-
The First Barbie Doll was Released
On her family trip to Europe, Businesswoman Ruth Handler passed by a German novelty doll called Bild Lilli. She liked her style and her grown up look and decided to create a doll for her daughter to play with to imagine her life past motherhood. -
The First Ken Doll was Released
Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, decided that her Barbie doll deserved a partner. So, she created and released Ken, named after her son, in 1961. -
Astronaut Barbie
Miss Astronaut Barbie was released to celebrate exploring new places and to encourage young girls to “reach for the stars”. -
Christie is Released
To show support the Civil Rights Movement, Mattel released Christie. She was the first African-American doll created and released in Mattel’s Barbie collection. -
Living Barbie
This brand new Living Barbie was created with bendable ankles, knees, elbows, and waist. -
Malibu Barbie and Camper
The infamous Malibu Barbie is released along with the first ever camper. -
First Diverse Barbie was Released
Although Mattel released the Christie doll in 1969, the Barbie collection had no doll named Barbie that was released. Christie was simply introduced as Barbie’s friend. -
Day-to-Night Barbie
CEO Barbie broke the glass ceiling. She was able to work the boardroom on her own in her pink suit while still being able to have a girls night out on the town. -
“We Girls Can Do Anything”
These commercials featured a theme song, to really encourage young girls to work hard to achieve their goals (and help sales) -
Holiday Barbie
When Mattel released their “Happy Holidays” Barbie, she became an instant success. So, Mattel followed the next year with another Holiday Barbie, and now, Holiday Barbies are a tradition. -
President Barbie
Barbie runs for President! In her debut, Barbie was in an American themed dress to wear to the inaugural ball and a red suit for her duties at the Oval Office. Helping inspire young girls they can even be President. -
Barbie’s First Runway
In the New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Barbie held her first fashion show to celebrate her 50th anniversary. -
Barbiestyle
With social media taking a huge rise, Mattel created their very own Barbie account and celebrated pop culture moments as if they were Barbie herself. -
Sheroes
To shine light on women that help break the glass wall and expand opportunities for young girls everywhere, Mattel created one-of-a-kind Barbies to help inspire these young girls even more. Creating dolls for Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, and Sydney Keiser. -
New Body types
In 2016, Mattel released three new Barbie body types including petite, curvy, and tall. Trying to reflect women that are seen today