Barbie's midlife crisis?

Barbie is a very successful woman. She's been an astronaut, vet, paediatrician, movie star (Toy Story 2 and 3), brunette, blonde and she's even had her portrait painted by pop art legend Andy Warhol.

Barbie has tried her hand at nearly every job imaginable and in every one championed women's rights and freedom. She made geek chic as a computer engineer, she holds a pilots license and has a menagerie of over 40 pets (including a panda, zebra and lion cub). She's fun, hip, educated, works hard, is conscientious and makes time for her family and friends.

In 2009 Barbie turned 50. She's 53 this year and still looks stunning. She's battled controversy over her body shape and even put on a little weight over the years to promote a healthy figure to her young fans.

If you want a role model as a little girl growing up then Barbie is a pretty safe bet. Or was.

Amidst all the anti size zero modelling campaigns and previous scandal over Barbie's body proportions I was shocked to find what I can only describe as 'Model Freak Barbie' on the shelves of a popular toys store.

Now, take a look at awesome vet Barbie:

and now Fashion Model Barbie:

There is something slightly disturbing about the extreme body proportions of Size Zero Barbie. I'm tempted to buy the two just to get them out the packaging and take some measurements. Skeletal comes to mind.

Young girls have grown up with Barbie as a role model. Paul's Boutique even has a range of accessories and clothing suited for the grown up Barbie fan. Our love of Barbie can stick with us for a life time. So why has Barbie picked now to have a midlife crisis and go size zero?

It's a dangerous game Mattel are playing with this iconic woman's brand.