Barbie

Barbie

Barbie has shaped the lives of many girls, young and old, around the world. She is not only a role model but also a lifelong friend. She has been and will continue to be a great influence on the lives of young girls. "This teenage fashion doll transcended racial boundaries to become the world's most successful toy" (Varaste, 1999, p. 8).

Barbie was invented in February of 1959 by Ruth and Elliot Handler, founders of Mattel Toys. While watching her daughter, Barbara, play dolls with her friends, Ruth Handler discovered that young girls liked to play with adult dolls rather than baby dolls. She believed that creating a teenage doll that girls could play with and dream about the future with would be a great idea. She made her dream a reality and created Barbie. Barbie is named after Ruth's daughter, Barbara, who inspired Barbie's creation.

In 1959, Barbie was unveiled at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Buyers were skeptical of the doll. "Never before had anyone seen a doll so small, yet so sophisticated. As a teenager, Barbie was completely unlike any of the baby or toddler dolls popular at the time" (The Barbie Story, 2002, pp. 1, 2).

The first Barbie wore her hair in a ponytail. She was dressed in a black and white zebra-striped bathing suit, open-toed shoes, sunglasses and earrings. "Her features were harsh, with inverted "V" shaped brows, pursed red lips, and the famous side glancing eyes that lacked color, defined by black lines and a stroke of blue eyeliner over the lids" (Varaste, 2002, p. 21).

Although many purchasers of toys were skeptical, Mattel stood behind its product. This proved to be a wise decision for the company. Barbie set a new sales record for Mattel its first year on the market. A total of 351,000 dolls were sold at three dollars each. Mattel was so swamped with orders that it took years to catch up with demand (Invention of the Barbie Doll, 2002, p. 1).

In the early 1960's Barbie began wearing designer clothing. "The large wardrobe of the Barbie doll is reminiscent of the extensive wardrobes of fashion dolls popular in Europe in the late 19th century" (United States, 2002). Her image began to mirror that of Jackie Kennedy's. Barbie was always trying to portray a positive American image.

Barbie's wardrobe wasn't the only thing that began to change. Barbie's body style underwent changes. She was given a new face sculpture, new hair, and new makeup. Barbie was given a "Twist Ð''N Turn" waist. Her face became more youthful and she received rooted eyelashes (The Barbie Story, 2002, p. 2). Barbie's hair became long and straight and came in many different colors. It was fun for young girls to brush and play with.

After much begging and pleading from Barbie's loyal fans, Mattel created Barbie's boyfriend, Ken. He was named for the Handler's son.

Barbie also was given two more new friends. In 1963, her best friend, Midge, whose face was fuller and freckled, was produced. Midge was less intimidating and sensual than Barbie. Then in 1964, Barbie was given a little sister named Skipper. Skipper answered the request that Barbie have kids (Inventing Barbie, 2002, p. 3).

In the 1970's Barbie became more bendable. She was given bendable wrists, elbows, and ankles. These transformations allowed Barbie to participate in many new activities such as ballet, gymnastics, and horseback riding.

Barbie underwent more changes in the late 1970's. A major face sculpting change was introduced with Superstar Barbie. "This doll featured a wide open-mouthed smile along with bright painted eyes, and looked much friendlier than any of the previous dolls" (The Barbie Story, 2002, p. 4). Barbie wore clothes that reflected the funky trends of the time.

In 1976, Barbie was given a place in "America's Time Capsule" at the nation's bicentennial celebration.

Barbie began to attract adult