As a little girl I had my collection of Barbie dolls, her closet full of clothes, and her awesome pink car. Barbie had everything a little kid could think of… a dream house, a motor home, beauty salon, a mini mart, horse stables, etc. I only recently found out that Barbie has a real name, parents, and a story. It made me wonder, after all these years what else didn’t I know about my friend Barbie?
HER STORY
In 1959 George and Margaret Roberts gave birth the Barbara Mllicent Roberts who was later nick named Barbie. They were from a fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin and Barbie went to Willow High School. Barbie has five sister and a brother Skipper (1964), Twins Totti & Todd (1965), Stacie (1992), Kelly (1995) and Krissy (1995). Altlhough through the years Barbie had many pets, her first pet was a horse named Dancer. Barbie’s fell in love with Ken Carson who was born in 1961. Barbie and Ken split in February of 2004, but the couple decided to reunite in February 2006.
HER HISTORY
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler and her husband Elliot Handler co-founder of Mattel Toys. Ruth named her after her daughter Barbara Handler. Barbie’s middle and last names were added later after sales skyrocketed and the doll’s history was questions. Ken was named after Ruth and Elliot’s son.
Barbie was first introduced at a New York Toy Fair in 1959. The first ever Barbie had a blond ponytail, eye-popping black and white bathing suit, stylish open toed shoes, dark eye makeup, and golden hoop earings. During this time a gallon of gas was 25 cents, the average annual wage was $5,000 and the first Barbie sold for $3.00. In the first year over 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Over the years Barbie has changed with the times. Her fashion, occupations, and ethnicity has been very obvious over the years but even her face and body has changed.
The original Barbie had high arch eyebrows and eyes that looked to the side. The doll wore a swim suit and came as a blonde or brunette.
Throughout the 60’s Barbie’s eye makeup became softer and she had less of an eyebrow arch. She had many different hairstyles from a bouffant bubble cut, to a bob. In 1967 Barbie became a little mobile and was given a new Twist ‘N Turn body.
In the 70’s Barbie’s received a new face sculpt including the addition of forward facing eyes and an open smile with pearly white teeth. Her hair became more long and loose and she was given a suntan.
In the 80’s the first African-American and Hispanic Barbie’s were introduced. Instead of changing her face, the biggest change with Barbie was her bold and excessive wardrobe. With shoulder pads, scrunchies, big belts and leggings with many neon colors.
In the 90’s it was all about the hair, teased bangs and perms. Totally Hair Barbie was the best-selling Barbie doll to date.
In 2000 Barbie got another new body makeover featuring a more athletic physique, and her first belly button. She toned down the glam with a more natural looking makeup and now has two-toned blonde hair.
FUN FACTS
Barbie has had over 43 pets including 21 dogs, 12 horses, 3 ponies, 6 cats, a parrot, a chimpanzee, a panda, a lion cub, a giraffe, and a zebra.
Barbie has over 1 billion paris of shoes.
Each year Barbie receives over a hundred new additions to her wardrobe.
Barbie’s first job was a fashion designer, she has since had over 100 different careers.
Barbie has modeled many wedding dresses but has never been married, she has also never been pregnant.
Barbie’s BFF since 1963 is Midge. Barbie was the made of honor in Midge’s wedding to Alan in 1991
COUNT ON CROSS 