KEN SPORTS MAN-BUN AND ISN’T HE A DOLL
HE’S been overshadowed by Barbie for decades, but now Ken is finally getting some attention. Mattel is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, giving him different skin tones, body shapes and hair styles. The makeover is part of the toy company’s plan to make its dolls more diverse and appeal to today’s kids. Barbie received a similar overhaul more than a year ago. Ken will be sold in three body shapes: “slim,” “broad” and “original.” Some have dubbed one of the sizes as “dad bod”.
He’ll have modern hairdos, such as cornrows and man buns, and come in seven different skin tones.
Mattel is also aiming to introduce modern fashion trends and styles for a younger generation, with styles described as “Cactus Cooler,” “Camo Comeback,” “Preppy Check” and “Hyped on Stripes.”
“By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation,” Barbie senior vice president and general manager Lisa McKnight told ABC News in the US. “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 world.” Ken hasn’t changed much since he was first introduced 56 years ago as Barbie’s blueeyed, chiselled boyfriend. Since Ken’s release, the company has launched more than 100 different looks for the doll. Ten of the latest Ken dolls are available online. The others will be released within months.