Barbie: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 03:54, 24 August 2025

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{{Short description|Fashion doll brand by Mattel}}

{{alternateuses}}

{{About|the fashion doll and brand|other uses|Barbie (disambiguation)}}

[[Image:Baybarbie.jpg|thumb|300px|Collector Edition Barbie® dolls in a display case. Left to right: Romantic Interlude™ Barbie® (black version), Sheer Illusion™ Barbie® designed by [[Nolan Miller]], Barbie® as [[Scarlett O'Hara]] from ''[[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone with the Wind]]'', and [[Vera Wang]] Awards Night Barbie®.]]

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{{Use American English|date=March 2012}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2012}}

{{Infobox toy

|name=Barbie

|image=Barbie Logo.svg

|caption=The current Barbie logo

|type=[[Fashion doll]]

|inventor=[[Ruth Handler]]

|company=[[Mattel]]

|country=[[United States]]

|from=March 9, 1959

|to=present

|materials=Plastic

|website=https://shop.mattel.com/pages/barbie

}}

'''Barbie''' is a [[fashion doll]] created by American businesswoman [[Ruth Handler]], manufactured by American toy and entertainment company [[Mattel]] and introduced on March 9, 1959. The toy was based on the German [[Bild Lilli doll|Bild Lilli]] doll which Handler had purchased while in Europe. The figurehead of an eponymous brand that includes a range of fashion dolls and accessories, Barbie has been an important part of the toy [[fashion]] doll market for over six decades. Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls, making it the company's largest and most profitable line.<ref name="wsj.com" /> The brand has expanded into [[Barbie (media franchise)|a multimedia franchise]] since 1984, including video games, [[List of Barbie films|animated films]], television/web series, and a [[Barbie (film)|live-action film]].

Barbie and her male counterpart, [[Ken (doll)|Ken]], have been described as the two most popular dolls in the world.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Norton|first1=Kevin I.|last2=Olds|first2=Timothy S.|last3=Olive|first3=Scott|last4=Dank|first4=Stephen|date=1996-02-01|title=Ken and Barbie at life size|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01544300|journal=Sex Roles|language=en|volume=34|issue=3|pages=287–294|doi=10.1007/BF01544300|s2cid=143568530|issn=1573-2762|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Mattel generates a large portion of Barbie's revenue through related [[merchandising|merchandise]]{{snd}}accessories, clothes, friends, and relatives of Barbie. Writing for ''Journal of Popular Culture'' in 1977, Don Richard Cox noted that Barbie has a significant impact on social values by conveying characteristics of female independence, and with her multitude of accessories, an idealized upscale lifestyle that can be shared with affluent friends.<ref>Don Richard Cox, "Barbie and her playmates." ''Journal of Popular Culture'' 11.2 (1977): 303–307.</ref>

'''Barbie&reg;''', the world's best-selling [[doll]], debuted at the [[American International Toy Fair]] on [[March 9]], [[1959]]. The doll is produced by [[Mattel]], inc.

==History==

The highest-selling Barbie doll in Mattel's history, [[Totally Hair Barbie]], was released in [[1992]]. Totally Hair Barbie featured extra-long hair, which reached from her head down to her toes.

== =Development ===

[[Ruth Handler]], "creator" of the Barbie doll, claimed that the inspiration came from her daughter, Barbara. At the time, most three-dimensional dolls were made to look like babies or small children, but Handler had noticed that Barbara preferred playing with paper dolls that looked like adults. Realizing that there was a hole in the marketplace, Handler suggested the idea of a three-dimensional adult-bodied doll to her husband, Elliot Handler, a co-founder of the [[Mattel]] toy company, but the idea was scoffed at. Mattel's directors told her that it would be impossible to create such a doll.

[[File:Ruth Handler in 1961.jpg|thumb|Barbie creator [[Ruth Handler]] with an assortment of Barbie and Mattel products (1961)]]

However, during a trip to [[Europe]] with her daughter, Handler noticed a [[Germany|German]] doll named ''Lilli'' in a shop window. The adult-figured Lilli doll was exactly what Handler had had in mind, so she purchased three of them. She gave one to her daughter and took the other back to Mattel.

