While there have been countless Barbie spin-offs, this Swiss Army Barbie may be the most practical role she's taken on yet. 'Instructables' user Mike Saurus shows off how he made his DIY Barbie into a knife that is both fashionable and functional.
To turn Barbie from pretty to pretty scary, all that's needed is a multi-blade knife, a doll and a hand saw. Whether this Swiss Army Barbie is really a good toy for children or not is debatable, with Saurus believing it can "empower young girls to expand their horizons beyond playing with stereotypical gender-reinforcing toys."
Since considered too dangerous to entrust to a child, it can feature as a comical addition to an adult's toy or tool collection -- be it of barbies or knives.
DIY Swiss Army Barbies
This DIY Project Transforms Barbie into a Knife-Wielding Bombshell
Trend Themes
1. Customizable Dolls - The trend of creating DIY modifications to dolls, like turning Barbie into a Swiss Army knife, allows for unique and personalized play experiences.
2. Empowering Toys - The demand for toys that challenge traditional gender roles and inspire children to think outside the box presents an opportunity for toy manufacturers to create more diverse and inclusive products.
3. Functionality in Fashion - The merging of fashion and functionality, as demonstrated by the Swiss Army Barbie, opens up possibilities for innovative designs that serve practical purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers could explore opportunities to create customizable dolls and toys that empower children and break away from gender stereotypes.
2. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can tap into the trend of incorporating functionality into clothing and accessories, offering stylish designs with practical features.
3. DIY and Craft Market - The DIY and craft market can cater to the demand for kits and materials that allow people to personalize and modify existing products, such as transforming dolls into functional tools.