More than a year after Barbie paved the way and finally got the body-positive makeover that brought her into the 21st century, her longtime boyfriend Ken is finally following suit.
On Tuesday, Mattel, the parent company for Barbie, Ken, and all their assorted friends and family members, revealed 15 new Ken dolls as part of its Fashionistas line. The new lineup features combinations of three different body types — slim, broad, and original — seven skin tones and eight hair colors (styled nine different ways), according to a press release from the company. You can now own a Ken doll who rocks a man bun (or cornrows or a buzz cut or side bangs à la Bieber circa 2009), glasses, and a tank top and perfectly matches a wide variety of skin tones and body types.
"By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation," Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and general manager at Mattel, said in a press release. "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."
Mattel majorly expanded its Barbie offerings in January 2016 when it revealed the Fashionistas line, which includes Barbies of several different body types, heights, skin colors, and hairstyles. Although the 60-years-in-the-making makeover was criticized by some for teaching young girls to categorize their bodies according to oversimplified labels such as tall, petite, and curvy, the new Barbies were overall well received and applauded for finally mirroring the real world.
Ken has come a long way since his debut in 1961, when he was a white lifeguard in surprisingly short red swim trunks. Over the years, he has become available in a limited range of skin colors, put on more clothes — including a particularly on-trend white turtleneck and plaid blazer combo in the 1970s — grown out his hair, and tried out a few new careers, although his evolution has never quite matched up to that of his multitasking and ultra-fashionable girlfriend. We're glad Mattel is finally teaching Barbie fans of all ages and genders that men are more than just one body type.
