Lila Grace Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, introduces her debut Barbie doll, designed to represent a character with type one diabetes.
Mattel, the renowned manufacturers of Barbie, have taken a significant step towards inclusivity and representation by releasing a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes. This new addition to the Fashionistas line is equipped with authentic medical devices, such as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump, aimed at normalising chronic health conditions for children from an early age.
The doll, adorned in a chic outfit, a little gold bangle, and a nice dress, wears a blue polka dot top and matching skirt - a colour used globally to symbolise diabetes awareness. Mattel collaborated closely with the nonprofit organisation, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a leading diabetes research and advocacy group, to ensure accurate representation.
Lila Moss, a model and Type 1 diabetes patient herself, was presented with a one-off Barbie doll of herself during the launch. Moss, daughter of Kate Moss, expressed her pride in representing the community of people with Type 1 diabetes, finding it surreal yet significant that her doll reflects a cause close to her heart.
Moss emphasised the importance of embracing the technology used for managing diabetes, as it makes living with the condition easier and more practical. She encourages not hiding or being insecure about the patches used for managing diabetes, finding it cool to have them.
In May, Mattel also unveiled a Barbie doll made in the likeness of Ncuti Gatwa's character from the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who. This move signifies Mattel's commitment to inclusivity and representation, extending beyond medical conditions.
Previously, Mattel has released dolls representing other medical conditions, such as deafness, blindness, and Down's Syndrome. These initiatives are part of Barbie's broader mission to reflect diverse experiences and abilities, allowing children to feel represented and empowered by the stories they imagine with their dolls.
Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, stated that introducing a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes marks an important step in their commitment to inclusivity and representation. She believes that by reflecting medical conditions like Type 1 diabetes, Barbie helps shape children's early perceptions of the world, ensuring more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love.
On behalf of Lila Moss, Mattel UK donated £20,000 to Breakthrough T1D, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting the Type 1 diabetes community. The diabetes Barbie doll, priced at £13.99, was released on Wednesday and is now available for purchase.
[1] Mattel Press Release: https://www.mattel.com/news/press-releases/barbie-launches-doll-with-type-1-diabetes [2] Breakthrough T1D Press Release: https://www.jdrf.org/press-releases/barbie-launches-doll-with-type-1-diabetes [3] Lila Moss's Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf8GjJgJQvW/ [4] BBC News Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-61965046
- The introduction of a Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes by Mattel signifies a significant step in normalizing chronic health conditions, such as medical-conditions, for children, particularly those with chronic-diseases.
- Lila Moss, a celebrity and Type 1 diabetes patient, was thrilled to receive a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll modeled after herself during the doll's launch, symbolizing the representation of her community.
- Moss, an advocate for embracing technology for diabetes management, voiced her support for visible representations of the technology used for chronic medical conditions like Type 2-diabetes.
- Mattel's commitment to inclusivity and representation extends beyond medical-conditions, as demonstrated by their creation of a Barbie doll based on Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor Who character.
- In line with their dedication to health-and-wellness and diversity, Mattel has previously released dolls representing various conditions, including deafness, blindness, and Down's Syndrome, furthering Barbie's mission to reflect a wide range of experiences and abilities.
- To support the Type 1 diabetes community, Mattel UK donated £20,000 on behalf of Lila Moss and priced the diabetes Barbie doll affordably at £13.99 for fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness enthusiasts, and mental-health advocates alike.