[[Ruth Handler]] watched her daughter Barbara play with paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles. At the time, most children's toy dolls were representations of infants. Realizing that there could be a gap in the market, Handler suggested the idea of an adult-bodied doll to her husband [[Elliot Handler|Elliot]], a co-founder of the [[Mattel]] toy company. He was unenthusiastic about the idea, as were Mattel's directors.<ref>Mary G. Lord, ''Forever Barbie: The unauthorized biography of a real doll'' ([[Bloomsbury Publishing]] USA, 2004).</ref>

During a trip to Switzerland in 1956 with her children Barbara and [[Kenneth Handler|Kenneth]], Ruth Handler came across a German toy doll called [[Bild Lilli doll|Bild Lilli]].<ref name="WP-20230525">{{cite news |last=Javaid |first=Maham |title=Barbie's 'pornographic' origin story, as told by historians - A new trailer for the Barbie movie shows her visiting the real world. In reality, the doll was based on a German sex toy called Lilli. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/25/barbie-trailer-creator-pornographic-origin-doll/ |date=May 25, 2023 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230526144415/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/25/barbie-trailer-creator-pornographic-origin-doll/ |archivedate=May 26, 2023 |accessdate=May 26, 2023 }}</ref>{{efn|In an interview with Mary G. Lord, the author of ''Forever Barbie'', Ruth Handler said that she saw the doll in [[Lucerne]], Switzerland. However, the book points out that on other occasions Handler said that she saw the doll in [[Zürich]] or [[Vienna]].}} The adult-figured doll was exactly what Handler had in mind, so she purchased three of them. She gave one to her daughter and took the others back to Mattel. The Lilli doll was based on a popular character appearing in a satirical [[comic strip]] drawn by Reinhard Beuthin for the newspaper ''[[Bild]]''.<ref name="Lilli">{{cite news |title=Sassy with a sidelong glance: Meet Lilli, Barbie's German inspiration |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/sassy-with-a-sidelong-glance-meet-lilli-barbie-s-german-inspiration-20230719-p5dpo0.html |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> The Lilli doll was first sold in [[West Germany]] in 1955, and although it was initially sold to adults, it became popular with children who enjoyed dressing her up in outfits that were available separately.<ref name="Lilli"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Lilli, the High-end German Call Girl Who Became America's Iconic Barbie Doll|url=http://www.messynessychic.com/2016/01/29/meet-lilli-the-high-end-german-call-girl-who-became-americas-iconic-barbie-doll/|website=Messy Nessy|access-date=10 February 2018|date=January 29, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826213647/https://www.messynessychic.com/2016/01/29/meet-lilli-the-high-end-german-call-girl-who-became-americas-iconic-barbie-doll/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Lilli doll was based on a popular character appearing in a [[comic strip]] drawn by [[Reinhard Beuthin]] for ''die [[Bild-Zeitung]]''. Lilli was a fashionable "society girl" who knew what she wanted and wasn't above using men to get it. The Lilli doll was first sold in Germany in [[1955]]. Although the doll was initially marketed to adult men in bars and tobacco shops, it eventually became popular with children, who enjoyed dressing her up in outfits that were available separately. The doll was so popular, she was even exported to other countries, including the United States.

Upon her return to the United States, Handler redesigned the doll (with help from local inventor-designer [[Jack Ryan (designer)|Jack Ryan]]) and the doll was given a new name, ''Barbie'', after her daughter Barbara (born May 21, 1941).<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 26, 2023 |title=Barbie Is Named For This Real Person...Who Is Still Alive Today |url=https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a44599769/barbara-handler-barbie/ |access-date=May 29, 2025 |magazine=[[Women's Health (magazine)|Women's Health]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 29, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529222139/https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a44599769/barbara-handler-barbie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Barbara Handler "hated being known as the inspiration for the Barbie doll."<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=All About Ruth Handler's Daughter and Son, Who Barbie and Ken Were Named After |url=https://people.com/all-about-ruth-handler-children-barbara-kenneth-7562635 |access-date=May 29, 2025 |first=Kelsie |last=Gibson |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722164334/https://people.com/all-about-ruth-handler-children-barbara-kenneth-7562635 |url-status=live }}</ref> The doll made its debut at the [[American International Toy Fair]] in [[New York City]] on March 9, 1959.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://jwa.org/thisweek/mar/09/1959/ruth-mosko-handler | title=Ruth Mosko Handler unveils Barbie Doll | publisher=[[Jewish Women's Archive]] | access-date=8 March 2014 | archive-date=June 9, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609161316/http://jwa.org/thisweek/mar/09/1959/ruth-mosko-handler | url-status=live }}</ref> This date is also used as Barbie's official birthday.

