Ken just got a huge diversity makeover -- and we're so excited
A doll line that started with one bleach blonde, skinny figurine has now evolved to include a more diverse lineup. On Tuesday, Barbie introduced its new line of Ken dolls, made up of 15 new Kens. Mattel's new line features a variety of new body types (Dad bod, anyone?), a range of skin tones and other diversifying characteristics like eye color and hairstyle.
Check out this lineup.
Photo: Mattel
The introduction comes a year and a half after Mattel revamped it's Barbie line by adding tall, curvy and petite Barbie to its collection. In the past, many critiqued Mattel's lack of diversity with their Barbie line -- and the new Barbie line was one of the company's first moves to diversification in five decades.
And so, it was expected that Ken would be the toy company's next project -- and we're welcoming this change with open arms.
"The Barbie brand has always reflected the times, so modernizing Ken is the next step in the brand's evolution to offer more diverse products," Mattel issued in a statement.
Take a look at the new Ken dolls:
"By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation. Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalize the role they want him to play in Barbie's world," said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Barbie.
With seven new skin tones, eight hair colors and modernized fashions, the new Ken dolls will "join the 100+ diverse looks launched in the Barbie Fashionistas line in the last three years."
Related: Inside a world-famous Barbie exhibition:
