Toy manufacturer Mattel recently released a new range of body-positive Barbie dolls. Though this new lineup features various body types and seven different skin tones, it is the curvy Barbie model that has been appointed TIME magazine's latest cover star.
This new line of body-positive Barbie dolls is titled the 'Fashionistas' range and includes three new body shapes: curvy, petite and tall. Marking the biggest change in Barbie's original appearance, curvy Barbie has been appointed the cover star for the weekly NYC publication TIME magazine.
Photographed by TIME's Kenji Aoki, the cover captures Barbie's side profile which shows off her full thighs, protruding tummy and behind. The cover is also decorated with a direct quote from Barbie herself which asks that society stop talking about her body.
Barbie Magazine Covers
A New Body-Positive Barbie Graces the Cover of TIME Magazine
Trend Themes
1. Body-positive Barbie Dolls - Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create more inclusive and diverse dolls that promote body positivity.
2. Curvy Barbie Model - Potential for fashion industry to embrace and promote more realistic body shapes and sizes in their campaigns.
3. Cover Feature of Dolls - Chance for magazines and media outlets to highlight and celebrate the representation of diverse body images.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to expand their product lines with more inclusive and diverse dolls.
2. Fashion - Opportunity for the fashion industry to showcase and advocate for realistic body shapes and sizes in their campaigns and designs.
3. Media and Publishing - Potential for magazines and media outlets to feature diverse body images to promote body positivity and inclusivity.