The maker of Barbie, Mattel, Inc., are all set to launch ken doll with vitiligo nationwide this June – the same month that has been proclaimed as Vitiligo Awareness Month across various states in the USA. After launching a Barbie with vitiligo in 2020, Mattel will include a Ken doll with vitiligo this year in their yearly Fashionistas line. This year’s Barbie Fashionistas line up will also include Barbie dolls with more a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors, body types, and disabilities in order to be more inclusive of all children.
In addition to the new Ken doll with vitiligo, the brand is all set to introduce new Ken options with rooted short hair and slender body type. The hair on these figurines will also vary in colors, texture and style, with man buns, cornrows, a bald look and a rainbow hairstyle as options. Mostly importantly, the 2022 Fashionistas line is also going to mark the debut of the Barbie with behind-the-ear hearing aids. For the Barbie with hearing aids, the toy company consulted Dr Jen Richardson, a leading practitioner in educational audiology, to help accurately imitate behind-the-ear devices for the toy.
Remember Barbie with vitiligo?
After launching Barbie with vitiligo and Ken doll with vitiligo, Mattel will become the maker of currently the most diverse doll line on the market. The toy maker has clearly made positive changes to the stereotypical Barbie body type. By continuing to introduce dolls featuring a range of skin tones, body types and disabilities, the brand will reflect the diversity kids see in the world around them. After all, it’s important for kids to see themselves reflected in toys and understand as well as celebrate the importance of inclusion.
A Note: Barbie with vitiligo was not only a welcome move by the brand, but also a commercial hit. It was one of the top five Fashionistas best sellers in the U.S. that year.