Bratz Dolls Bump Barbie

Toys Come with Pouty Lips, Skimpy Tops -- and Controversy

by Elaine Korry

Listen Now:

Real Media|Windows Media Explain these links

Enlarge Image

Elaine Korry, NPR

Bratzpackers Cloe (left) and Jade.

Enlarge Image

Elaine Korry, NPR

Bratz in their streetwear.

All Things Considered, December 23, 2003 · One of the hottest-selling toys this year is a group of fashion dolls called the "Bratzpack," and they've replaced Barbie in the hearts of millions of girls. In a few short years, the Bratz brand has become a retailing powerhouse. Their maker, MGA Entertainment, says the brand and its licensees will pull in $3 billion this year.

The dolls -- Cloe, Dana, Jade, Sasha, and Yasmin -- portray teenagers with attitude. They have big doe eyes, lush pouty lips and wear skimpy tops, platform boots, and tons of glitz. The Bratz have taken top honors at a slew of toy of the year awards, but, as NPR's Elaine Korry reports, the dolls' edgy style and brassy makeup makes them controversial.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)