LONDON, April 25 (Reuters) – Toy maker Mattel (MAT.O) has launched its first Barbie with Down’s syndrome in a bid to make its well-known doll vary extra inclusive.
In a press release on Tuesday, Mattel mentioned it had labored with the Nationwide Down Syndrome Society in the USA to make the doll, which has a shorter body and longer torso than its different Barbies.
The brand new doll’s face can also be a rounder form, and has almond-shaped eyes, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge, Mattel mentioned.
[1/3] French Metropolis Counsellor & Writer Eleonore Laloux holds the brand new Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome, in Paris, France April 19, 2023. Mattel/Matthieu Suprin/Handout by way of REUTERS
“The doll’s palms even embody a single line, a attribute usually related to these with Down’s syndrome,” Mattel mentioned.
The doll is dressed is a puff sleeved frock adorned with butterflies and flowers in yellow and blue – colors related to Down’s syndrome consciousness.
She wears a pink necklace with three upward chevrons representing the three copies of the twenty first chromosome in addition to pink ankle foot orthotics, Mattel mentioned.
“Our aim is to allow all youngsters to see themselves in Barbie, whereas additionally encouraging youngsters to play with dolls who don’t appear like themselves,” Lisa McKnight, Government Vice President and International Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel, mentioned within the assertion.
Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Enhancing by Nick Macfie
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