Lammily

Lammily

Lammily is a brand of fashion dolls created by Nickolay Lamm in 2014. The dolls are designed to promote realistic beauty standards and body image, in contrast to the more traditional and often criticized unrealistic proportions of other popular dolls like Barbie. Lammily dolls are characterized by their average body proportions, based on the measurements of an average 19-year-old American woman, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This initiative was aimed at providing a more relatable and healthy role model for children, emphasizing the importance of a realistic and diverse representation of beauty.

Development

The concept of Lammily was born out of a viral success of a series of images created by Nickolay Lamm, which depicted a digitally altered Barbie doll with the proportions of an average 19-year-old American female. The positive public reaction to these images led Lamm to explore the possibility of turning the concept into a physical doll. Through a crowdfunding campaign launched in 2014, Lamm raised the initial funds necessary to begin production of the Lammily doll. The campaign exceeded its funding goal, highlighting the public's interest in and support for more realistic and body-positive dolls.

Features

Lammily dolls come with a range of features intended to promote a healthy and realistic body image. These include:

- Realistic body proportions: The dolls' bodies are based on the average measurements of a 19-year-old American woman, as opposed to the more traditional, unrealistic proportions seen in many other dolls. - Articulated joints: Lammily dolls have articulated joints, allowing for a range of movements and poses, which adds to their realism and play value. - Diverse representation: The brand has expanded its line to include dolls with a variety of skin tones, hair types, and cultural backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusivity. - Educational accessories: Lammily also offers a range of accessories and stickers that address real-life issues such as menstruation, acne, and cellulite, encouraging education and acceptance of natural human conditions.

Reception

The reception of Lammily dolls has been largely positive, with many praising the brand's commitment to promoting realistic beauty standards and body positivity. Educators, parents, and children have lauded the dolls for their relatability and the positive message they send about self-acceptance and diversity. However, like any product, Lammily has also faced criticism, with some arguing that toys should not bear the burden of addressing societal issues.

Impact

Lammily has contributed to the ongoing conversation about body image, self-esteem, and the representation of women in media and toys. The brand's success has encouraged other toy manufacturers to consider more realistic and diverse representations in their own product lines. Lammily's influence is seen as a step towards changing the narrative around beauty standards and promoting a healthier, more inclusive view of body image for children.