Speaking about the product that celebrate the Down's syndrome community, model Ellie Goldstein talks about feeling overwhelmed and proud to be chosen to show it to the world.
- Apr 26, 2023
AceShowbiz - The Barbie brand is set to launch its first-ever doll with Down's syndrome. Through the product, even more children will be able to find a doll that represents them and it will also enable kids to tell different stories through play.
"I am so happy that there is a Barbie with Down's syndrome," said Ellie Goldstein, the model who has appeared in the campaign for the new doll. "Seeing the doll, I felt so overwhelmed - it meant a lot to me and I'm so honored and proud that Barbie chose me to show the doll to the world. Diversity is important to me as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away."
Barbie worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in the U.S. in order to develop the doll, which features a new face and body sculpt that's more illustrative of women with the genetic disorder. The product is geared towards celebrating the Down's syndrome community via the doll's clothing, accessories and packaging.
Kandi Pickard, the NDSS president and CEO, said, "It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating."
Carol Boys, the chief executive of the U.K. Down's Syndrome Association, has also welcomed the new doll. She explained, "As the only charity in the U.K. supporting all aspects of Down's syndrome, we often hear from families who feel their children are not represented enough in the mainstream media. We therefore welcome the fact that children in our community will be able to play with a doll that represents them and their lives."
