Have You Seen the Next Gen Ken?

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

If you take a look at a modern day Barbie doll, you may notice she looks a little different than she use to — in a good way! Early last year, Mattel announced that it was creating three new body types for its dolls to reflect the look of real-life girls and women. The change also came with seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 30 hair colors, 24 hair styles and 14 face sculpts. Now, Barbie's go-to man Ken is following suit.

The company just announced that it is expanding its Barbie Fashionista line with a more diverse range of Ken dolls. The line will bring 15 new figures with three different body types — slim, broad and original. These "Next Gen Kens" will also have a range of seven skin tones, eight hair colors, nine hair style and outfit options from casual business attire to athletic wear.

In addition, the brand is also rolling out 25 additional diverse Barbies that will join the 100+ diverse looks already on shelves. The new additions will include a more variety of skin tones, hair colors and styles and body shapes.

"By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation," said Lisa McKnight, Barbie's Senior Vice President and General Manager in a statement to GoodHousekeeping.com. "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."