![The New Arab Staff](/sites/default/files/styles/image_72x72/public/2020-11/Avatar.jpg?h=59297c3f&itok=X-R7ZUHw)
Move over Barbie, Hijarbie's coming to town
It was only a few weeks ago that our veteran iconic doll, the stereotypical blue-eyed, blonde bombshell Barbie, was given a makeover.
From her 56-year-old traditional and highly unrealistically perfect physique, the best-selling doll's manufacturer announced she would now be available in three new body types - tall, petite and curvy, as well as different skin tones and eye colours.
The world rejoiced. Finally, an acknowledgement that, yes, women do come in many sizes and shapes.
"We believe we have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty," said Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice-president of the Barbie brand.
And reflecting a broader view of beauty is exactly what 24-year-old Haneefah Adam is doing with her Instagram account, Hijarbie.
Amalgamating fashion and modesty, the account features a Barbie doll dressed up in what the young Nigerian describes as "mini hijab fashion".
Speaking to Style.Mic about the account, Haneefah said that the point of Hijarbie was not only to show how beautiful and trendy "modest style" can be, but to show girls who wear the hijab that they are no less beautiful or special than Barbie herself.
"I want them to be inspired - this is about having an alternative and creating an awareness of having toys that adopt your religion and culture and in your own likeness, which at the end of the day, leads to an improvement in self-esteem," she said.
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