NewsBeat: Mattel Gives Barbie A China-Friendly Makeover: Now Equipped With Violin, And Cheaper Price Tag

Barbie Barbie dolls inside a showroom at a Mattel office in Hong Kong

Barbie is getting a makeover! No, Mattel isn’t changing the notoriously unrealistic proportions of “America’s favorite doll.” The toy giant is giving her an educational upgrade for the Chinese market. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) is rolling out a series of dolls specifically marketed to Chinese consumers, which means targeting the pursestrings of China’s so-called Tiger parents, moms and dads focused on educational success and extracurricular activities that will enhance a child’s individual education in the long run. Mattel wants Chinese children to have a doll that emulates what their parents want, but with the signature Barbie flair. Some of Mattel’s new offerings include the “Violin Soloist” Barbie, still with blond hair, blue eyes and a cinched waist, but the box set comes fully accessorized with a violin, bow and sheet music.