In the world of toys, few figures are as instantly recognizable as the Barbie doll. With her signature style, unapologetic confidence, and endless versatility, Barbie has redefined what it means to be a symbol of both girlhood and empowerment. And now, as she turns 65, Mattel is celebrating with a new book, My Barbie Story, that tells the story of Barbie’s journey from a children’s doll to a global cultural phenomenon.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Barbie’s beginnings were humble yet revolutionary. The brainchild of Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, Barbie made her debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959. Handler’s vision was simple but bold: she wanted to give young girls a doll that let them imagine a future that went beyond traditional expectations. Named after Handler’s daughter, Barbara, the Barbie doll was a sharp pivot from the baby dolls of the era, becoming the first doll with an adult figure. And from day one, the Barbie doll pushed boundaries with her style and her messaging, encouraging girls to envision themselves in every role imaginable.
A SYMBOL OF EMPOWERMENT
As the decades rolled by, the Barbie doll continued to evolve, mirroring the social and cultural changes around her. The 1960s saw her as a fashion-forward icon, her wardrobe expanding to include designer collaborations and trendsetting pieces. By the 1980s and 1990s, she was embracing careers and hobbies that spanned everything from astronaut to doctor, proving that Barbie could be anything she wanted and that, perhaps, young girls could too. This commitment to possibility has been the doll’s defining characteristic, allowing her to grow into a symbol of empowerment for kids and adults alike.
HE’S JUST KEN
One of Barbie’s key milestones came in 1961, with the introduction of her boyfriend, Ken, marking her first step into the world of relationships. This new addition to her world helped expand Barbie’s storytelling.
BARBIE BECOMES AMBITIOUS
The 1970s marked a pivotal time for Barbie as she evolved to reflect societal changes. With the rise of the feminist movement, Barbie began to step out of the stereotypical mold and embrace more diverse roles. Barbie’s outfits became more relaxed, reflecting the bohemian style of the era, and she ventured into new career paths, like “Stewardess Barbie” and “Doctor Barbie.” Notably, 1971 saw the introduction of the first African-American and Hispanic Barbies, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and diversity.
In the 1980s, Barbie fully embraced her role as a career woman. This decade saw Barbie in more professional positions, including “Business Executive Barbie”, “Astronaut Barbie,” and even “Barbie as the President.” Barbie continued to break boundaries by inspiring girls to dream big, showing that they could be anything they wanted. Her fashion also grew bolder, with high-fashion collaborations making her the ultimate style icon of the decade.
BARBIE’S FASHION COLLABORATIONS
Barbie’s fashion world expanded significantly over the decades, with her iconic wardrobe influenced by the most famous designers. In the 1980s, she collaborated with designer Bob Mackie to create glamorous, couture-inspired outfits. These collaborations continued in the 2000s, with Barbie working alongside top names like Karl Lagerfeld, Vera Wang, and Balmain. Today, Barbie remains a symbol of high fashion, with collaborations from designers such as Christian Louboutin, Moschino, and Balenciaga, cementing her status as a modern style icon.
STIRRING CONTROVERSIES
Of course, Barbie’s evolution came with its fair share of controversy. Critics have questioned her body proportions and the beauty standards she promotes. However, rather than shying away from these conversations, Mattel has embraced them, expanding Barbie’s image to include dolls with diverse body types, ethnicities, and personal stories.
THE BARBIE MOVIE
The 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, catapulted Barbie into a new cultural era. The film presented a satirical yet heartfelt take on Barbie’s place in modern society, exploring themes of identity, feminism, and self-empowerment. With Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film became a global sensation, blending humor with social commentary while reigniting Barbie’s relevance for a new generation. It also sparked a renewed interest in Barbie’s legacy, making her a pop culture phenomenon once again.
CELEBRATING 65 YEARS
Now, as the Barbie doll celebrates her 65th anniversary with the release of My Barbie Story, one thing is evident: the doll has cemented her place in the cultural fabric for years to come. This commemorative book features 108 heartfelt stories and pictures from an array of inspiring individuals, including actress Helen Mirren, supermodel Claudia Schiffer, astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, Paralympic gold medalist Susana Rodriguez, fashion designers Richard Quinn and Michael Halpern, and so many more. Each of these reflections highlights how Barbie’s legacy has shaped their lives and careers, from the arts to sports, STEM, and beyond.
The book also serves as a way to further Barbie’s mission of empowerment. Through the Barbie Dream Gap Project, all proceeds from the sale of My Barbie Story will go toward supporting UN Women UK, a global initiative dedicated to gender equality and empowering women. As part of the collaboration, the Mattel Children’s Foundation will contribute to this donation, making this an anniversary gift that gives back.
