On Tuesday, Mattel unveiled a Barbie with Down Syndrome as part of the brand's inclusive Fashionista line.
The newest Barbie joins other dolls in the Fashionista line with wheelchairs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, prosthetic limbs and other adaptive aids. There are also dolls with vitiligo.
You can see part of the line here, including the new doll:
Good Morning America announced Mattel's collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) during the live unveiling for the doll.
The organization and Mattel worked together to accurately represent the Down Syndrome community.
\u201c.@Barbie debuts its first ever doll with Down syndrome! \ud83d\udc97\n\nModel Ellie Goldstein posed with the new doll saying, \u201cIt looks like me, and it\u2019s beautiful, and I love it to pieces.\u201d https://t.co/fPuS8v47J7\u201d— Good Morning America (@Good Morning America) 1682447003
The Barbie reflects unique physical characteristics typical for people with Down Syndrome.
This includes being shorter in stature as well having almond-shaped eyes, smaller features and a single crease in the palm. The Barbie wears pink supportive ankle orthotics and a blue and yellow patterned dress with butterflies - all symbols associated with Down Syndrome.
The doll also sports a necklace displaying three upward-facing arrows, which represents Trisomy 21, the three copies of the 21st chromosome that cause Down Syndrome.
The symbol also represents the "lucky few" who are fortunate to have people with Down Syndrome in their lives and also symbolizes "rising up and moving forward."
Barbie shared their support on Twitter.
\u201c@GMA @Mattel So important\ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\udc96\u201d— Good Morning America (@Good Morning America) 1682427338
People on social media shared their excitement over the newest Barbie and celebrated Mattel's commitment to inclusivity and representation.
\u201c@CNN Diversity, inclusion and equity. Good to hear more companies are moving forward.\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682437217
\u201c@GMA @Barbie \ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffe\u201d— Good Morning America (@Good Morning America) 1682447003
\u201c@CNN She\u2019s beautiful. \u2764\ufe0f\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1682437217
\u201c@PopCrave representation matters!! \ud83e\udde1\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1682436221
\u201c@PopCrave I just noticed the AFOs! This is just so cute.\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1682436221
\u201c@PopCrave heart just filled with joy\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1682436221
\u201c@PopCrave Let\u2019s normalize inclusivity!\u201d— Pop Crave (@Pop Crave) 1682436221
\u201c@PopBase Representation matters\u201d— Pop Base (@Pop Base) 1682437025
\u201c@nojumper Aw\u2764\ufe0fbeautiful \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffb\u201d— No Jumper (@No Jumper) 1682452789
\u201c@AP Terrific! Representation matters!\u201d— The Associated Press (@The Associated Press) 1682458200
\u201c@AP \ud83d\udcaf will be buying! \ud83d\udc96\u201d— The Associated Press (@The Associated Press) 1682458200
\u201c@AP I LOVE this!!!! \ud83d\udc95\u201d— The Associated Press (@The Associated Press) 1682458200
The Barbie Fashionista line now has more than 175 dolls featuring a mix of looks that include varying skin tones, eye colors, body types and disabilities.
The doll is available at major retailers for $10.99, but we have a feeling they'll go fast.
@cynthiaerivo/Instagram
