We all know that Black Barbies are just darker versions of the regular ones. So one of the company’s designer’s, Stacey McBride-Irby, sought to make a more realistic-looking version. She was inspired to do this because she has two daughters and wanted them to play with dolls more reflective of them and their community. That’s how the So In Style dolls were born. Grace, Kara and Trichelle have different skin tones, curlier hair, fuller lips, wider noses and more distinctive cheek bones. And although these dolls are supposed to be about ‘fashion and fun’ they also have other interests (music, math and the drill team).

McBride-Irby designed these dolls based on what she and other mothers were missing in the offerings that were available to them. She  has also included a mentoring component—each of the So In Style girls will have a smaller one aka a little sister. (You can buy them together or the little sisters separately.) Not sure how this larger idea is going to work and I wonder if the girls playing with these dolls will get the point—unless it is an opportunity for parents to explain the concept. But I’m not knocking it. It is clear that this sister has put a lot of thought and effort into this new product line. (Although I do wish the dolls didn’t have those unrealistic bodies.)

But although these may be the go-to products this holiday season the real test will be whether our daughters embrace these dolls (or even notice the difference). Teen filmmaker Kiri Walker’s film A Girl Like Me will make you wonder.

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