British model Ellie Goldstein has teamed up with Barbie as they launch their first doll with Down’s syndrome. The doll, which is available to pre-order today and goes on sale across the UK on May 3, will allow even more children to find a doll that represents them.
This is the first Barbie doll to be introduced with Down’s syndrome, expanding the Fashionistas line to include a person with an intellectual disability.
The line also features dolls who use wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, dolls with vitiligo and a doll without hair.
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Since its inception in 1959, Barbie has introduced more than 175 looks with a variety in skin tones, hair textures, body diversity and dolls reflecting people with disabilities.
Model Ellie, 21, is one of fashion’s rising stars and the UK’s most prominent model with Down’s syndrome. She has made history as the first model with Down’s syndrome to feature in major international campaigns for brands like Gucci Beauty and Adidas.
She said: “I am so happy that there is a Barbie with Down’s syndrome. Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed - it meant a lot to me and I’m so honoured and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world.
“Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”
Barbie consulted with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US and medical professionals informed the design process, introducing a new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down’s syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso.
The new face sculpt features a rounder shape, smaller ears, and a flat nasal bridge, while the eyes are almond shaped. The doll’s palms even include a single line, a characteristic often associated with those with Down’s syndrome.
The doll’s pink pendant necklace with 3 upward chevrons represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is the genetic material that causes the characteristics associated with the condition.
The chevrons, or arrows, are synonymous with “The Lucky Few,” meant to represent the lucky few who have someone with Down’s syndrome in their lives.
The doll’s puff sleeved dress pattern features butterflies and yellow and blue colours, which are symbols associated with Down’s syndrome awareness
“It was an honour working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome,” said Kandi Pickard, NDSS President and CEO.
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them.
“This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating.”
The doll also wears pink ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) to match her outfit and the trainers have a zip detail.
AFO’s are most commonly used by children with Down’s syndrome in the US. While not all people with Down’s syndrome wear ankle foot orthotics as each person is unique, Barbie took the decision to promote the representation of adaptive equipment in the play space by including them as accessories.
“As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play,” said Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel.
“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves. Doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience can teach understanding and build a greater sense of empathy, leading to a more accepting world.
“We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play.”
The 2023 Barbie Fashionistas line is available in the UK on pre-order from today from Smyths with RRP at £13.99 each.
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