The Barbie holiday club that's sparking controversy
Since introducing Barbie-themed glamour packages for their littlest guests, the luxurious Forte Village resort in Sardinia has received a volley of protests
Famous for her swishing blonde tresses, big chest and penchant for pink, Barbie is no stranger to controversy.
Now, she's at the centre of a row involving Barbie-themed holiday packages targeted at young girls.
The luxurious Forte Village holiday complex in Sardinia has fallen foul of detractors, following its introduction of two Barbie VIP Packages for young guests: Pink and Glamour.
Starting from $450 Euros (£365) a week, the packages take place in a special pink Barbie house. Guests as young as two can create a special look for their Barbie doll (received as part of the package), make jewellery and decorate t-shirts in the Barbie Fashion Academy.
They also learn how to walk down the Barbie catwalk in preparation for a fabulous fashion show where a beauty expert will help them to look 'picture perfect' with 'the most glamorous make-up and hairstyling'. At additional cost, mothers and daughters can also enjoy a joint manicure and facial session.
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Critics have been venting their anger on Twitter, arguing that it gives the wrong messages about body image and encourages girls to believe they must look and act in a certain way just because they are girls. But for others, Barbie is a harmless vehicle for the kind of role-play that little girls love.
A spokesperson for Forte Village told The Guardian that the packages provided a safe environment for girls to be themselves and play, adding that the packages had been very popular.
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