FASHION ICON BARBIE IS ALL OF US

By: Raevin Larue

When Barbie was first introduced in 1959 she was marketed as a child's aspiration: she had a body that was anatomically impossible to achieve, sky blue eyes with shiny blonde hair and she was happy to fulfill her role as a domesticated woman of the fifties. 

Now, Barbie is arguably the most inclusive doll line on the market – with over 175 looks offering a variety of hair textures, skin tones, body types and styles. Here are some major ways Mattel deconstructed their own messaging for Barbie and her fans.

Barbie is Diverse

Mattel introduced the first black Barbie in 1968, her name was Christie. When the Barbie marketing was changed to reflect the changing roles of women in the workforce in the 80s, Mattel finally released the first Black and Hispanic dolls named Barbie.

Since the 1980s, Mattel has worked to make its Barbie collection more diverse and inclusive. Now children and collectors can find Barbie in every race. Mattel believes in the power of representation, stating: 

"Barbie recognizes the importance of representation and is committed to doing the work to inspire the next generation. Barbies now come in "35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, 9 body types and counting." 

Barbie is Body Positive

In addition to bringing more racial and ethnic diversity to its Barbies, Mattel has committed itself to ensure that every child can see themselves reflected in body image as well:

In 2016 Mattel introduced 4 new body types: Tall, Curvy, Petite and Original. In 2019, they further expanded their line with dolls reflecting permanent physical disabilities. This includes a Barbie with a hearing aid; a Ken doll with the skin condition vitiligo, a Barbie with a prosthetic leg and a Barbie with a wheelchair. In 2023, Mattel also added another new Barbie, a doll with Down syndrome.

Mattel also expanded its marketing to young boys; in 2017 they introduced a new line of Ken dolls that range in body type and features including freckles and cornrows

Barbie is a Fashion Icon

Barbie has always been the ambassador of fashion and she has the wardrobe to prove it. Despite encouraging her young fans to also be fashion icons when they grew up, Barbie's creative choices influenced young girls in more important ways.

Barbie’s fashion was empowering because it expressed agency and confidence; she wasn’t just a nurse, she was the best-dressed nurse, who saved lives and was really smart. Her fashion became synonymous with other messages of self-worth that young girls may have not received in Barbie’s’ early years.

Before the sixties, her fashion - although incredible, was limited to gowns and designs that only emphasized her beauty. But as the world changed and women demanded better representation and opportunity, Barbie did not abandon her sense of style, instead she added it to her resume of special skills. She has been a construction worker,  news reporter, firefighter, astronaut and donned many other professional hats. Her possibilities were endless and that inspired young girls to have fun while being whoever they wanted.

Everyone has the right to feel and look good and that is what makes fashion a universal expression. As Mattel continues the expand its doll collection and embraces body positivity and gender inclusivity, young kids will further be inspired about who they can be and feel included and welcomed in professional spaces that have not always made them feel like their contributions mattered.

Barbie Is Self Love

Barbie was created to teach young girls that they could be anything and anyone they imagined, but stereotypical Barbie was a victim herself to an era that told women “anything” meant various forms of domestication.

But the decades-long battle for inclusivity, diversity and healthy body representation freed Barbie and, subsequently, her fans from patriarchal constraints. Barbie now represents radical self-love, strength, fearlessness, body acceptance, friendship and community. She is all of us and we are her.

Barbie The Movie Is now in theaters.

Disclaimer: All images for this article were povided by Unsplash.