In a move that quickly caused debates and a bit of stir, Mattel launched its first gender inclusive fashion doll line – Creatable World. It features “endless combinations”, allowing kids to create their own unique characters.
For that to happen, the Creatable World dolls do not conform to gender stereotypes. Kids can personalize each doll almost entirely.
They can put different wigs, accessories and clothes on the doll. All of the clothes are also interchangeable so kids can create any look they can imagine.
“Toys are a reflection of culture and as the world continues to celebrate the positive impact of inclusivity, we felt it was time to create a doll line free of labels. Through research, we heard that kids don’t want their toys dictated by gender norms. This line allows all kids to express themselves freely which is why it resonates so strongly with them. We’re hopeful Creatable World will encourage people to think broadly about how kids can benefit from doll play”, said Kim Culmone, senior vice president of Mattel Fashion Doll Design, quoted by ToyNews.
The Creatable World line starts with a choice of six doll kits. Each will come in a variety of skin tones and includes one doll and two hairstyle options and some clothes. Kids can then get a plethora of additional accessories to create the exact look (or several styles) they want.
“We’re not in the business of politics, and we respect the decision any parent makes around how they raise their kids. Our job is to stimulate imaginations. Our toys are ultimately canvases for cultural conversation, but it’s your conversation, not ours, your opinion, not ours,” Mattel’s president, Richard Dickson told Time in an interview.
As you can expect. All of this also brought a lot of discussion about whether the toys and doll will affect kids’ idea of gender identity. “I think if we could have a hand in creating the idea that a boy can play with a perceived girl toy and a girl can play with a perceived boy toy, we would have contributed to a better, more sensitive place of perception in the world today. And even more so for the kids that find themselves in that challenging place, if we can make that moment in their life a bit more comfortable, and knowing we created something that makes them feel recognised, that’s a beautiful thing”, Dickinson says.
It’s definitely going to be hot topic for the time being. Will it be a hot seller? We’ll know by the end of the year probably.