At some point, [[Mattel]] acquired the rights to the Lilli doll. A new sculpt was designed (with help from engineer [[Jack Ryan (designer)|Jack Ryan]]), the concept was revamped, and the doll was given a new name: ''Barbie'', after Handler's daughter, Barbara. The doll made its debut at the New York International American Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. (This date is also used as Barbie's official "birthday".)

===Launch===

The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white "zebra-striped" swimsuit and signature topknot [[ponytail]] with tightly-curled bangs. The dolls were available either as blonds or brunettes. In succeeding years, Barbie dolls were made available with other hair styles and colors. The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model", so many fashions were available for her as well. Barbie's wardrobe was designed by esteemed Mattel fashion designer [[Charlotte Johnson]], whose inspiration came from the fashion runways of [[Paris]].

[[File:MattelBarbieno1br.jpg|thumb|upright|The first Barbie doll was introduced in [[Blonde versus brunette rivalry|both blonde and brunette]] on March 9, 1959.]]

Ruth Handler stated that she felt it was "important to a little girl's self-esteem to play with a doll that [had] breasts", believing it would allow them role-play and imagine their future lives as adult women. However, Barbie's exaggerated proportions have always been a point of contention for her detractors. Mattel asserts that Barbie's exaggerated proportions are necessary to allow clothes to fit properly on such a small scale, but many have suggested that Barbie's unrealistic proportions may contribute to self-esteem and body image problems in young girls. Mattel has adjusted Barbie's proportions in recent years as an answer to current fashion trends, but the present Barbie doll body is still uncharacteristic of most women.

The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white [[zebra]] striped swimsuit and signature topknot [[ponytail]], and was available as either a [[blonde]] or [[brunette]]. The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model", with her clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Barbie|url=https://www.firstversions.com/2014/12/barbie.html|access-date=2021-06-02|website=FirstVersions.com|archive-date=July 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718062231/https://www.firstversions.com/2014/12/barbie.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Analysts expected the doll to perform poorly due to her adult appearance and widespread assumptions about consumer preferences at the time. Ruth Handler believed it was important for Barbie to have an adult appearance, but early [[market research]] showed that some parents were unhappy about the doll's chest, which had distinct breasts.<ref name="oust">{{Cite web|title=Mattel, Inc. History|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/mattel-inc-history/|work=International Directory of Company Histories. Vol.61.|publisher=St. James Press (2000)|access-date=May 7, 2014|archive-date=June 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602044245/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/mattel-inc-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Barbie doll is a $1.9 billion dollar a year industry. Mattel has claimed that approximately three Barbie dolls are sold every second.

Barbie sold about 350,000 units in her first year, beating market expectations and generating [[upside risk]] for investors. Sales of Barbie [[Deadweight loss|exceeded]] Mattel's ability to produce her for the first three years of her run. The market stabilized for the next decade while volume and margin increased by exporting [[Refurbishment (electronics)|refurbished]] dolls to [[Japan]]. Barbie was manufactured in Japan during this time, with her clothes hand-stitched by Japanese homeworkers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dean |first1=Grace |title=Barbie is the star of the summer's hottest blockbuster. The much-hyped movie is the pinnacle of a 60-year history filled with rejections, lawsuits, and controversies for the world's most iconic doll. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-history-mattel-ruth-handler-ken-doll-toy-fashion-movie |website=Business Insider |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019072010/https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-history-mattel-ruth-handler-ken-doll-toy-fashion-movie |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Biography of Barbara Millicent Roberts ==

