Life in plastic is now even more fantastic.
Barbie manufacturer Mattel announced their first-ever doll with Down syndrome on Tuesday as the brand seeks to expand the doll’s diversity and representation, reports the Mirror.
The doll is part of the company’s Fashionistas line and costs $10.99.
“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 Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie & Dolls.
“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.”
Working closely with the National Down Syndrome Society, Mattel said that the organization “informed the design process from start to finish, including the doll’s sculpt, clothing, accessories and packaging.”
The Post reached out to both Mattel and the NDSS for comment.
“It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” NDSS CEO Kandi Pickard said in a statement. “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,” continued Pickard. “It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
Mattel revealed that the brand-new Barbie will have a longer torso and a shorter frame with a rounder shape and smaller ears.
The doll will also feature a flatter nose and will be dressed in a yellow and blue dress, which represents the colors of Down syndrome awareness.
Barbie will also be wearing pink ankle foot orthotics to represent the children who need them to support their feet and ankles.
“Her pink pendant necklace has three arrows to represent the third 21st chromosome that individuals with Down syndrome have, and they point outwards to represent rising up and moving forward,” the doll’s product description reads.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Down syndrome occurs in children who are born with extra chromosomes and occurs in several different forms.
The CDC also states that nearly 6,000 babies born in the US have the disability.
In an effort to spread awareness for the doll, Mattel teamed up with British model Ellie Goldstein, 21, who also has the disability.
“I am so happy that there is a Barbie with Down Syndrome,” Goldstein told the Mirror. “Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed — it meant a lot to me and I’m so honored and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world.
“Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away,” she concluded.
The toy brand also made headlines in August 2022 when they announced they would be releasing a doll of Madame C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire.
Mattel said the Barbie with Down syndrome is available for preorder now and is set to hit select retailers this summer.
