Photo of 1960s Barbie dolls © Kathryn E. Darden

Who Is Barbie Millicent Roberts?

Barbie doll, the "Teen-age Fashion Model," made her first appearance at Toy Fair in 1959. As reported in 2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary, the first Barbie dolls, issued as both blond and brunette ponytails, were a little odd looking with their high, arched eyebrows and white eyes, and Barbie was not an immediate success. However, thanks to Mattel's innovative use of television marketing and a few refinements in Barbie's appearance, soon every little girl wanted a Barbie doll, and an estimated 350,000 Barbie dolls were sold that first year (see video of Barbie's first commercial below).

Barbie - a Family Affair

As reported in 2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary, the Mattel Barbie was named after Ruth Handler's daughter, Barbara, and Ken would later be named after Ruth's son Kenneth.

Barbie - the Changing Face of Success

Barbie's appearance and fashions have changed frequently through the years as Barbie moved from vintage to mod to modern. Her hairstyle has changed (see Doll Collecting 101: What is a Bubble Cut Barbie doll?), her head mold has changed, her limbs, torso and color have changed, yet she still remains unmistakably Barbie. Barbie has been produced as a vinyl doll, as a porcelain doll, and more recently as a "Silkstone" doll. Barbie has been made in the likeness of countless celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson to Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley, and reproductions of those very first Barbie dolls crop up every few years, usually around Barbie's anniversaries. (See slideshow below.)

Adult Barbie Doll Collectors

According to Wikipedia, Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors. Ninety percent are women, at an average age of 40, purchasing more than twenty Barbie dolls each year. Forty-five percent of them spend upwards of $1000 a year.

The Barbie Empire

Barbie doll has spawned outfits, her own cars, pets, family members, friends, accessories, books, movies, magazines, annual doll conventions, clubs, perfumes, jewelry, home decorating items, and countless other products for children and grown-ups.

Barbie Celebrates 50th Birthday

In 2009, Barbie doll turned 50, inspiring a host of new collectible 50th anniversary dolls and products. It looks like Barbie has become a permanent fixture not only with little girls, but in American pop culture. Still made by Mattel, Barbie at 50 is still swell!

Barbie's First Commercial

For more info on Barbie & Barbie doll collecting: 

• 2009 marks Barbie Doll's 50th anniversary: collectors celebrate Barbie's 50th birthday
• Barbie doll through the decades - celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary in Nashville
• Christmas Barbie dolls and holiday Barbies, past and present
• Doll Collecting 101: What is a Bubble Cut Barbie Doll? (with video & slideshow)
  
• Elvis Presley: the 'King of Rock 'n Roll' and a real doll (with slideshow of Elvis Presley dolls)
• The Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Barbie doll (with slideshow