By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Mattel has partnered with NDSS to bring a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to this year’s global Fashionistas lineup.
The NDSS aka The National Down Syndrome Society is a human rights organization dedicated to aiding individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS supports individuals with Down syndrome by providing resources, advocating for policy change, engaging with local communities, and spreading accurate information on Down syndrome.
“As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” said Mattel EVP, Lisa McKnight. “Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves.
“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, added McKnight. “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 Barbie team worked with the NDSS throughout the design process to ensure the doll provides an accurate representation of a person with Down syndrome. The NDSS provided guidance for the Barbie dolls’ sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging.
“It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” said NDSS president, Kandi Pickard. “This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation,” added Pickard. “It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
The sculpt for the new doll introduces a new face and body that is designed to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome. The body sculpt features a shorter frame, a longer torso, and single-lined palms. The face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears, a flat nasal bridge, and almond-shaped eyes.
The doll comes with a puff-sleeved dress that features a yellow and blue butterfly pattern to celebrate the symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. The doll also has a pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
The three chevrons are also meant to represent unity and inclusivity for the Down syndrome community and their families.
In addition, the Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome wears pink ankle foot orthotics and sneakers with a zipper detail. Orthotics for the feet and ankles are commonly used by children and adults with Down syndrome to reduce pain and joint instability. The NDSS provided a box of real-life orthotics to serve as inspiration for the Barbie design team.
The Barbie doll with Down syndrome allows children a more accurate picture of human diversity, as well as gives children with Down Syndrome the chance to see themselves in the Barbie doll brand.
The Barbie doll brand currently offers more than a hundred and seventy-five different looks spanning multiple eye colors, hair colors, body types, disabilities, hair textures, and fashions to more accurately represent human diversity.
According to research from Cardiff University, children’s early experiences help to shape their current and future thoughts and perceptions. Inclusive and representative doll play allows children to develop empathy, respect, and social intelligence through emotional and imagination-driven roleplay.
The Barbie brand is owned by the global toy and entertainment company Mattel. Mattel offers media content, games, digital experiences, music, live events, and consumer products based on its extensive portfolio of in-house and licensed children’s brands.
The 2023 Barbie Fashionistas doll collection is currently available for purchase from most major retailers.