New Mattel Barbie Fashionista dolls
photo: Splash News

It used to be that Barbie and Mattel were criticized for their lack of diversity, but in the past five years, they've truly come around. 

Now, Barbie is one of the most diverse lines of dolls, with nearly every type of person represented. The Barbie Fashionista Dolls feature dolls with varying body sizes, hair types, abilities, and skin tones. Plus, last year Mattel released a line of gender non-conforming dolls called The Creatable World Dolls.

Not only is it important for Barbie and Mattel to feature a wide range of identities in its doll line, but also a strong feminist career line. The company has featured empowered women and career paths to give young children positive role models. 

The latest line of Barbies feature a doll with the skin condition vitiligo and one with hair loss. 

Two of the newest dolls feature one with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of skin pigmentation loss. Another doll is completely bald, to represent children with varying reasons for hair loss from alopecia to undergoing chemotherapy. The Ken doll in this Fashionistas line has long blond hair, which is a different version from the hyper-masculine version he's always been. Plus, there are even more skin tones and hairstyles to choose from. 

The new era of Barbie makes it one of the most diverse lines of dolls. 

Barbie is meeting a desire for representation and giving children so many different types of toys to play with. There are so many different hair colors and textures, as well as skin tones and body shapes. Plus, Mattel has another line of dolls for kids who want to play with a gender-inclusive doll. 

Barbie® Fashionistas™ Doll #135 with Vitiligo, $10

Vitiligo Barbie for sale
photo: Mattel

>> Get it here

When Barbie posted its first photo of the doll with vitiligo, it became the most liked picture on its Instagram. So clearly there is a desire for different looks and identities. Now it's available for only $10 at retailers like Target or Amazon, and it comes with a dress, white shoes, and a black fanny pack. 

Not only is Barbie representing all types of people, but also strong and empowered ones. 

Barbie is famously known for her wide-ranging career goals. From astronaut to doctor to engineer, there is no job too difficult for the doll. In 2019, her career of the year was a Judge. 

The caption reads, "The verdict is in! With over 200 careers since 1959, this year #Barbie takes the stand as a Judge! The Barbie Judge Doll encourages girls to learn more about making decisions to change the world for the better. #YouCanBeAnything."

In the entire Fashionistas line, there are countless types of dolls represented. 

There are 176 dolls in the Fashionista line, the toymaker's most diverse yet. The line includes nine body types, 35 skin tones, and 94 hairstyles, according to its website. It doesn't seem like the brand will be slowing down on its inclusivity efforts anytime soon, and I am totally here for that.