Model with Down’s syndrome is so happy to see a Barbie doll made in her image
Rachel Lang
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Ellie Goldstein
Down's syndrome advocate and model Ellie Goldstein is stoked to see a Barbie doll that comes with an extra chromosome.
The 21-year-old stunner, who became the first model with Down's syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue, took to social media to share her thoughts about the new inclusive Barbie.
"I'm here for the first ever Barbie with Down's syndrome that looks like me and it's beautiful and I love to pieces," the Ilford woman said.
"When I first saw the Barbie I was like 'what the heck?' A bit overwhelmed, let's say thrilled."
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She added: "My career is as a British model and I love modeling, the camera, obviously, the hair, the makeup and everything."
Ellie then summed up the new Down's syndrome doll: "She looks glamorous, gorgeous, pretty, darling and she's perfect like me and I'm perfect like her."
The East London woman revealed she was 'emotional' and 'proud' when she first laid eyes on the new, inclusive doll.
"I am so thrilled there are now Barbie dolls with Down's syndrome," she wrote on social media.
"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."
She added: "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."
Ellie and her mother Yvonne sat down with This Morning's Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield to chat about the new Barbie.
Yvonne reflected on just how much the world has changed since Ellie was born over two decades ago.
"It's all about visibility [and] inclusion," she said.
"There wasn't any when Ellie was growing up. It wasn't that long ago, 21 years."
She added: "It's just amazing to have that out there for people to be aware of Down's syndrome."
Ellie revealed to This Morning's viewers that Barbie's outfit is littered with symbols to demonstrate Down's syndrome inclusivity.
She told Holly and Phil: "So the necklace has got a symbolic thing that has the different chromosome on it and she looks like me."
The colors on Barbie's dress are also representative of Down's syndrome awareness.