Model Ellie Goldstein has helped to launch the first Barbie doll with Down’s syndrome.
Goldstein, who has the genetic disorder – a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome – took to Instagram to share how emotional and happy she was about the new doll.
The 21-year-old from Ilford, East London, said in a video: “I’m here for the first ever Barbie with Down’s syndrome that looks like me and it’s beautiful and I love it to pieces.
“When I first saw the Barbie I was like, ‘What the heck?’ A bit overwhelmed, let’s say thrilled.
“My career is as a British model and I love modelling, the camera, obviously, the hair, the makeup and everything,” she continued.
“She looks glamorous, gorgeous, pretty, darling and she’s perfect like me and I’m perfect like her.”
In a statement on her page she wrote: “I am so thrilled there are now Barbie dolls with Down’s syndrome.
“When I saw the doll I felt so emotional and proud. It means a lot to me that children will be able to play with the doll and learn that everyone is different...
“Diversity is important as people need to see more people like me out there in the world and not be hidden away. Barbie will help make this happen.”
The model and her mother, Yvonne, went on This Morning to speak about the new venture.
Asked how she felt when she saw the doll for the first time, she replied: “Really happy and emotional.”
She also pointed out to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that the doll’s outfit was special. “So the necklace has got a symbolic thing that has a different chromosome on it and she looks like me,” she said.
The colours on the dress are associated with Down’s syndrome awareness.
Goldstein has also become the first ever model with Down’s syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue and her photo for Gucci broke the record for the brand’s most liked image on social media.
