The first six American Girl dolls finally got their much-needed makeover as the Modern Era collection was unveiled. The collection features Samantha Parkington, Kristen Larson, Molly Mclntire, Felicity Merriman, Addy Walker and Josefina Montoya, stepping away from the old and into the new. Compared to the historical clothing, the modern American Girl dolls now have trendy, Pinterest board-worthy outfits. Growing away from their traditional attire, the new design allows girls to learn from dolls that represent Generation Alpha.
The traditional six American girl dolls were outdated, boring and uninspiring compared to the new energetic, innovative and appealing dolls.
Felicity Merriman’s doll was redesigned to include cute flared pants. Historically, women did not start wearing pants until they became mainstream in the 1970s. During the 70s, wearing pants as a woman symbolized liberation, gender equality and rebellion. Those values still reign in the 21st century.
Paving the way for the new generation, the modern era dolls are destined to encourage growth in lieu of being stuck in traditional roles and classic silhouettes. Fashion has always been political, and dolls that mirror that political statement are the role models to the children who play with them.
Mixed opinions have been discussed about the Modern Era collection, but this is not the first time the American Girl doll company has dealt with backlash and controversy. One of the six original American Girl dolls, Addy Walker, was criticized amongst the Black community for being regressive and politically charged in her dress.
Jaha Nailah Avery described Walker’s debut outfit as a political statement.
“Addy’s debut caused much debate in the Black community, due to her family being enslaved. Many argued that the first Black doll should have represented more uplifting times in African American history, such as the Harlem Renaissance or the Civil Rights Movement,” Avery detailed in her report.
It is refreshing and healing for many young girls to see Walker’s design feature her hair styled in twists, her baby hairs laid and an adorable pink dress, matching her chic, pink Mary Jane shoes.
Politics and pop culture are deeply entwined; the doll’s new design is demonstrating a message of girl power. Beyoncé once said, “Who runs the world? Girls!” That message is exactly the inspiration behind the Modern Era dolls. Little girls are no longer looking toward the past for inspiration but to the future.
The woman who used to play with American Girl dolls can also see this new doll design as a new chapter for the company — a new chapter rooted in positive expression, reassuring representation and encouraging role models.
