According to MarketWatch, the release of the 2023 film Barbie is expected to create "significant growth" for the brand until at least 2030. Many of the mothers in the four focus groups that Mattel allows me to observe agree with the direction Mattel is taking. A person with Barbie syndrome attempts to emulate the doll's physical appearance, even though the doll has unattainable body proportions.

A line of toys designed to teach girls to build, Lego Friends, helped boost Lego above Mattel as the biggest toy company in the world in 2014. In 2019, Mattel launched the "Barbie Dream Gap Project" to raise awareness of the phenomenon known as the "Dream Gap": beginning at the age of five, girls begin to doubt their own intelligence, where boys do not. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item. Out of that came changing Barbie’s face to have less makeup and look younger, giving her articulated ankles so she could wear flats as well as heels, giving her new skin tones to add diversity and then of course changing the body.Mattel said that the waist of the Barbie doll was made small because the waistbands of her clothes, along with their seams, snaps, and zippers, added bulk to her figure. Elsa might be just as blond and waif-thin as Barbie, but she comes with a backstory of strength and sisterhood. Then Hasbro won the Disney Princess business away from Mattel, just as Elsa from the film Frozen dethroned Barbie as the most popular girl’s toy. And like me, girls will strip curvy Barbie and try to put original Barbie’s clothes on her or swap the skirts of petite and tall. Have friends over for sleepovers and chill out in the pool – there's never a dull moment in this Dreamhouse.

In 2002, Mattel introduced a line of pregnant Midge (and baby) dolls, but this Happy Family line was quickly pulled from the market due to complaints that she promoted teen pregnancy, though by that time, Barbie's friend Midge was supposed to be a married adult. The board behind Mazzocco’s desk is filled with words like out of touch, materialistic, not diverse. For example, the clothes that come with the Artsy dolls and the clothes that are sold separately for the Artsy character all seem to go together--and coordinate with the makeup of the dolls. They'll explore new places and dress up Barbie in the trendiest outfits including special editions like our 2023 Holiday Barbie - ideal for older children and avid collectors. The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, and was available as either a blonde or brunette.

The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model", with her clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson. Fashion blogger, horse rider, music star or salon stylist—we’ve got a range of amazing pretend play mates your kids will love. Complete any look with a pair of cool trainers or black stilettos, a chic black clutch, cat-eye sunglasses and a smart phone accessory. I brought my daughter to a Christmas-tree lighting with Santa and Barbie the other day,” says a mom in one of the focus groups. Complete any look with a pair of black sneakers or strappy heels, slim shades, an iridescent handbag, white mini purse and smartphone accessory.