When we look back on the events of 2009, we may remember two in particular: Black Barbie modeling the latest fashions in Vogue Italia, and the first-ever line of African-American Barbie dolls.
July marks the anniversary edition of Vogue Italia’s Black Issue, which features Black Barbie in a full, high-fashion editorial spread. As the magazine hits newsstands, doll-fanatics everywhere are excitedly anticipating the fall launch of Mattel’s So In Style dolls, which are designed with more authentic African-American features including fuller lips, a wider nose, and curly hair.
Unlike the goal of Vogue Italia’s editor-in-chief, Franca Sozzani, whose vision was to emphasize the importance of diversity in fashion, the So In Style dolls center on a decidedly more wholesome theme: mentoring.
The collection’s accompanying storyline goes something like this: Barbie’s African-American friend, Grace, moves to Chicago, where she befriends two other African-American girls, Trichelle and Kara. Each begins to mentor a younger girl – the little "sis" dolls – bringing the entire collection to six dolls.
Creator of the So In Style dolls, Stacey McBride-Irby makes her efforts clear:
I want to bring inspirational role models to a new generation of little girls.
Black Barbies
Using Toys to Send the Diversity Message in Vogue Italia's Black Issue
Trend Themes
1. Diversity in Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to emphasize diversity in their designs and marketing campaigns.
2. Authentic Representation - Opportunity for toy manufacturers to create dolls with more authentic features that reflect various ethnicities and cultures.
3. Mentoring and Empowerment - Opportunity for brands to develop products that promote mentoring relationships and empower younger generations.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion industry can leverage the trend of diversity to create inclusive and representative clothing lines.
2. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can tap into the demand for more diverse dolls by creating lines that authentically represent different ethnicities and cultures.
3. Personal Development and Education - Industries focusing on personal development and education can create products that promote mentoring and empowerment among children and young adults.