Barbie Fashionistas Doll #228, Blind Doll Wearing Pink Top and Ruffled Skirt with Cane and Sunglasses in Partnership with The American Foundation for The Blind

From: Barbie

Pete's Expert Summary

So, my human has presented me with this... plastic effigy. It's a doll, obviously, a miniature human for their smaller, louder counterparts to play with. This one is apparently "blind," and while I appreciate the thoughtful details like the tactile outfit and the special bumps on the box, let's be realistic. The doll itself is an immobile statue, utterly devoid of the frantic, unpredictable movement that truly stimulates a superior intellect like my own. I suppose the "fun-to-touch" sparkly skirt might provide a mildly diverting texture for a cheek-rub, but the real prize here is clearly the long, thin "cane." It looks perfectly designed for batting under the sofa and forcing the human to retrieve it on their hands and knees. A worthy accessory, attached to a profoundly boring main object.

Key Features

  • Designed to reflect the world kids see today, this diverse line of Barbie Fashionistas dolls showcases bright and trendy styles that make for endless storytelling possibilities.
  • Introducing the first ever blind Barbie Fashionistas doll! Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind to design a doll that accurately portrays someone who is blind or has low vision.
  • She wears a satiny pink blouse and sparkly, ruffled skirt made with a fun-to-touch fabric! Strappy lavender heels add an extra note of style savviness to her sweet look.
  • The brightly colored, high-contrast closures on the back of her top and on her skirt’s elastic waistband make it easier to dress Barbie doll!
  • Her silvery aviator sunglasses are not only super cool -- they’re practical too! The “lenses” shield her eyes from UV rays when it’s sunny.
  • Barbie uses her white cane as she explores the city. It’s an important complement to her day-to-night outfit, which is perfect for a fun-filled weekend with friends!
  • From articulated arms that make using the cane a breeze, to packaging that features the word “Barbie” in Braille, this Blind Fashionistas doll is lovingly designed in every way.
  • Kids 3 years old and up can collect other Barbie Fashionistas dolls for even more fun with friends and fashion at playtime (each sold separately, subject to availability).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The new arrival came in a box covered in suspicious, raised dots. A coded message, no doubt. My human, the unwitting courier, placed the package on the floor and extracted the operative within. She was a striking figure, all bright pinks and sparkly ruffles—a classic misdirection. Her code name, I deduced, was "Fashionista #228." She was equipped with dark glasses for covert observation and a slender white device that could be anything from a communication tool to a concealed blade. The human placed her on the living room rug and then, foolishly, walked away, leaving the perimeter unsecured. I approached with the silent tread befitting a creature of my station, my tuxedo-furred form a shadow against the floorboards. The agent remained motionless, her plastic face a mask of neutrality. I circled her twice, sniffing for tells. She smelled of factory and faint floral perfume, a synthetic decoy. My first move was to test her primary accessory. A gentle tap of my paw sent the white cane skittering across the hardwood. It made a most satisfying *clack-clack-clack*. An excellent sound. The weapon was neutralized. Next, the surveillance equipment. A delicate nudge with my nose dislodged the sunglasses, revealing her static, unblinking eyes. Her cover was blown. With her defenses dismantled, I moved in for a final assessment. I brushed my cheek against her ruffled skirt. The texture was unusual—a rough, sparkly grain that caught my pristine gray fur. It was... adequate. I rubbed against her again, marking her thoroughly with my scent. She was no longer an unknown agent; she was my property now, a stationary scratching post of minor interest. The operative was a failure, inert and unchallenging. My work here was done. The territory was secure, the operative's primary weapon had been confiscated for further "testing," and the operative herself was now just another piece of furniture bearing my magnificent scent. I gave a dismissive flick of my tail, leaving Agent #228 to her silent, sparkly obsolescence. It was time for a victory nap in a sunbeam, the clatter of her cane a pleasant, fading memory. The house was safe once more, thanks to me.