Barbie's fictional biography has developed as her sales continued. She has been given the fuller name '''Barbara Millicent Roberts''', and a family and friends have been manufactured for her, starting with her beau [[Ken (toy doll)|Ken]]. Additions to the family tree include [[Skipper Roberts|Skipper]] (debut [[1964]]), twins [[Tutti Roberts|Tutti]] and [[Todd Roberts|Todd]] (1966), [[Stacie Roberts|Stacie]] ([[1992]]), [[Kelly Roberts|Kelly]] ([[1995]]), and baby [[Krissy Roberts|Krissy]] ([[1999]]). Barbie has dated Ken since [[1961]], and after a long estrangement was reunited with her best friend [[Midge (toy doll)|Midge]] in the early nineties. Other longstanding friends in Barbie's ethnically diverse social circle include [[Hispanic]] Teresa, [[African-American]] Christie and Steven (Christie's boyfriend), and the ethnically-ambiguous Kayla.

[[Louis Marx and Company]] sued Mattel in March 1961. After licensing Lilli, they claimed that Mattel had "infringed on Greiner & Hausser's patent for Bild-Lilli's hip joint", and also claimed that Barbie was "a direct take-off and copy" of Bild-Lilli. The company additionally claimed that Mattel "falsely and misleadingly represented itself as having originated the design". Mattel counter-claimed and the case was settled out of court in 1963. In 1964, Mattel bought Greiner & Hausser's copyright and patent rights for the Bild-Lilli doll for $21,600, {{Inflation|index=US|value=21000|start_year=1964|r=-3|fmt=eq}}.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Toy monster: the big, bad world of Mattel|last = Oppenheimer|first = Jerry|publisher = Wiley|year = 2009|isbn = 978-0071402118|___location = Hoboken, N.J.|pages = 33–34}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-23-fi-barbie23-story.html| title=Mattel Wins Ruling in Barbie Dispute | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>

* [[List of Barbie's friends and family]]

[[File:Charlotte Johnson with 1965 Barbie doll.jpg|thumb|Clothing designer Charlotte Johnson with a 1965 doll]]

Barbie has been said to attend Willows High School in Willows, [[Wisconsin]] and Manhattan International High School in [[New York City]] (based on the real-life [[Stuyvesant High School]]).

Barbie's appearance has been changed many times, most notably in 1971 when the doll's eyes were adjusted to look forwards rather than having the demure sideways glance of the original model. This would be the last adjustment Ruth would make to her own creation as, three years later, she and her husband Elliot were removed from their posts at Mattel after an investigation found them guilty of issuing false and misleading financial reports.<ref name="oust" />

Barbie was one of the first toys to have a marketing strategy based extensively on television advertising, which has been copied widely by other toys. In 2006, it was estimated that over a billion Barbie dolls had been sold worldwide in over 150 countries, with Mattel claiming that three Barbie dolls are sold every second.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5370398.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | title=Vintage Barbie struts her stuff | date=September 22, 2006 | access-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-date=December 13, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213233954/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5370398.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Barbie has thirty-eight recorded pets, including cats and dogs, horses, a panda, a lion cub, and a zebra. Barbie has used her [[driver's license]] to the fullest, with pink convertibles, trailers and more. She also has a [[pilot's license]], and operates commercial airliners, when not serving as a [[stewardess]].

Sales of Barbie dolls declined sharply from 2014 to 2016.<ref name="wsj.com">{{Cite web|last=Ziobro|first=Paul|date=28 January 2016|title=Mattel to Add Curvy, Petite, Tall Barbies: Sales of the doll have fallen at double-digit rate for past eight quarters|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/mattel-to-add-curvy-petite-tall-barbies-1453991134|website=[[Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=June 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601092123/https://www.wsj.com/articles/mattel-to-add-curvy-petite-tall-barbies-1453991134|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[MarketWatch]], the release of the 2023 film [[Barbie (film)|''Barbie'']] is expected to create "significant growth" for the brand until at least 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 "Barbie Doll Market" Regional Sales and Future Trends Analysis |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/2023-barbie-doll-market-regional-sales-and-future-trends-analysis-2023-04-25 |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=MarketWatch |language=EN-US |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719074132/https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/2023-barbie-doll-market-regional-sales-and-future-trends-analysis-2023-04-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{anchor|Barbiecore}}As well as reinvigorated sales, the release of the film triggered a fashion trend known as "Barbiecore"<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2023-06-27 |title=The Long, Complicated, and Very Pink History of Barbiecore |url=https://time.com/6290606/barbiecore-trend-history/ |access-date=2023-07-19 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925132613/https://time.com/6290606/barbiecore-trend-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a film-related cultural phenomenon named [[Barbenheimer]].

