Written by Meaghan Bitters, Asst. Advertising Editor

Barbie’s preparing to get a “real” makeover.

Mattel Inc. introduced three new body types in their attempt to produce more realistic looking Barbie dolls, saying “imagination comes in all shapes and sizes.” According to Barbie.com, these dolls will be released throughout the year.

They will all be called Barbie, and will be available as curvy, petite, tall and original. The new dolls are also more diverse and hold more empowering and imaginative roles. The 2016 Barbies will reflect realistic bodies, careers, lifestyles and fashion trends of women in today’s society.

According to Barbie.com, their new Fashionistas line will include 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles, and various “on-trend” fashions and accessories.

Other 2016 Barbie lines include: “Spy Squad” Barbie dolls, which are now available at Mattel.com, “Career of the Year, Game Developer”, and the “President and Vice President” Barbies which will be released this summer.

Senior Director of Product Design, Robert Best, says that by producing these new Barbies “we’re saying there isn’t this narrow standard of what a beautiful body looks like.”

These new Barbie dolls will help young girls develop a positive self-image and get them to appreciate bodies of all shapes and sizes.

“It’s going to be really fun for the girls to pick out dolls they can relate to,” VP of design, Kim Culmone said.

It’s important that positive self-image is practiced at a young age, while the child is still developing. Being able to get a Barbie that is more similar to real women, will teach the child that their body is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

“They’re seeing the differences amongst their friends and family being celebrated,” Senior Designer, Nicole Guide said.

As a millennial woman, I can only imagine how differently I would perceive body types if I grew up being able to get dolls in various body shapes, ethnicities and societal roles.

“We have to let girls know it doesn’t matter what shape you come in, that anything is possible,” Director Consumer Insights, Tania Missad said.

It’s refreshing to experience such a revelation in dolls. This is definitely a step forward towards eliminating body shaming in the world.