Barbie Exec Reveals The Real Reason For The Doll's Impossible Proportions
Joerg Koch/Getty Images
Critics of the doll say that her tiny torso and long limbs give young girls false expectations for what womens' bodies should look like.
But in a recent interview with Fast Company, Barbie lead designer Kim Culmone says there's a good reason the toy's shape is so disproportionate.
"Barbie's body was never designed to be realistic. She was designed for girls to easily dress and undress. And she's had many bodies over the years, ones that are poseable, ones that are cut for princess cuts, ones that are more realistic," Culmone said.
Culmone also suggested that Barbie's critics were overreacting, and that the doll doesn't negatively impact young customers.
"To little girls, they are putting themselves in that doll anyway. You have to remember that girls' perceptions are so different than grown ups' perceptions about what real is and what real isn't, and what the influences are," she said.
Culmone said she sees no reason to alter Barbie's proportions at this time.
Mattel announced last week that Barbie sales have plunged 13%.
- I quit McKinsey after 1.5 years. I was making over $200k but my mental health was shattered.
- Some Tesla factory workers realized they were laid off when security scanned their badges and sent them back on shuttles, sources say
- I tutor the children of some of Dubai's richest people. One of them paid me $3,000 to do his homework.
- Why are so many elite coaches moving to Western countries?
- Global GDP to face a 19% decline by 2050 due to climate change, study projects
- 5 things to keep in mind before taking a personal loan
- Markets face heavy fluctuations; settle lower taking downtrend to 4th day
- Move over Bollywood, audio shows are starting to enter the coveted ‘100 Crores Club’