Barbie

Ruth Handler noticed her daughter Barbara imagining a paper doll in grown-up roles. She soon realised that all the dolls that were available in the market were baby dolls and she felt a need to introduce a doll that could represent all small girls dreams when they grew-up. During her trip with her children Barbara and Kenneth to Germany, she discovered a doll called Bild Lilli with adult figure. Handler re-designed the doll and named it Barbie, after her daughter. Barbie made her first appearance in American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959, which is also considered as the doll’s official birthday.

The first Barbie doll released wore a zebra striped black and white swimsuit with high topknot pony tail and was available both in blonde and brunette versions. The doll went on to become a fashion-icon for teenage girls. Today, Barbie dolls follow both fashion and fairy tales. From Disco Barbie to Cinderella Barbie, these are available in stores across the globe. Barbie was the first doll to be marketed and advertised on television. Soon, Barbie dolls were accompanied by accessories such as shoes, clothes, eyewear, mirror, fashion jewellery, etc. The craze for Barbie eventually extended so much so, that there were Barbie doll merchandises sold all over the world. Even the media giants recognised the popularity of Barbie and there were video albums, animated films, comic books, etc. On her 25th birthday, a Barbie & Ken Day was declared by New York.

Barbie also has over forty pets including cats, dogs, horses, panda, lion cub and zebra. She has convertible cars, trailers, jeeps and many more vehicles. She holds pilot’s licence and operates commercial flights. She has been designed in various professions including veterinarian, astronaut, diplomat, etc.