For many of us, Barbie was likely a big part of our childhood. Over the past 60 years, the brand has moved with the times to become more diverse, designing new dolls of different shapes and sizes, skin tones and abilities.
That mission to remain inclusive to all continues, with creator Mattel making history again today with the introduction of its first doll with scoliosis.
The toy company’s line for Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, will see a new addition that features curvature of the spine and a removable back brace, aimed at normalising the equipment and encouraging children to celebrate inclusion.
The team at Mattel worked closely with a board-certified neurosurgeon and specialist in children’s complex spinal disorders, Dr Luke Macyszyn, who advised the designers throughout the doll’s development.
The 15cm doll wears a pink dress and has a removable green back brace, white shoes, and her brown hair is styled in waves.
Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said: “We believe in the power of representation and are committed to creating dolls in a variety of looks so that kids can see themselves in Barbie – and now in a line celebrating Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea.
“We’re proud to launch the first-ever Chelsea doll with a removable back brace to continue to be more reflective of the world kids see around them.
“Our Chelsea line provides infinitely more ways to spark storytelling, all while providing kids with a way to develop their empathy and social processing skills through doll play.”
As part of their more diverse range, Mattel has made dolls with a hearing aid, a prosthetic limb and a wheelchair, and a doll with a skin condition vitiligo.
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