How a Ken doll became an ‘epic fail’ for Mattel (and an icon for diversity) Posted byMarch Violante December 19, 2021 Leave a comment on How a Ken doll became an ‘epic fail’ for Mattel (and an icon for diversity) In 1993 the company presented the Earring Magic Barbie line that sought to show Barbie and her friends with a more avant-garde look with fashionable clothes and more stylized hairstyles.