Toymaker Mattel on Tuesday unveiled the first Barbie with Down Syndrome to make the world’s most famous doll collection more inclusive.
In a statement quoted by Reuters, Mattel said it was working with the US National Down Syndrome Society to create a doll that has a shorter build and longer torso than other Barbies.
The new doll’s face also has a more round shape, almond-shaped eyes, smaller ears and a flatter nose, according to Mattel. “There is even a single line on the doll’s palms, a trait often associated with people with Down syndrome,” Mattel said.
The doll wears a puffed-sleeve dress adorned with butterflies and flowers in yellow and blue, the colors associated with the awareness of Trisomy 21.
“Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie by encouraging children to play with dolls that are not like themselves,” said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel.