What comes to your mind when you think of Barbie’s boyfriend Ken? A quintessential blue eyed boyfriend with a perfect body? Well, looks like the millennial Ken is all set to shed its ‘perfect’ status, and embrace a whole new diversified range of looks.
Toymaker Mattel, the brainchild behind the most loved range of dolls – Barbie, is all set to give not one, but 15 new looks to Barbie’s boyfriend Ken. The news first broke on the TV show Good Morning America.
Ken will now sport man buns, cornrows, braids and don casual, hip clothes. The six pack abs will be replaced by a heavier, broader built.
Mattel announced 15 new looks for Ken, including three body types: Slim, broad and original. Not only that, there will be seven skin tones, eight hair colours, and nine hairstyles for the revamped version.
These changes will be the first major update since the doll first came in the market, 56 years ago. The move comes months after Barbie was given a makeover, from tall and slim versions to more realistic shorter and curvier sizes.
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 personalise the role they want him to play in Barbie’s worldLisa McKnight, senior vice president and general manager, Barbie
Barbie also posted a video on Instagram, introducing the new squad.
The move is expected to make a positive trend in Barbie sales, which had seen a 13% drop in the first quarter of 2017, as reported my Mattel in April.
Going by Twitter reactions, people seem to have welcomed the move.
Only time will tell whether the ‘boy next door’ image of Ken will strike a chord with the consumers or not.
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