Barbie gets real: now petite, curvy, tall

Mattel released recently a line of Barbie dolls having varying skin tones and body sizes.

Mattel recently gave Barbie a major makeover, introducing diverse models with four different body shapes, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles in its Fashionista line.

The new dolls feature petite, curvy and tall bodies, representing a broader spectrum of beauty. The feet are also now movable, allowing the user to have Barbie wear heels and flats. Spokesperson Michelle Chidoni said that these body transformations have been in progress for a couple of years.

According to the company's director of global brand insights, the brand is appealing to millennial moms, who seek brands with purpose and values.

For years the company has received a lot of criticism regarding its portrayal and marketing of unrealistic beauty standards. This, as well as the release of new and smart toys, resulted to a decrease in sales. Mattel had hoped to make the line more profitable and the doll more relevant to young girls in recent years by releasing models that shift focus from body image to ambition.

Mattel also introduced a smart Barbie that can talk back and interact with its owner.

The new Barbie Fashionista line will be available in US stores by March 2016, and globally some time after that.

See a comparison table of dolls suppliers on GlobalSources.com