Move over Margot Robbie, there’s a new Barbie in town. Well, not exactly new.
This past year has seen doll-mania sweep the silver screen. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie gripped the public imagination like no other plastic-fantastic picture, Kenergy has riled social media to the point of no return and Lily Collins is set to star as Polly Pocket in a feature directed by Lena Dunham. Mattel’s PR team really has been working overtime.
Yet, true Noughties kids will remember there were four other dolls on the scene, and their names were Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha and Jade aka the Bratz dolls.
Bratz dolls were created by Carter Bryant for MGA Entertainment, who debuted the dolls in 2001. Bryant was a former employee of Mattel, and broke away from the Barbie empire to form his own line of fashion dolls.
Bryant's former association with Mattel spiced up the story, with Bratz presenting dramatic makeup palettes, glamourous Y2K garments and extreme attitude - contrasting Barbie’s all-American, clean-cut persona. Their glossy pouts, smokey cat eyes and disproportionate bodies were adorned by distressed denim, baker boy caps and pink fur coats, cementing their reputation as Barbie’s rebellious younger sister. In terms of inclusivity, Bratz was streets ahead of Barbie, producing dolls of different ethnicities and racial backgrounds.
And thus, a rivalry was born. “Were you a Barbie or Bratz girl when you were younger?” became a popular conversation starter for Gen-Zs when they reached adolescence.
One thing the dolls did have in common was their knack for controversy. Bratz dolls were accused of promoting unhealthy body ideals and over-sexualisation, which was deemed unsuitable for a younger audience. What’s more, while the dolls were ubiquitous in the early 00s, legal battles over copyright with Mattel plagued Bratz distributor MGA Entertainment and production was forced to stop. With a new look, a relaunch took place in 2010 to mark the dolls’ 10th anniversary but was not hugely popular among its die-hard fans, leading to discontinuation. There have been a few attempts at relaunch since but none so groundbreaking as the latest.
In July 2023, Bratz announced a new partnership with beauty mogul Kylie Jenner, titled the Mini Bratz x Kylie Jenner collection and unsurprisingly interest in the familiar, rouged faces has boomed once again.
Tap into Noughties nostalgia with a Bratz doll of your own. They aren’t easy to get your hands on, so better grab one before they’re all gone.
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Bratz Dana Doll
A near-exact replica of one of the first-ever dolls from the 2003 ‘Funk ‘N’ Glow’ collection, this Dana doll comes with an enviable denim Afghan coat, matching trousers and a sassy pink Marabou feather trim. Additional garments include two pairs of shoes, sunglasses, earrings and a hairbrush for perfect preening.
Buy now £33.84, Amazon
Bratz Jade Doll
Jade has a passion for fashion, meaning her wardrobe is a total treasure chest. This doll, a replica of the 2001 version, was released to celebrate Bratz’s 20th anniversary. Mix ‘n’ match her hats, crop tops and cargo trousers to create new and exciting Y2K-inspired looks.
Buy now £22.49, Amazon
Bratz Cloe Doll
Another pick from the 20-year anniversary collection, Cloe is a self-professed angel with heavenly threads to match. Dress her up in leopard print pieces, platform boots and headbands for a look Depop-ers would coo over today.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Bratz Meygan Doll
Seventies style is back and better than ever thanks to Meygan. The doll champions the grooviest of silhouettes, complete with a tan-toned Penny coat, corduroy baker boy hat and bell-bottom jeans.
Buy now £27.78, Amazon
Bratz Sasha Doll
Sasha has street style down to a T. From back-to-school backpacks to hip-hop sneakers, white capri pants and more, there’s plenty to dress Sasha in to make her the star of the show.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
Bratz Nevra Doll
Britney Spears better watch her back with Nevra coming in hot on her fashion heels. Dark-wash denim and pink crystal-clad butterfly motifs pepper the doll’s Y2K archive, which is elevated by a faux white fur coat and turquoise heels.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Bratz Kiana Doll
This isn’t Kiana’s first rodeo. She knows the drill when it comes to self-styling. Exuding cowgirl cool with boots, a hat and tassels to complete the image, Kiana is the best dressed in the Wild West.
Buy now £35.56, Amazon
Bratz Tiana Doll
Rihanna’s aesthetic in doll form, Tiana has an undeniable rock-star quality to her. Red snake trousers, tassel crop tops and the most dramatic of fur coats all are a testament to her sartorial prowess.
Buy now £30.26, Amazon
Bratz Fianna Doll
Funky fashion is always on the agenda for Fianna. The doll, originally created as part of the 2004 ‘Funk Out’ collection, serves up the ultimate Seventies ‘fit in her midi denim skirt, suede top and tan boots. Do they come in adult sizes?
Buy now £60.40, Amazon
