Barbie dolls are often criticized for setting unrealistic standards for how girls are supposed to look and live. Now, Mattel has introduced new body types for the iconic doll that better represent its customers’ reality.
Mattel anounced the changes yesterday (January 28) through the Barbie website, social media and a TIME cover story. In addition to the original, Barbie is now available in curvy, tall and petite varieties.
A #BTS look at what inspired us and the team that made it possible. https://t.co/JDeqzI59nX #TheDollEvolves #Barbie https://t.co/CmWHMcBOGf
— Barbie (@Barbie) January 28, 2016
"We have to let girls know it doesn’t matter what shape you come in, that anything is possible," Tania Missad, Mattel’s director of consumer insights, said in the video above.
The new body types are part of a series of significant changes made to Barbie dolls in the past year. Mattel introduced a run of dolls last June that featured a variety of skin tones and eye colors. Dolls in the new line—dubbed "Barbie Fashionistas"—are available with seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and two dozen hairstyles.
Some of the updated Barbies are now available online, and they will hit store shelves later this year.