New Barbies?

[Archae]

The Barbie doll is getting some new sizes and shapes.

I really don't think it'll sell too well, though.



Barbie now curvy, tall and petite

NEW YORK (AP) – Barbie’s got a brand new bod.

Mattel Inc., the maker of the famous plastic doll, says it will start selling Barbie’s in three new body types — tall, curvy and petite. She’ll also come in seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the new Barbies on Mattel’s website

The El Segundo, California, toy company will also continue to sell the original Barbie. For years, the doll has been criticized for being an unrealistic representation of a woman’s body.

The new bodies are just the latest change for Barbie as Mattel seeks to appeal to girls who have turned to tablets and other toys. Last year, the company let Barbie kick her heels off and wear flats for the first time.

http://wbay.com/2016/01/28/barbie-now-curvy-tall-and-petite/

[gollygee]

1. I kind of like them

I have a daughter in the age range they market to. I'll have to ask her what she thinks when she gets home.

Kids that age like collecting things, and both of my daughters complain/complained about how most Barbies all look just the same. They always sought out Barbies who looked different in any way. This might make Barbies seem new and interesting again.

[Phentex]

2. As long as the clothes and shoes are there, I think they could do well...

When I played with Barbies, it was all about the clothes and shoes. Clothes that I could never have myself! I don't ever recall giving any thought to the shape of her body. Malibu Barbie had a tan and that's as far as I got noticing skin color. The hair was also part of what I noticed.

The ones pictured look like they could be fun.

[Maeve]

3. Buying additional clothes will be almost as bad as real clothes shopping

And as expensive...like the variety, remember how much I spent in the pink aisle when the girls were small and think how much more it could have cost!

[TDale313]

4. I think it's a great idea. n/t

[linuxman]

5. These look more realistic than what I knew from when I was younger.

Then again, I'm not sure realistic is really what kids go for, at least in terms of body shape anyway. I think having one with similar skin tone would be more important, though I think barbie has been doing that for a long time, albeit with fewer options in the color range. Market research will be vital, so as to not over produce certain ones based on demand. Logistically it becomes pretty complicated when your options exceed black barbie and white barbie.

Gi joe was pretty ripped from what I remember. I don't think it really mattered to me much, though. I was more concerned with whether or not they had cool guns and cool uniforms. I probably wouldn't have wanted a fat one, though. Gi joe was pretty varied from what I remember.

[yellowcanine]

6. Why does African American Barbie have white girl hair?

[Iggo]

7. LOL...still got that giant head, though.