(New York) The toymaker Mattel launched on Tuesday a new model of Barbie doll with trisomy 21, with some of the physical traits associated with this genetic anomaly, in partnership with a recognized American association.
“Our goal is to connect all children with Barbie, but also to encourage them to play with dolls that are not like them,” Barbie brand manager Lisa McKnight said in a statement.
Designed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), an organization dedicated to people with Down syndrome, this new version of the Barbie series is available online and will go on sale in stores this summer.
The doll is smaller than the average Barbie, has a longer torso in relation to the rest of her body, smaller ears, a flat nose bridge and almond-shaped eyes, characteristics commonly seen in people with Down syndrome.
Trisomy 21, also called Down syndrome, is a congenital chromosomal condition that results from the presence of an extra chromosome at 21e pair (out of 23 in total).
In addition to the physical traits, it generates a generally mild to moderate intellectual disability.
After having proposed, for decades and with a few exceptions, a white and blonde Barbie, Mattel has multiplied, in recent years, the openings to diversify the profile of the famous doll.
At the beginning of 2016, the Californian company notably launched “round”, “small” and “large” versions of Barbie. Mattel now claims 175 different models of Barbie.
Revenue for Mattel’s doll division fell 9% in 2022, mainly due to slower sales of Barbie and the American Girl and Spirit lines.