[[Image:Ken Doll c1960.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ken Carson]] c.[[1960]] ]]

==Appearances in media==

=== Barbie and Ken's break-up ===

{{Further|Barbie (media franchise)|List of Barbie films|List of Barbie video games|Barbie (film)}}

On [[February 12]], [[2004]], just days before [[Valentine's Day|Valentine's]], Mattel spokespeople announced the split of Barbie and Ken after 43 years of dating, saying in their press release that they "have decided to spend some time apart."

[[File:Margot_Robbie_(53012385004).jpg|thumb|[[Margot Robbie]] at the 2023 ''[[Barbie (film)|Barbie]]'' premiere in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]]]]

Since 1984, in response to a rise of [[digital media|digital]] and [[interactive media]] and a gradual decline in toys and doll sales at that time, Barbie has been featured in an eponymous [[media franchise]] beginning with the release of two eponymous video games, [[barbie (1984 video game)|one that year]] and [[barbie (1991 video game)|another in 1991]] and two [[broadcast syndication|syndicated]] [[television special]]s released in 1987; ''[[Barbie and the Rockers: Out of This World]]'' and [[Barbie and the Sensations: Rockin' Back to Earth|its sequel]]. She then began to appear as a [[virtual actor|virtual actress]] in [[list of Barbie films|a series]] of [[direct-to-video]] animated feature films with ''[[Barbie in the Nutcracker]]'' in 2001,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Barbie Animated Film Series|url=http://www.imdb.com/list/ls063299924/|access-date=19 May 2021|website=[[IMDb]]|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025151317/https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063299924/|url-status=live}}</ref> which were also broadcast on [[Nickelodeon]] in the United States as promotional specials until 2017.<ref name="Detroit Free Press">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2015 |title=Barbie shows signs of life as Mattel plots comeback |url=https://www.freep.com/story/life/2015/04/18/barbie-makeover-comeback-mattel/25981851/ |access-date=15 January 2017 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022154344/https://www.freep.com/story/life/2015/04/18/barbie-makeover-comeback-mattel/25981851/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2017, the film series were revamped as [[streaming television]] films, branded as animated "specials" and released through [[streaming media]] services, primarily on [[Netflix]].<ref name="BPopC">{{Cite web |title=Barbie in pop culture |url=http://www.barbiemedia.com/pop-culture/entertainment.html |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=Barbie Media |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712130826/http://www.barbiemedia.com/pop-culture/entertainment.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Laurie |first=Virginia |date=22 January 2022 |title=The Legacy of the Barbie Cinematic Universe |url=https://studybreaks.com/tvfilm/barbie-cinematic-universe/ |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=Study Breaks |language=en-us |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608111500/https://studybreaks.com/tvfilm/barbie-cinematic-universe/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |date=1 August 2020 |title=Barbie® Makes Music in Mattel Television's New Animated Movie|work=[[Mattel Television]] |publisher=[[Mattel]] |url=https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-makes-music-in-mattel-television-s-new-animated-movie|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907050140/https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-makes-music-in-mattel-television-s-new-animated-movie |archive-date=7 September 2020|access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref>

