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  By: Lauren Hogue

      Many young girls play with dolls in today’s society, but the rising question in “doll world” is Barbie or Bratz? There is a big dispute about whether or not Mattel, creator of Barbie, “stole” the Bratz look or not with their new My Scene dolls.  Arch-enemies Mattel and Bratz are in a constant battle to see who can sell the most merchandise. In 2004, Bratz racked up $2.5 billion in retail sales, but Bratz had to settle for number two considering Mattel estimated $3 billion in worldwide sales. 

     In recent years, Mattel’s Barbie has appealed to girls ages four to six.

Bratz appeal more to girls ages seven to eleven who think Barbie is for babies.

Mattel has been improving with the Barbie products to appeal to older girls.  Bratz has filed suits against Mattel for “stealing” the Bratz look. Bratz says Mattel’s My Scene dolls have very similar almond-shaped eyes and pouty, lip-glossed mouths. Bratz says, “They are blatantly knocking us off.”

      However, Mattel thinks differently. Mattel says a former employee of Mattel took doll designs to the company after leaving. Bratz are said to have a “passion for fashion,” but maybe it’s more of a “passion for bashin’” since Bratz never passes up a chance to provoke Mattel. 

     The Barbie vs. Bratz battle is being discussed throughout the “doll world.”

Bratz may have to face the challenge of one-upping Mattel’s movie “Barbie My Scene Goes Hollywood.”  No matter what happens, Barbie and Bratz will be facing this battle for years to come. Who do you think will win? The recent and fresh Bratz or classic and elegant Barbie?