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The Creators of Barbie
The First Barbie Doll was created by Ruth Handler; co-founder and creator of Mattel Toy company along with her husband Elliot Handler, and appeard 'at the annual Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959.' The doll was named after their daughter Barbara who had a facination with dolls and acting out future events as well as fashion. -
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1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, 2010's
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The First Barbie Doll
The first ever Barbie CommercialThe first Barbie Doll 'made a splash at New York Toy Fair sporting her famous ponytail hairstyle, eye-popping black-and-white bathing suit, stylish open-toed shoes, too-cool shades and golden hoop earrings.' You could choose out of two Barbie's, one having blonde hair and the other brown hair. The barbie was not bendable and her eyes looked to the side rather than straight forward. Barbie Dolls sold for $3 each and in the first yeara massive 350,000 dolls were sold. -
Barbie's boyfriend Ken was created
Barbie and Ken's first Commercial The Ken doll was 'first introduced at the American International Toy Fair as Barbie's boyfriend on March 11, 1961.' The Ken doll 'was 12 inches tall, had “molded” plastic hair (blond and brunette) and came dressed in red bathing suit trunks with a yellow towel and sandals.' -
Barbie's eyes change
Malibu Barbie Barbie's eyes were changed to look to the front rather than to the side. Barbie reflected 'the 70s alternative lifestyles, skirts went from mini to maxi and hair had a new flair– long and loose.' Malibu Barbie was created with a shimmering tan, 'straight blonde hair, blue tricot bathing suit with yellow beach towel and pink sunglasses that could have been the genesis of the Beach Boys’ hit song.' -
Barbie turns 16!
In celebration of Barbies 16th birthday 'a portion of New York's Times Square was renamed Barbie Boulevard for one week confirming her wide popularity.' In 1976 Barbie 'underwent her second major facial change, her smile was widened and her hair was sun streaked in color.' -
Barbie International Collection
In 1980 the International Collection of Barbie's were marketed. These Barbies included "Black" Barbie, Hispanic Barbie, Italian Barbie, Parisian Barbie, and Royal U.K. Barbie. -
Barbie has a band!
Commercial In 1981 'MTV sparked a new youth movement and the decade’s fads and fashions were broadcast around the globe.' Barbie represented this fashion and fads with her own band called 'Barbie and The Rockers. They wore bright colours, had big hair and all the accessories you could think of. -
Barbie and the 'Year of Women'
Totally Hair Barbie commercial 1992 In 1992, '24 new women were elected into the House of Representatives and Barbie made her first presidential campaign debut.' In 1992 'Totally Hair Barbie' was created and is the the best-selling Barbie doll to this date. Totally Hair Barbie represented 'the “big hair” craze and loud fashions of the early 90s.' This Barbie featured 'the longest locks ever for Barbie, measuring 10½ inches.' -
Barbie's Website created
Barbie's website was first created in 1996. There are many new games and websites for Barbie today in 2015. -
Barbie got her belly button
In 2000 Barbie was made for the first time with a belly button! She also was made with a new, more athletic physique and a bendable, flexible waist. -
Barbie broke up with Ken!
'In a time of celebrity power couples, makeups and breakups, Barbie created a bigger worldwide scandal when she broke up with long-time boyfriend, Ken, than when mega-celebs Britney & Justin and Ben & J.Lo cut ties a few weeks earlier.' -
Barbie turns 50!
Barbie turns 50 Here you can watch all the celebrations of Barbies birthday!
Temporary tatto Barbie also came out in this year and caused a lot of controversy as it is a children's doll. -
Customers choose Barbie's next Career
In 2010, girls from all over the world were given the option to vote for Barbie's next career. They had the choice out of 'Architect, Computer Engineer, Environmentalist, News Anchor or Surgeon.' Over half a million people around the world voted and it just so happened that Barbie's 125th and 126th careers would be News Anchor and Computer Engineer! -
Barbie and Ken back together!
In 2011 on Valentines day it was announced that Barbie and Ken were getting back together! -
Barbie Cafe in Taiwan opens and Barbie moves house
Barbie Cafe Taiwan 'After 41 years of living in Malibu, Barbie announced to the world on February 7th that she’s selling her Malibu Dreamhouse and will be moving!' Barbie is currently traveling the world looking for her new home! Also in 2013 the first ever Barbie inspired resturant opened! Located in Taiwan it is now a tourist spot for all the Barbie lovers out there!
