Since 1959, Barbie Dolls have been working their way into the hearts of little girls all over the world. Ruth Handler, wife of Mattel Toy Company co founder Elliott, is credited with the idea of the Barbie Doll. She saw a similar doll on a trip to Germany and suggested to Elliott that such a doll might be popular with little girls.
The First Model Barbie Doll
The first Barbie came wearing a black and white zebra striped one piece swim suit. She was available as either a Blonde or a Brunette. 350.000 Barbies were sold the first year at $3 each.
Barbie has had many costumes over the years. Barbie fans enjoy trading and trying different combinations of outfits.
Barbies are not without controversy. Ms. Handler's vision for Barbie was that of a young adult woman. A strong, successful individual young girls would want to emulate. Early on, parents groups expressed concern about Barbies' figure. Some believed that the dolls were too racy.
Mattel even developed a puberty Barbie in the 1970s. When you raised the doll's arm, her chest size would increase. It was a wonder of engineering, but it made some people mad.
Barbies are often given to celebrate special occasions like Bride Barbie or Graduation Barbie (see photo above)
Barbies are manufactured to about 1/6 scale, also known as "play scale". The dolls are 11 1/2 inches tall. An original Barbie from 1959 can be quite valuable. The date is shown on the doll's buttocks. (Be sure to ask Barbies' permission before you invade her privacy.)
Barbie has an on again, off again relationship with her long time boyfriend Ken. Right now, I think they are off again (who can keep up?) She also has a sister named Skipper. Her cousins include Todd, Stacie, Kelley, Chrissy & Stacie. Her friends include Teresa, Midge and Christie. Barbie also became very friendly with Blaine, an Australian surfer after a break up with Ken.
She has a pilot's license. She can fly commercial jets while also serving as a flight attendant in the same plane. She has a pink Corvette, a Jeep, a trailer She was an astronaut, a Nascar driver and a doctor (at different times.)
It is estimated that there are over 100,000 Barbie collectors worldwide. And they are not all women. Men enjoy collecting the dolls as well. Over a billion Barbies have been sold in over 150 countries. Mattel estimates 3 Barbies are sold every second. It looks like Barbie will be with us for a long time.
