Barbie Goes Bald

Mattel Company is producing a bald Barbie as a result from a Facebook page that launched in December of last year by Rebecca Sypin and Jane Bingham, two friends affected by cancer.

Mattel company spokesman Alan Hilowitz told HealthPop that the company will produce a friend of Barbie that will have wigs, hats, scarves, and other accessories to give children "a traditional fashion play experience." The Barbie will have the option to remove the wigs and head coverings.



The company stated that they will not be selling the dolls at stores, but instead will donate them to children's hospitals, as well as the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Supporters of the Facebook page are pushing to get the doll sold in stores.

The manufacturing of this product means Mattel listens to their public. As a result of Sypin and Bingham’s efforts of promotion, receiving more than 156 thousands likes on Facebook, the women were in the intimate process of developing the Barbie which included what she was to like look and what accessories were going to be available to the doll.

In Public Relations, it’s important for your consumers, contributors, or supporters to know that their opinion can directly impact the organization. Mattel not only fulfilled the wishes of a popular group by manufacturing the Barbie, but also is donating the funds to worthy organizations. It will be interesting to see if in the upcoming months if consumers will see the bald Barbie in stores.