Barbie Gets…INKED?!

       Every girl knows Barbie is a fashion icon: she has the absolute perfect physique and trendiest style.  She is naturally gorgeous with flawless skin, has the most handsome boyfriend, drives a pink convertible, and has a wardrobe that every girl envies.  There isn't one young girl who doesn't idolize Barbie or want her life.  She is every girl's role model, and her life is a heavenly dream.

      Now, I found something in January's issue of Glamour magazine quite disturbing.  Barbie got inked!  Meet Italian designer, Simone Legno's new "Tokidoki" Barbie doll. 

     Tokidoki Barbie's body is covered with tattoos, her hair is styled in a pink bob, and she is sporting a tough looking off-the-shoulder sweater with cross bones and Cheetah leggings under a hot pink mini skirt.

     This, for sure, is not the traditional blonde bombshell or brilliant brunette version of Barbie that moms are used to purchasing for their young girls.  What type of controversial message does this Barbie send out to young children who collect Barbie doll? Jump into your car seat, rush out and cover your bodies with tattoos because your new beautiful Barbie has them?  Tattoos are meant for age-appropriate bodies, but are not the best chosen look for a well-known icon, like Barbie, who young children idealize and emulate.

     Parents might be exceptionally concerned that this new Barbie could potentially send the wrong message to their young children.  The tattoos on the Tokidoki Barbie are permanent, unlike the 2009 "Totally Stylin' Tattoos" Barbie, which came with a set of small tattoo stickers.  The tattoo stickers became a major issue, and now there is a Barbie with permanent tattoos?  She is modern and chic, but the tattoos are definitely causing uproar in many families with young girls.

     I doubt any parent would want to see their young children dressing like the Tokidoki Barbie and requesting to get tattoos for their eighth birthday.

       The Tokidokie Barbie has been deemed as cutting-edge and risky for good reasons.  Barbie dolls are popular model figures of our young society, and they should always look their absolute best for their young admirers.  The manufacturer should be setting fun, glamorous, age appropriate examples, because the younger generation will always follow in Barbie's footsteps!