# Doll Adaptation The realistic progression of dolls illustrates a shift in perception. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 10, 2014, updated Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/image-modification ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 11 to Dec 28, 2013 - Published: Mar 10, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Doll Adaptation trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Doll Adaptation trend means for industry ### For 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 for Doll Adaptation Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Doll Adaptation trend 4 featured examples from Aug 11 to Dec 28, 2013. - [Plus-Sized Doll Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plus-sized-barbie): Plus Size Modeling's Plus-Sized Barbie is Stirring Controversy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Potential for toy manufacturers to disrupt the market by producing diverse dolls that cater to the changing consumer demand for more inclusive representation. - [High Fashion Doll Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coach-barbie): This Coach Barbie Looks Chic and Stylish in the Designer Label (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The collaboration between Mattel and Coach opens up opportunities for toy manufacturers to partner with fashion brands to create exclusive designer dolls. - [Fantasy Film-Inspired Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katniss-barbie-doll): Get Ready for Catching Fire with the Katniss Barbie Doll (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy companies to produce dolls based on characters from popular films and books. - [Great White North-Inspired Barbies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/royal-canadian-mounted-police-barbie): The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Barbie Sends a Strong Message (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to design and produce dolls that break traditional gender norms and empower girls to explore various career paths. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)