Bratz launches bald dolls
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Popular kids’ dolls Bratz, known for their wide almond-shaped eyes and funky fashion, will be getting an unexpected makeover this summer – they’re going bald.
MGA entertainment announced Tuesday that it’s creating three hairless versions of their Cloe, Yasmin, and Cameron dolls, as part of their True Hope Bratz line, in support of children undergoing treatment of diseases such as cancer and alopecia.
“Toys “R” Us is proud to be the first retail destination in Canada for the True Hope Bratz dolls, which reflect the same courage and strength demonstrated by the thousands of Canadian children who are living with illnesses today,” said Kevin Macnab, president of Toys “R” Us Canada, in a press release.
MGA and Toys “R” Us will each donate $1 from the sale of every doll (retailing at $19.99) to Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps children with serious illness and their families cope through a series of programs and activities.
Recently, there has been a growing movement in social media for dollmakers to create bald dolls that are both relatable for children with illnesses and also encourage broader social acceptance.
In March, Barbie-maker Mattel announced they would produce hairless dolls and donate them to U.S. and Canadian children’s hospitals and charities in 2013.
“Through a thoughtful approach, we made the decision not to sell these dolls at retail stores, but rather get the dolls directly into the hands of children who can most benefit from the unique play experience,” said a post on the company’s Facebook page. The decision came after Facebook group Beautiful and Bald Barbie garnered 150,000 supporters in just a few months.
True Hope Bratz, which each come with a hat, will be available at all Toys“R”Us stores in Canada in mid-July and will be available for pre-sale online as of June 1.