Oh yes, I think that people don't truly understand that dolls are all about projection and you are the one giving them attributes You are so right! My whole work is based on this premise. I do think companies should work harder on the concept other than just trow a bunch of body types to the market. As I said in my previous comments I fully support the fashionistas and their diversity but I also witnessed kids getting bored with them faster than other dolls. Is not only adults complaining you know? I was talking to kids to do research for my project and they are uninspired by new dolls too.
There is a lack of concept for what I can perceive. Yes, the kids have their own imagination, but the concept behind is gasoline for the imagination, that's why many brand reinforce their concept with a cartoon, book, storyline, or simply a strong identity. It helps a lot to see the dolls as a person.
The kids I talked to (10 year olds) feel like fashionistas even when they are beautiful and unique, are just there as background characters. In the best cases is when it is representing it's owner :D, this is so sweet to watch. But other than that don't seem too exciting.
Of course representation is great, but I also have in mind that kids concept of representation is way more flexible than adults, some of them are not even being realistic when picking. When Aladdin was released all girls wanted to be Jasmine, even the blonde ones, same with the princess and the frog "I'm Tiana!!" Smaller kids was even more blurred types, my friend's daughter is convinced her chocolate-brown doll is looks totally like her (she has pale skin and brown eyes).
I can't repeat this enough, I'm not against Fashionista line or realistic dolls, just that creative unrealistic dolls don't have to be extinguished because of "progress" that is not even being perceived like that by kids. I still hope for toy makers making exciting products for their audience.
I also recognize I'm rating because I'm a butthurt HM fan who misses this brand. XD