You can’t blame a girl for wanting a perfect life. Barbie has affirmed this belief for over six decades.
In the late 1950s, a toy company from New York City found success with a line of male action figures. Barbie debuted in a completely different form, a whole inch tall, by Ruth Handler.
The perfect kind of doll was, at first, a whim for Handler’s daughter, but it quickly took off and rose in popularity, becoming a fashion icon.
This history of Barbie will help you understand her roots and her rise to fame.
The Beginnings
It all started with Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman who created the Barbie doll in 1959 under her business Mattel Inc. At that time, the doll market was almost exclusively aimed towards young boys. Handler wanted to create something that expressed the aspirations of young girls.
With her meticulous attention to detail, she crafted a doll that was cute, fun, and inspiring. She named the doll after her daughter Barbara. Thus, “Barbie” was born.
At the time, this was the first mass manufacturing of dolls designed to resemble a human girl. This was a brave move by Mattel and the dolls were met with instant success, selling out in many American towns.
Barbie in the 60s and 70s
Barbie in the 60s and 70s was a period of major evolution for the iconic doll. It was a monumental shift in the perception of beauty and femininity.
The original Barbie was quite traditionally feminine and largely sported the typical looks and fashion of the era. Over the years and as the decades changed, so did Barbie, and she evolved to capture the spirit and trends of the times.
1960s Barbie saw Jackie Kennedy’s bouffant influence. 1970s Barbie appeared in glam bell-bottom pants, hippie headbands, and big colorful smiles.
Barbie’s Global Expansion
It was not until 1981 that Barbie had any real global presence. This was when the Barbie Collector’s Club was established in the United Kingdom, establishing Barbie’s presence in the global market. Since then, Barbie has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, leading to expansion into over 150 countries and counting.
Who Is Barbie Today?
Barbie is now more than just a doll. She has evolved into a role model for young girls around the world. She is a symbol of strength, resilience, and success, embodying an iconic and powerful feminine force.
Today, some sixty years after her launch, Barbie is still an inspiring, confident role model for girls everywhere. She has changed in many ways.
She has come from becoming an award-winning scientist to working in a variety of professions. She models different fashion trends and advocates for causes that are important to young girls.
She’s become a symbol of cultural diversity and an advocate for positive body image, bringing about positive change in the world. Barbie is more than a doll. She’s a role model inspiring young girls and women everywhere.
Learning More About the History of Barbie
Barbie has had an engaging journey since her creation in 1959. She has provided both entertainment and inspiration for millions of young people over the years. Barbie’s enduring presence has made her an icon in popular culture.
The history of Barbie has truly been one-of-a-kind! So why not start your Barbie collection today and begin writing your fascinating history?
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