1959

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s and beyond

The first Barbie was very simple.  She was unlike the doll that many children were accustomed to.  She was a sophisticated figure.  Fashion was her main feature.   Barbie was invented in 1959 by a woman named Ruth Handler.  Ruth believed that part of growing up was experimenting with an adult figure.  The three dimensional Barbie got

her name form Ruth's daughter, Barbara.  Barbie's first appearance is in a traditional black and white swimsuit, which is shown to the left. She had a wardrobe that coordinated with the present time.  The fashions from 1959 are now collector's items.   The Mattel toy company saw Barbie as a profitable investment and bought the product.

Barbie was a new woman in the 1960s.  As always, her style was changing.  In 1965, Barbie began to have bendable legs.  She also had a few new hairstyles.  In 1967, she was given a younger face.  In 1968, the first Talking Barbie was introduced.  Barbie's admired fashion during these times were The Saturday Matinee, Fashion Luncheon, and Studio Tour.

In 1970, Barbie had undergone many more changes, such as a newer smile and blondish colored hair.  She wore the granny dresses and was also into the new wave of disco.   In 1974, Barbie turned sweet sixteen.  For a week, a section of Times Square was renamed "Barbie Boulevard" in honor of her years.  The Barbie doll was featured in Life Magazine as Doll of the Century.  In the 1970s, Barbie's wardrobe also reflected the international Barbie.

In the 1980s, one of the most major changes in Barbie occurred.  The company of Barbie, Mattel, created the first ever black and Hispanic Barbies.  There was first annual Barbie doll convention.  The doll shown is the Pink Jubilee Barbie which was a celebrated doll for its 30th anniversary.

The first porcelain Barbie was introduced along with the introduction of the first Happy Holidays doll.  The casual look such as jeans and the glamorous look such as perfume and elegant dresses were in Barbie's wardrobe, as they were popular during those years.  

The new age of Barbie is very interesting.  Mattel now allows children to create and design their own Barbie by computer.  The doll has a more movable body which allows her to take on such occupations as a bicyclist and gymnast.  In 1992, the first Barbie Store was opened in FAO Schwarz in New York City.  The 35th anniversary doll is a Limited Edition Gold Jubilee Barbie which is shown to the left.  The Barbie to the right is a modern doll with a nose ring.  In 1999, Barbie celebrated her 40th anniversary.