Diversity in Barbie Fashionistas line-up

Mattel has taken new strides towards diversity representation and inclusivity within its Barbie Fashionistas line with the release of new additions to the line.

You will see a Barbie doll with no hair, a Barbie doll with vitiligo (skin condition), a doll with a gold prosthetic limb, a Ken with long rooted hair, and a redhead Ken. The new dolls join over 170 diverse dolls that have been brought into the range since 2015.

The Barbie Fashionistas line offers girls a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types and fashions to choose from. The line has evolved to be more reflective of the world girls see around them by introducing more skin tones, body diversity, dolls reflective of disabilities, and updated Ken looks.

Live-action hybrid Lilo & Stitch for Disney+

The production on the hybrid flick Lilo & Stitch will begin in Hawaii this fall as a Disney+ original movie.

As with the 2D original, the family adventure centres on a troubled human girl named Lilo and a dog-like alien named Stitch, who crash lands near her home in Hawaii. Despite his cuddly appearance, Stitch has been engineered as a living weapon and is now one of the galaxy’s most wanted.

But with love, faith and the power of ohana — the Hawaiian concept of “family” — Lilo and Stitch form a powerful, transformative bond. Chris Sanders, who co-wrote and directed the original film with Dean DeBlois, is expected to return to voice Stitch — the studio is still on the hunt for a director for the remake.

Emoji brand moves into children’s sector

Through toys and a variety of animated content concepts, Emoji brand has decided to step into the children world this year.

Until now, Emoji has carved out a hugely successful licensing portfolio across the teenage and young adult market, through lifestyle licensing partnerships that span the globe. Last year, it took home a Licensing Award in the Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property category. Emoji is now laying out its plans to move in on the children’s market, be that through toys, publishing, animated content, or a culmination of all three.

“While Emoji is established globally and targets primarily teenagers and young adults, we believe that there is an angle to address the kids’ market which is mostly connected to the toy space, in particular to collectable toys and plush,” the Emoji Company founder, Marco Huesges told. “It is a time-consuming process but we hope to have clarity within the next eight to 12 months on which direction to go,” Huesges said.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 15th, 2020