Mattel teams up with Harris Reed to debut first-ever gender-fluid doll

In a bold move towards fostering inclusivity and self-expression, Harris Reed, a celebrated fashion designer and gender-fluid activist, has teamed up with Mattel to unveil The Witch Weaver — the first-ever gender-fluid doll in the Monster High series. 

This collaboration transcends mere toy design, signaling a powerful cultural statement about identity, representation, and the transformative potential of creativity.

Growing up, Reed often felt unseen in the world of toys. Their options at Toys “R” Us were limited to G.I. Joe or Barbie — neither of which reflected their evolving sense of self. 

However, the Monster High dolls stood apart, their campy, otherworldly aesthetics offering a rare space for self-recognition.

Reed recalls how these dolls inspired hope and curiosity during their formative years. 

“The combination of otherworldly identities made me feel seen,” Reed shared. With The Witch Weaver, they aim to provide the same sense of belonging to a new generation of children navigating their own identity journeys.

The Witch Weaver embodies transformation in every sense of the word. Donning fiery red hair, fangs, spiderweb tattoos, flared jeans, and ornate accessories, the doll merges gothic flair with Reed’s signature avant-garde design sensibilities. The doll’s aesthetic celebrates the fluidity of identity, mirroring Reed’s own journey as a gender-fluid individual.

Reed explained, “This doll isn’t just about style — it’s about showing kids they can be anything they want, weaving through their identities as they grow.”

For Mattel, The Witch Weaver marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity within its toy lines. 

While the Monster High series has long championed individuality and bold self-expression, this collaboration elevates the brand’s commitment to inclusivity. Reed's personal connection to the project — spanning over two and a half years — infuses the doll with authenticity and purpose.

The collaboration also resonates with a larger societal need: toys that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. By normalizing diverse gender identities in a medium as universal as children’s toys, The Witch Weaver challenges outdated norms and sparks meaningful conversations about self-discovery and acceptance.

At its core, The Witch Weaver is more than just a doll — it’s a symbol of hope, creativity, and limitless possibilities. Reed’s collaboration with Mattel encourages young people to embrace their uniqueness, dismantle societal expectations, and dream big.

“With everything going on in the world right now, it’s so important that the next generation knows they can do anything they want — and more importantly, be anything they want,” Reed emphasized.

Available to the public starting November 22, 2024, The Witch Weaver stands as a beacon of progress in the toy industry. 

Through this collaboration, Harris Reed and Mattel are not only rewriting the narrative of childhood play but also empowering young people to explore, express, and celebrate their truest selves.