Mattel Introduces New Barbie With Down Syndrome Into Its Fashionistas Doll Line

A brand-new Barbie doll with Down syndrome is set to make its debut this month in Mattel’s popular Fashionistas line. The new doll is the first-ever for the California-based toy giant. It’s set to join existing dolls with behind-the-ear hearing aids, a wheelchair, alopecia and a prosthetic limb within the company’s heavily diversity and inclusion-focused line.

The 2023 collection will also feature a new Fashionista doll wearing braces and a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg.

To make the new doll a reality and provide children with an accurate depiction of Down syndrome, Mattel collaborated assiduously with the National Down Syndrome Society in order to achieve a true-to-life authentic appearance for the doll. This involved input from individuals with Down syndrome, parents and siblings in addition to other community stakeholders to ensure that the doll’s clothing, accessories and packaging ran with this thread of authenticity.

The new doll possesses a unique body sculpt intended to be reflective of women with Down syndrome including a shorter frame and longer torso. The new face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears, eyes that are slightly slanted in an almond shape and a flat nasal bridge. There is even a single line on the doll’s palms – a physical characteristic commonly associated with Down syndrome.

For her accessories, the doll’s puff-sleeved dress pattern features the butterflies and yellow and blue colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. Her pink pendant necklace has three upward chevrons to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome – the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome whilst also symbolizing community awareness and identity.

Finally, this Barbie Fashionista also wears pink ankle foot orthotics which children with Down syndrome often wear to support their feet and ankles.

Commenting on the co-design process that brought the Down syndrome doll to life, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls says, “We knew that if we were going to release a Barbie doll with Down syndrome, we had to do it right. The development of the doll spanned over a year from when we first began talking to the National Down Syndrome Society, the perfect and most authentic partner to collaborate with us on this doll.”

She continues, “During that time, we had meetings and shared many emails and sketches with their team. They participated in multiple rounds of feedback and provided real-time reactions from the community and a physician that ensured the doll not only accurately represented a person with Down syndrome but celebrated the Down syndrome community.”

Kandi Pickard the President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society further added, “It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome. 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. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”

McKnight couldn’t agree more: “Children’s early childhood experiences shape what they imagine to be possible, and it is important that they see themselves reflected in play,” she says. “That is our goal behind the entire Fashionistas line – for all children to find a doll that speaks to them. We’re dedicated to combating social stigma and enabling all children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as have Barbie reflect the world around them. With the release of the Barbie doll with Down syndrome, we hope doll play will continue to develop a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity.”

Indeed, designing diverse dolls like the Barbie Fashionista will open new horizons for all kinds of children about what the world around them really looks like but equally importantly, if not more so, is likely to mean the world for kids with a different life experience who will open that box and see a doll that looks more like them peering right back.