Mattel began strategising. They released an ad called Imagine the Possibilies, where for the first time, the brand told girls that they could be anything that they wanted to be. Then, instead of the Barbie that cried “Math class is tough”, came Hello Barbie, the interactive doll that asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up. In a major makeover, last year, the company introduced 23 new dolls to its Fashionistas line with varied skin and hair colour, and a much-hyped flat foot that replaced Barbie's signature heels.

 Words: Krupa Joseph