At the time of the release of ''[[Barbie in the Pink Shoes]]'' on February 26, 2013, the film series have sold over 110 million units globally.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Strecker|first=Erin|date=26 February 2013|title=Barbie celebrates 25th DVD release today|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/02/26/barbie-25-dvd-release-pink-shoes/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=6 February 2019|quote=...they’ve sold over 110 million Barbie DVDs to date!...|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231040439/https://ew.com/article/2013/02/26/barbie-25-dvd-release-pink-shoes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2012, she has appeared in several [[television shows|television]] and [[web series]]; including ''[[Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse]]'', ''[[Barbie Dreamtopia|Barbie: Dreamtopia]]'', ''[[Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures|Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures]]'', ''[[Barbie: It Takes Two]]'' and ''[[Barbie: A Touch of Magic]]''. Aside in lead roles, she has appeared as a supporting character in the [[Toy Story (franchise)|''Toy Story'' films]] between its [[Toy Story 2|second]] and [[Toy Story 3|third sequels]] with a cameo at the [[Toy Story 4|fourth]] and the ''[[My Scene]]'' media franchise.<ref name="BPopC" /> In 2015, Barbie began appearing as a [[vlogger]] on [[YouTube]] called ''Barbie Vlogger'' where she talks about her fictional life, fashion, [[List of Barbie's friends and family|friends and family]], and even charged topics such as [[mental health]] and [[racism]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Barbie Vlogger|date=19 June 2015|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9425096/|type=Animation|work=[[Mattel Television]]|publisher=[[Mattel]]|access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Scott |first=Ellen|date=30 May 2017|title=Why it's so powerful for Barbie to talk about mental health |url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/05/30/why-its-so-powerful-for-barbie-to-talk-about-mental-health-6671475/|access-date=27 March 2022|website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Skylar|date=10 October 2020|title=Barbie confronts racism in viral video and shows how to be a White ally|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/10/us/barbie-vlog-teaches-allyship-trnd/index.html|access-date=27 March 2022|website=[[CNN]]|language=en}}</ref> She was portrayed by Australian actress [[Margot Robbie]] in [[Barbie (film)|a live-action film adaptation]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 March 2022|title=Everything to Know About Margot Robbie's Live-Action 'Barbie' Movie|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/barbie-everything-to-know-about-margot-robbies-live-action-movie/|access-date=27 March 2022|website=Us Weekly|language=en-US|archive-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327204955/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/barbie-everything-to-know-about-margot-robbies-live-action-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> released on July 21, 2023, by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Matt|date=26 April 2022|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/margot-robbie-barbie-release-date-1235241864/|title=Margot Robbie's Barbie Sets 2023 Release Date, Unveils First-Look Photo|website=[[variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=1 May 2022|archive-date=April 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426234219/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/margot-robbie-barbie-release-date-1235241864/|url-status=live}}</ref>

"Barbie and Ken have always been an extraordinary couple with so much on- and off-screen chemistry," said the pair's business manager, Russell Arons, Vice President Marketing, Mattel. "In fact, they just finished wrapping their fourth movie together, 'Barbie&#8482; as The Princess and the Pauper,' which debuts this fall. And now they feel it's time to spend some quality time &ndash; apart."

==Fictional biography==

A Mattel press release ended saying "Although their future is yet to be set in "cement," one thing is for certain - Barbie and Ken will always remain the best of friends."

{{See also|List of Barbie's friends and family}}

{{Infobox character

| full_name = Barbara Millicent Roberts

| image =

| first = {{start date and age|1959|3|9}}

| nickname = Barbie

| occupation = See: [[Barbie's careers]]

| family = See: [[List of Barbie's friends and family]]

| creator = [[Ruth Handler]]

}}

Barbie's full name is '''Barbara Millicent Roberts''' and her parents' names are given as George and Margaret Roberts from the fictional town of Willows, [[Wisconsin]], in a series of novels published by [[Random House]] in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lawrence |first=Cynthia |title=Here's Barbie |author2=Bette Lou Maybee |publisher=[[Random House]] |year=1962 |oclc=15038159}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Original Model Barbie Doll |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2720 |website=[[Wisconsin Historical Society]] |access-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921232253/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2720 |url-status=live }}</ref> In those novels, Barbie attended Willows High School; while in the ''Generation Girl'' books, published by [[Western Publishing|Golden Books]] in 1999, she attended the fictional Manhattan International High School in New York City (based on the real-life [[Stuyvesant High School]]).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Biederman |first=Marcia |date=September 20, 1999 |title=Generation Next: A newly youthful Barbie takes Manhattan. |work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/urban/family/features/2033/ |access-date=June 4, 2009 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407055624/https://nymag.com/nymetro/urban/family/features/2033/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

