Figurine Blog

The Barbie Doll – Still Standing the Test of Time

September 4th, 2006

Co-Founder of Mattel Toy Company Ruth Handler probably had no idea that the doll she designed in 1959, which she named “Barbie”, would still be so popular almost fifty years later. The Barbie doll has been around so long that its first original models are now highly coveted collectibles that can bring in some very high prices.

One of the reasons for the Barbie doll’s success, right from the beginning and up until today, is her ability to change with the times. When Barbie first came out she was original in the fact that she was not a baby doll, but a doll that represented a young woman. Young girls could play with this doll and pretend that they were “grown up”, and through Barbie could imagine themselves in different grown up roles and situations. Playing with a Barbie doll was a great way for little girls to dream about what they would like to be like when they were older – and it still is.

Although today’s Barbie looks slightly different from the first Barbie, she still has the same basic design. What have really changed over the years are the Barbie clothes and Barbie accessories. Barbie has always reflected the times, and her clothes and accessories over the years have shown that. The first Barbies wore mostly dresses, and sometimes tasteful bathing suits, and their accessories included mostly purses, hats, and jewelry. The Ken doll came along to be Barbie’s boyfriend, and then her wardrobe also consisted of prom dresses and wedding gowns. During the late 60′s, Barbie started sporting a wardrobe that was a little more “groovy”, and eventually she started driving her own car and even living in her own apartment. Throughout the years, Barbie has become more “independent”, and has had several types of jobs and the accessories to go with them.

Today’s Barbie is hip, fashionable, fits well into the fast pace of society, and little girls still love her. With modern technology being what it is, Barbie has now branched out into video and the Internet. The website www.barbie.com has several interactive games for children to play, and children can also buy videos where they can watch a cartoon Barbie have all sorts of adventures. The actual Barbie doll, however, is still what is most popular with young girls. Through her they are still role-playing; testing out different roles that they might want to try out when they grow up.
About the Author

John Gibb is the owner of doll guides resources , For more information on doll guides check out http://www.doll-guides1k.info

 

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