through the years

1959

Barbie Makes Her Debut

In 1959, the Barbie doll made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. The 11-inch doll was the brainchild of Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc. Handler was inspired to create Barbie after seeing her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls. She wanted to create a doll that would allow girls to imagine themselves in different roles and careers.

Young Ruth Handler with Barbies

Ruth Handler: The Woman Who Gave Girls Barbie

Ruth Handler was an American businesswoman who co-founded Mattel, Inc. and created the iconic Barbie doll. She was inspired to create Barbie after seeing her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls. She wanted to create a doll that would allow girls to imagine themselves in different roles and careers.
Barbie was an immediate success, and she has become one of the most popular toys in the world. She has been featured in over 100 films and television shows, and she has inspired a generation of girls to dream big.
Ruth Handler's legacy is still felt today. Barbie is a symbol of female empowerment and possibility, and she continues to inspire girls of all ages.

1965

Barbie's first career doll is introduced

In 1965, Mattel released Astronaut Barbie, the first career doll in the Barbie line. The doll was a groundbreaking moment for Barbie, as it showed girls that they could be anything they wanted to be, even an astronaut.

Barbie Astronaut Barbie Astronaut Barbie Astronaut

Ken is introduced

Kens

In 1965, Barbie's first boyfriend, Ken Carson, was introduced. Ken was named after Ruth Handler's son, Kenneth. Ken was an instant success. Ken has been a loyal boyfriend to Barbie for over 50 years. He has been there for her through thick and thin, and he has always supported her dreams. Ken is a true friend and confidante, and he is a beloved character in the Barbie universe.

Ken - carefree and irresponsible guy?

Ken has held nearly forty jobs in his sixty-two years, including astronaut, hamburger chef, and country western singer. But his most common occupation? Twelve Kens have held the not-so-flattering job title of "beach bum."
Perhaps that's why he's never had a Dream House of his own. But he did finally get his own car in 2012: a red Mini Cooper with a set of vanity "Ken" license plates.
Some people might say that Ken is a lazy bum who just wants to laze around on the beach all day. But others might say that he's simply a free spirit who enjoys living in the moment. After all, he's not hurting anyone, and he seems to be pretty happy with his life

1967

Barbie's First African-American Friend

In 1967, Christie was introduced. She was created in response to demands from civil rights groups and African-American parents who wanted their children to have dolls that looked like them. Christie's introduction was a major milestone for the Barbie brand. It showed that Mattel was committed to diversity and inclusion, and it helped to make Barbie more appealing to a wider audience. Christie was a symbol of hope and change, and she helped to pave the way for a more inclusive society.

Black Barbie

1992

The first Barbie film

First Barbie Movie

The Barbie film franchise has been around for over 30 years and has produced over 40 films. The first film, Barbie and the Three Musketeers, was released in 1992. Since then, there have been many other popular films, such as Barbie as Rapunzel and Barbie in a Mermaid Tale. The films have been praised for their animation, humor, and positive messages about female empowerment.

the Barbie film franchise is a diverse and ever-growing collection of films that have entertained and inspired girls of all ages for over 30 years. The films feature Barbie in a variety of roles, from princess to astronaut to detective, and they teach girls important lessons about friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.

2023

Barbie The Movie

Barbie is a 2023 American fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows the pair on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis.

Barbie in the Barbie the Movie

Margot Robbie Brings Barbie to Life

Margot Robbie was cast as Barbie in the upcoming live-action film based on the popular Mattel doll franchise. Robbie has said that she is excited to play Barbie because she sees the character as a "multidimensional icon" who can be anything she wants to be. She also wants to challenge traditional gender stereotypes with her portrayal of Barbie and show that the character is more than just a pretty face.In the film, Barbie is said to leave her perfect life in Barbieland to embark on an adventure in the real world. She will meet new people, have new experiences, and learn to embrace her own imperfections. The film is directed by Greta Gerwig, who is known for her feminist films such as Lady Bird and Little Women.

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