Barbie available in “curvy, tall and petite”

Toy company Mattel’s iconic doll ‘Barbie’ has finally broken out of ‘the body image’ and launched a line-up of ‘tall, curvy and petite’  body shaped dolls.

According to a report in BBC,  the company announced that they will add different skin tones, eye colours and hairstyles to the collection.

 Barbie's figure has  been criticised for years for setting an unrealistic body image for girls.

With the new body shapes, the toy makers say they are "offering girls choices that are more reflective of the world they see today".

Last year, the company reportedly introduced 23 new dolls to its so-called Fashionistas line with varied skin and hair colours, and a much touted flat foot - replacing Barbie's signature heels.

With this year's update, the Barbie Fashionistas line will feature 33 new dolls with 30 hair colours, 24 hairstyles, 22 eye colours, 14 face shapes, 7 skin tones and 4 body shapes - original, plus tall, curvy and petite.

"We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand - these new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them - the variety in body type, skin tones and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them," Mattel executive Evelyn Mazzocco said in a statement.

The new dolls will go on sale in the spring of 2016 worldwide.