Cat’s Take: The new era of Barbie

new barbies

By Cathi Coppinger

Move over unrealistically proportioned Barbie, there’s a new Barbie in town! Remember when we were kids and pretty much there was only one Barbie and then knock-offs? I was wanted a brunette Barbie, but no! Blonde and blue-eyed! Not anymore; according to Mattel, Barbie will now come in four body types and seven skin tones, with 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. A year ago, Barbie was introduced with movable ankles so she was no longer destined to a life in heels! She could wear flats! Last June, Mattel added different skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles for Barbie. Sales and stock for Mattel has been on the decline for awhile; Barbie sales fell 4% in the third quarter of 2015, alone. But for now, the new Barbies are only available online.