In response to the demand for more inclusive dolls, one Instagram-user has created an account for her hijab-wearing Barbie. While Mattel recently made headlines for its realistic Barbie collection, this account demonstrates another way that the iconic doll can be redesigned to reflect the diversity of young women.
The hijab-wearing Barbie was created by 24-year-old Haneefa Adam who is based in Nigeria. The stylish young women wear the hijab herself and she wanted to recreate some of her favorite looks with her own Barbie doll. Modeled after the doll's official Instagram page, Adam's account features the iconic doll dressed in fashion-forward outfits and wearing the hijab.
The account is meant to inspired confidence in young Muslim women by giving them an image that they can relate to. As Adam's explains, "I'm hoping that by having a doll that is dressed as a Muslim girl child would dress, when she plays with them, its easier to identify with her cultural and religious roots."
Hijab-Wearing Barbie Dolls
This Instagram Account Shows Barbie Wearing a Hijab in Stylish Ways
Trend Themes
1. Inclusive Dolls - The demand for more inclusive dolls is an opportunity for toy companies to create a wider range of dolls that reflect diversity.
2. Cultural Representation - There is a growing need for cultural representation in the toy industry, which presents opportunities for companies to create toys that reflect a wider range of cultures.
3. Fashion and Diversity - Combining fashion and diversity in dolls can provide innovative ways to educate children about different cultures and promote self-confidence.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - The toy industry has an opportunity to create a wider range of diverse dolls that reflect different cultures and religions.
2. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can create fashion-forward hijab designs for dolls, promoting cultural diversity in fashion.
3. Education Industry - The education industry can use dolls like hijab-wearing Barbies to raise awareness about different cultures and promote diversity, inclusion, and self-confidence.