Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Black Barbie doll range launched


Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbie dolls called 'So In Style' Photo: SPLASH NEWS

 Mattel has launched a new line of black Barbie dolls, trying to dispel previous criticism by giving the models fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones.

The "So In Style" line features Grace, Kara and Trichelle, each with her own style and interests and a little sister she mentors: Courtney, Janessa and Kianna.

The dolls reflect varying skin tones and Trichelle and Kianna have curlier hair.

The designs are a far cry from Christie, Barbie's black friend who appeared in the 1960s and was essentially a white doll painted brown

Barbie designer Stacey McBride-Irby, who is black and has a 6-year-old daughter, said she wanted to create a line of dolls for young black girls that looked like them and were inspirational and career-minded.

"I want them to see themselves within these dolls, and let them know that black is beautiful," she said.

Barbie's previous attempts to produce black models were criticised for failing to reflect different physiognomies and reinforcing attitudes that long, straight hair is often considered more beautiful than short kinky hair.

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