A Brief History of Barbie

 
No matter if you’re young or old, male or female, everyone knows Barbie. Barbie was – and still is – a classic doll that many young kids owned and even collected.
 
Barbie was created to prove that women always have choices. Generally speaking, Barbies have always had hundreds of clothing options, hairstyles and an innumerable collection of accessories. This, in turn, was a metaphor for real-life women.
 
Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, used her daughter, Barbara, as her inspiration to create this teenage-looking doll with endless opportunities ahead of her, says BarbieMedia.com. When this fashionable doll was first created in 1959, it was priced at $3, which was 12 times the cost of a gallon of gas at the time. During her introductory years, Barbie was dressed in ‘60s fashion, along with a high ponytail or a beehive hairstyle.
 
As the years marched on, so did Barbie’s appearance. In the ‘70s, Barbie transformed her looks to match the changing styles. More “flower power” and retro colors covered Barbie from head to toe, followed by the Barbies of the 1980s, looking decidedly more like a rock star with her poufy hair. In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, Barbie became more independent in her fashions and “careers,” coinciding as well with 1992’s “Year of the Woman” in which Barbie was available in her first “presidential campaign” edition.
 
In the most recent years, Barbie is looking more and more like current celebrities, from whom she is taking her stylistic cues. She has also been more upscale and modern with her accessories – including upgrading from the Barbie car to her own private jet – as well as items to more appropriately compliment her careers. She also even has an extended family and friends, with dolls now available for her friends, cousins, aunts and uncles.
 
Of course, Barbie has always had her boyfriend, Ken, by her side as well. Although, following a very public breakup in 2004, Barbie and Ken separated until their rekindled romance on Valentine’s Day 2011, according to BarbieMedia.com. Through the years, it’s amazing how Barbie has transformed directly to the changing attitudes, styles and views of the real world around her.
 
Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s Teddy Bears Inc. carries a great selection of antique and vintage Barbie collectable items. We have specialized in the sale of fashion dolls and bears for more than 25 years, catering to collectors of all ages. Take a look at our great selection of Barbies, including both contemporary and vintage items, or stop into our store today!