Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Doll
Adaptation
The realistic progression of dolls illustrates a shift in perception.
3.5
Trend score
Trend
What is the Doll Adaptation trend?
Doll Adaptation: With societal expectations constantly changing as beliefs and opinions evolve, retailers are looking to keep their products in tune with those developing tastes through more culturally relevant connections. Modifications to such toys as Barbie dolls that feature more realistic references to womanly figures illustrates a shift in gender stereotypes, providing consumers with a portrayal of females in a more confident and empowering manner reflective of modern times.
Trend themes
Themes within the Doll Adaptation trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Realistic Representation
There is a trend towards modifying toys to feature more realistic references to gender and body types, providing consumers with a portrayal that is more reflective of modern times and empowering.
02
Fantasy Film-Inspired Dolls
Dolls inspired by blockbuster fantasy films are becoming increasingly popular, with brands featuring characters from popular franchises and attracting fans and collectors.
03
Body Positivity
The plus-size modeling movement has inspired toy companies to create more diverse dolls, with a focus on body positivity and a wider representation of real women.
Industry implications
What the Doll Adaptation trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Manufacturing
The toy industry can capitalize on the trend towards realistic representation, diversity and body positivity, offering consumers a wider range of products that are relevant to cultural shifts and recent societal developments.
For
Fashion & Lifestyle
High fashion dolls and branded collaborations offer fresh opportunities for creative partnerships between toy makers and fashion brands, which can reach new audiences and create buzz around both industries.
For
Tech & Gaming
By partnering with major media franchises and adapting popular characters, toy companies can take advantage of the growing intersection between gaming, films and toys that appeal in particular to younger tech-savvy audiences.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Doll Adaptation
Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 54%, freshness 8%.
Popularity45%
Activity54%
Freshness8%
Audience
30%Men
70%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Doll Adaptation trend
4 featured examples from Aug 11 to Dec 28, 2013CategoryLife-Stages
Plus-Sized Doll Makeovers
Plus Size Modeling's Plus-Sized Barbie is Stirring Controversy
Potential for toy manufacturers to disrupt the market by producing diverse dolls that cater to the changing consumer demand for more inclusive representation.
CategoryLife-Stages
High Fashion Doll Portraits
This Coach Barbie Looks Chic and Stylish in the Designer Label
The collaboration between Mattel and Coach opens up opportunities for toy manufacturers to partner with fashion brands to create exclusive designer dolls.
CategoryLife-Stages
Fantasy Film-Inspired Dolls
Get Ready for Catching Fire with the Katniss Barbie Doll
Opportunity for toy companies to produce dolls based on characters from popular films and books.
CategoryLife-Stages
Great White North-Inspired Barbies
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Barbie Sends a Strong Message
Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to design and produce dolls that break traditional gender norms and empower girls to explore various career paths.
