Barbie Maker Mattel Launches First-Ever Doll With Down's Syndrome With Model Ellie Goldstein

Barbie manufacturer Mattel has launched its first doll with Down's syndrome as part of a campaign to empower more children to find a doll that represents them.

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US was consulted during the making of the new Barbie, which will be pre-orderable starting on Tuesday in the UK.

Credit: Mattel

The toy company's new Fashionistas line includes dolls who use wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, dolls with vitiligo, and a doll without hair.

Partnering with British model Ellie Goldstein, who has made history as the first model with Down's syndrome to feature in major international campaigns for brands such as Gucci and Adidas, they hope it will showcase a broader view of beauty in the fashion industry.

She is one of British Vogue’s cover stars and is also named one of the Business of Fashion 500, a list of people shaping the global fashion industry.

The 21-year-old, who is one of the cover stars for British Vogue's May edition, said: 

“I am so happy that there is a Barbie with Down’s syndrome.”

Credit: Mattel

“Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed – it meant a lot to me and I’m so honored and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world.”

“Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away.”

When a person is born with an extra chromosome, they have Down's syndrome, which typically results in intellectual impairment and physical changes to their appearance.

Credit: Mattel

The doll's features, including its shorter body, longer torso, and newly sculpted head with shorter ears and a rounder face, were decided upon with the help of medical professionals.

The doll also has a single line on its palms, a feature frequently linked to individuals with Down's syndrome.

The UK Down's Syndrome Association's CEO, Carol Boys, stated: 

“The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) are pleased to see that Barbie is introducing a doll who has Down’s syndrome into their range.”

“As the only charity in the UK supporting all aspects of Down’s syndrome, we often hear from families who feel their children are not represented enough in the mainstream media.”

Credit: Mattel

“We, therefore, welcome the fact that children in our community will be able to play with a doll that represents them and their lives.”

“We look forward to seeing her on the shelves alongside Barbies who wear hearing aids, use wheelchairs, and celebrate inclusion.”

Since the launch of the Barbie Fashionistas line in 1959, more than 175 variants have been created, including dolls with various disabilities and a variety of skin tones, hair textures, and body sizes.

Executive vice president and global head of Barbie dolls at Mattel, Lisa McKnight, stated: 

“As the most diverse doll line on the market, Barbie plays an important role in a child’s early experiences and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play.”

The AFOs are often used for children with Down's syndrome in the US. Mattel included them as accessories for its doll.

Kandi Pickard, the president, and CEO of the NDSS, was happy to help design the doll.