She has an on-off romantic relationship with her then-boyfriend [[Ken (doll)|Ken]] (full name "Kenneth Sean Carson"), who first appeared in 1961. A [[press release|news release]] from Mattel in February 2004 announced that Barbie and Ken had decided to split up,<ref>[http://investor.shareholder.com/mattel/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=128705 The Storybook Romance Comes To An End For Barbie And Ken] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101193455/http://investor.shareholder.com/mattel/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=128705 |date=November 1, 2017 }} Mattel February 12, 2004</ref> but in February 2006, they were hoping to rekindle their relationship after Ken had a makeover.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/02/09/ken.barbie.reut/ Madeover Ken hopes to win back Barbie] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127121734/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/02/09/ken.barbie.reut/ |date=January 27, 2023 }} [[CNN International|CNN]] February 10, 2006</ref> In 2011, Mattel launched a campaign for Ken to win Barbie's affections back.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=STRANSKY |first1=TANNER |date=14 Feb 2011 |title=Valentine's Day Surprise! Barbie and Ken are officially back together |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2011/02/14/ken-barbie-back-together-valentines-day |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711052039/https://ew.com/article/2011/02/14/ken-barbie-back-together-valentines-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair officially reunited in [[Valentine's Day]] 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kavilanz |first=Parija |date=2011-02-14 |title=Barbie and Ken: Back together on Valentine's Day |work=[[CNN Money|CNN]] |url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/02/14/news/companies/ken_barbie_reunite_valentines_day/index.htm |archive-date=May 30, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530081612/https://money.cnn.com/2011/02/14/news/companies/ken_barbie_reunite_valentines_day/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Beginning with ''Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures'' in 2018, the pair are seen as just friends or next-door neighbors until a brief return to pre-2018 aesthetics in the 2023 television show, ''Barbie: A Touch of Magic''.

Barbie had a new boyfriend not long after, his name was Blain and was a surfer from Australia, although he was only seen in the "Cali Girl" range.

Mattel has created a range of companions and relatives for Barbie. She has three younger sisters: [[Skipper (Barbie)|Skipper]], [[Stacie (Barbie)|Stacie]], and [[Chelsea (Barbie)|Chelsea]] (named Kelly until 2011).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbiemedia.com/about-barbie/family-friends.html|title=About Barbie: Family and friends|publisher=[[Mattel]]|quote=Barbie has three sisters: Skipper, Stacie, Chelsea|access-date=July 13, 2022|archive-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724155606/http://www.barbiemedia.com/about-barbie/family-friends.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Her sisters have co-starred in many entries of the ''Barbie'' film series, starting with ''Barbie & Her Sisters in A Pony Tale'' from 2013. 'Retired' members of Barbie's family included [[List of Barbie's friends and family#Main characters|Todd]] (twin brother to Stacie), [[Krissy (Barbie)|Krissy]] (a baby sister), and [[Francie (Barbie)|Francie]] (cousin). Barbie's friends include [[Hispanic]] [[Teresa (Barbie)|Teresa]], [[Midge (Barbie)|Midge]], [[African Americans|African American]] Christie, and Steven (Christie's boyfriend). Barbie was also friendly with [[List of Barbie's friends and family#Discontinued characters|Blaine]], an Australian surfer, during her split with Ken in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Joseph Lee |work=[[CNN Money]] |date=June 29, 2004 |title=Aussie hunk wins Barbie's heart |publisher=[[CNN]] |url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/06/29/news/fortune500/mattel_barbie/ |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-date=September 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912213600/https://money.cnn.com/2004/06/29/news/fortune500/mattel_barbie/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2004 campaign for presidency ===

On August 12, 2004, Barbie announced she was running for the presidential office, as a member of the Party of Girls. According to a Mattel press release:

Barbie has had over 40 pets including cats and dogs, horses, a [[Giant panda|panda]], a lion cub, and a [[zebra]]. She has owned a wide range of vehicles, including pink [[Volkswagen New Beetle|Beetle]] and [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvette]] [[convertible]]s, trailers, and [[Jeep]]s. She also holds a [[Pilot (aeronautics)|pilot]]'s license, and operates commercial airliners in addition to serving as a [[flight attendant]]. Barbie's [[Barbie's careers|careers]] are designed to show that women can take on a variety of roles in life, and the doll has been sold with a wide range of titles including ''Miss Astronaut Barbie'' (1965), ''Doctor Barbie'' (1988), and ''Nascar Barbie'' (1998).<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Barbie : Fast Facts|url=http://www.barbiemedia.com/about-barbie/fast-facts.html|access-date=27 March 2022|website=Barbie Media|archive-date=February 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208113119/http://www.barbiemedia.com/about-barbie/fast-facts.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

