’re thrilled to introduce a brand new blind Barbie doll to the Barbie Fashionistas line, solidifying our commitment to creating products that represent a global spectrum of experiences and inclusivity within the toy industry.”
Collaboration for Social Impact
Tanya Schönwald, Head of Strategic and Corporate Partnerships at GDA, applauded the collaboration, highlighting its positive social impact. “Inclusion and diversity are no longer mere concepts, but require concrete action. With the launch of this visually impaired Barbie, Mattel demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving social change. Including a blind Barbie will undoubtedly alleviate the marginalization experienced by many visually impaired children, fostering a shift towards a more inclusive society from a young age. Ideally, inclusivity will become second nature, as younger generations won’t be conditioned to differentiate.”
Design Informed by Expertise
To ensure an accurate portrayal of individuals with blindness or low vision, Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Their collaboration encompassed every aspect of the blind Barbie doll, including the doll’s sculpt, attire, accessories, packaging design, and e-commerce communication.
Here’s a closer look at the design elements guided by AFB’s expertise:
- Accessories: A white and red cane with a signature marshmallow tip and stylish sunglasses are included, acknowledging light sensitivity experienced by some visually impaired individuals.
- Elbow Articulations: The doll’s elbows bend for ease of use with the cane.
- Textured and Vibrant Fabrics: Play testing with blind and low-vision children informed the design of the doll’s clothing, ensuring an engaging tactile experience. This includes a textured ruffle skirt paired with a satiny pink blouse, high-contrast closures for easy dressing, and an elastic waistband for effortless outfit changes.
- Packaging and Design: Braille text spelling “Barbie” is incorporated on the packaging, adhering to accessibility standards.
- Eye Gaze: The doll’s eyes are sculpted with a slightly upward and outward gaze, reflecting a common characteristic of those who are blind.
“Boundless Opportunities for Everyone”
“Collaborating with Barbie on the development of this doll has been a privilege,” said Eric Bridges, CEO and President of the American Foundation for the Blind. “By fostering greater representation and raising awareness about the experiences of individuals with blindness and low vision, our collective goal is to empower boundless opportunities for all, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and accessible world.”
Encouraging Empathy and Social Skills
Doll play is acknowledged to nurture empathy and social processing skills in children, equipping them with valuable social tools for future success. As Barbie’s most diverse doll line, the Barbie Fashionistas collection boasts over 175 unique looks featuring a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair textures and styles, body types, disabilities, and fashions. This inclusive range features dolls with vitiligo, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, and no hair. The 2024 Fashionistas line furthers Barbie’s mission to represent a multifaceted perspective on beauty and fashion, allowing all children to see themselves reflected in their playtime experiences.
Celebrating Inclusivity with Accessible Fashion
To commemorate this launch, Barbie is collaborating with accessible fashion brand Aille Design on a limited-edition Barbie-inspired collection. The collection features pieces adorned with braille beadwork, including a nod to Barbie’s iconic black and white herringbone pattern on a slip dress, a classic Barbie pink t-shirt, and a black neck scarf. Each piece incorporates Aille’s signature design element – Swarovski crystal pearl braille text.