American Girl’s 40th anniversary redesign is causing massive fan backlash
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An American girl turns 40 by redesigning her beloved historical dolls, causing an immediate reaction on social media.
The Mattel-owned brand announced Wednesday the launch of a “Modern Era Collection,” reimagining its six characters with modern clothing and a smaller 14.5-inch frame, down from the brand’s traditional 18-inch dolls, according to a news release from Mattel.
“Discover the Modern Era Collection of 14.5-inch dolls and fashions – Felicity, Addy, Molly, Kirsten, Samantha and Josefina reimagined today,” says the American Girl website.
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From left, Felicity Merriman, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Addy Walker, Samantha Parkington and Molly McIntire from the new American Girl “Modern Era Collection.” (Mattel)
The collection includes:
- Samantha Parkingtonher story is set in 1904, decorated with bows and a plaid skirt.
- Addy Walkerfrom 1864, wearing a pink and blue dress and accessories inspired by her heritage.
- Molly McIntireset in 1944, sports glasses, blue skirt and beret.
- Josefina Montoyaher character is set in 1824, wearing red shorts and cowgirl boots.
- Felicity Merrimanfrom 1774, with a rose-print shirt and jeans.
- Kirsten Larsoninspired by his prairie story of 1854, set in a blue, colorful dress and red shoes.
Each doll retails for $90 and is available for pre-order, with shipping expected by May 1, according to the American Girl website.
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Many fans took to social media to argue that the rebuild overstepped the mark. (Mattel)
Many fans took to social media to argue that the rebuild overstepped the mark.
“Holy shit these look cheap,” one Instagram user wrote under a post announcing the product.
“Do yall even ask ppl what they want to buy?” commented another.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | change % |
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| MAT | MATTEL INC. | 16.47 | +0.62 |
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“What?? Nooo, this ruins the whole point of historical dolls!!” said a third user.
“Nooooo we love the old and we want the old clothes back,” wrote one commenter. “Listen to your millennial fans who are now buying things for their daughters.”
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The American Girl Store at Rockefeller Center in New York City. (Plexi Images/GHI/Universal Images Group via Getty Images/Getty Images)
American Girl historical dolls include fictional characters for ages 9 to 12 from various periods of American history. The dolls are paired with books and designed to teach history from a character’s point of view, according to the brand’s website.
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“As we look forward, we’re excited to continue evolving into the next generation while staying true to storytelling that acts as windows and mirrors, empowering girls to see themselves as the heroines of their story,” said Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls, in a statement.
Mattel and American Girl did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
