2SLGBTQ+ activist and actress Laverne Cox has become the first transgender person to receive their own Barbie doll. The news comes just before the actress’ 50th birthday and highlights the importance of representation within the toys industry. The doll is clad in a red corset-style gown, with a sheer tutu and long sandy hair.
“What excites me most about her being out in the world is that trans young people can see her and maybe get to purchase her and play with her, and know that there’s a Barbie made by Mattel, for the first time, in the likeness of a trans person,” says Cox.
The doll comes complete with a fully-customizable outfit, making multiple style options affordable for all. The Laverne Cox Barbie doll is now available on the Mattel website and at select retailers.
Image Credit: Mattel
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Representation-focused Toy Dolls
- The increase in representation-focused toy dolls such as the first transgender Barbie doll is an opportunity for toy companies to appeal to a wider audience and create a more inclusive brand.
- Customizable Doll Outfits
- Integrating customizable outfit options for dolls like the Laverne Cox Barbie doll opens up new revenue streams and allows for added personalization for consumers.
- Celebrity Doll Collaborations
- Collaborating with celebrities for toy doll lines, like Mattel did with Laverne Cox, presents an innovative marketing strategy for toy companies to create buzz and gain wider appeal.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Toy Industry
- The toy industry has an opportunity to create representation-focused toys and customizable options to better serve and attract a more diverse customer base.
- Fashion Industry
- The fashion industry can explore collaborations with toy companies to create customizable clothing and accessories for dolls that cater to individuality and representation.
- Marketing Industry
- The marketing industry can offer its services to toy companies looking to partner with celebrities like Laverne Cox to create buzz and gain a wider audience.
