Mattel Reveals New Barbie In Different Shapes And Sizes: Tall, Petite, Curvy

Mattel recently revealed that they are adding three new shapes and sizes to their standard Barbie collection: tall, petite, and curvy.

Mattel will be giving their Barbie more then one makeover this year that will include seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles, Mattel said. The makeovers come at a dire time for the toymaker and are aimed at boosting sales.

Mattel’s overall sales have dropped for eight straight quarters. In last year’s third quarter, Barbie sales continued their years-long slide by falling 14%. Mattel will announce its fourth-quarter earnings Monday.

Barbie has been criticized for decades for presenting an unrealistic version of women.

Evelyn Mazzocco, global general manager for Barbie, said Mattel is “changing the face of the brand.”

“These new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them,” she said in a Thursday statement. “The variety in body type, skin tone and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them.”

Critics believe this is a good move on the company’s part. “This is something that’s absolutely necessary and important to the future of Barbie,” said Jim Silver, editor in chief of toy review site TTPM. “When half of America is non-Caucasian, you have to offer variety.”