:"In preparation for hitting the campaign trail, Barbie consulted thousands of loyal constituents through Barbie.com to help finalize a platform that includes three primary issues relevant to girls - create world peace, help the homeless and poor, and take care of animals. Barbie encourages girls to log onto Barbie.com to learn more about the Barbie for President campaign and to speak up on what is important to them. Barbie is partnering with The White House Project, a national nonpartisan organization devoted to advancing women's leadership, and has entered into an exclusive partnership with Toys "R" Us.

==Legacy and influence==

:"Barbie is the ultimate ambassador for girls and this bid for the presidency reinforces the idea that it is never too soon to get involved and have your voice heard," says Russell Arons, Vice President Marketing, Mattel. "Barbie has extensive background and experience that makes for an ideal candidate - including serving in the military, acting as a UNICEF ambassador and being a teacher; obviously, being well-educated, well-rounded and motivated is a huge plus.

Barbie has become a [[cultural icon]] and has been given honors that are rare in the toy world. In 1974, a section of [[Times Square]] in New York City was renamed Barbie Boulevard for a week. The [[Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris]] at the Louvre held a Barbie exhibit in 2016. The exhibit featured 700 Barbie dolls over two floors as well as works by contemporary artists and documents (newspapers, photos, video) that contextualize Barbie.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Musée des Arts Décoratifs|url=http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/en/exhibitions/current-events-1322/musee-des-arts-decoratifs/barbie/|website=Musée des Arts Décoratifs|access-date=September 14, 2016|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917080306/http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/en/exhibitions/current-events-1322/musee-des-arts-decoratifs/barbie/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

:"Barbie for President shows girls that they can aspire to the highest levels of leadership, including the presidency. It allows girls to think about turning Barbie's dream house into the White House," says Marie C. Wilson, president and founder of The White House Project, which recently launched its "Go Vote. Go Run. Go Lead. Go Girl." campaign. "Since Barbie is such a large part of girls' lives, we believe it's important to encourage them to become tomorrow's leaders, and Barbie for President sends that message."

In 1986, the artist [[Andy Warhol]] created a painting of Barbie. The painting sold at auction at [[Christie's]], London for $1.1{{nbsp}}million. In 2015, The Andy Warhol Foundation then teamed up with Mattel to create an Andy Warhol Barbie.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Neuendorf|first1=Henri|title=Limited Edition Andy Warhol Barbie Hits the Shelves|url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/andy-warhol-barbie-doll-383987|website=Artnet|date=December 3, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134628/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/andy-warhol-barbie-doll-383987|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Moore|first1=Hannah|title=Why Warhol painted Barbie|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34407991|work=[[BBC News]]|date=October 2015|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623180640/https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34407991|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Cultural effect ==

Barbie has often been used to promote [[gender equality]] as an example that women can "be anything". She has taken up many occupations over the years. Here are some of them:

* [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[athlete]] (several dolls, including a gymnast and a figure skater)

* [[Paleontologist]]

* [[Doctor]], [[dentist]], [[nurse]], and [[veterinarian]]

* [[Astronaut]] - An astronaut suit was sold for Barbie around the same time the first woman, [[Valentina Tereshkova]], entered space.

* [[Fashion designer]]

* [[Model (person)|Model]] - Barbie was originally marketed as a "teen-age [[fashion model]]"

* [[Politician]] - Barbie ran for [[President of the United States]] in [[1992]], [[2000]] and again in [[2004]].

* [[Rock star]] - Barbie has fronted several bands, including [[Barbie and the Rockers]] and [[Beyond Pink]].

* [[Firefighter]]

* [[McDonald's]] employee

** See full list of ''[[Barbie's careers]]''

Outsider artist [[Al Carbee]] took thousands of photographs of Barbie and created countless collages and dioramas featuring Barbie in various settings.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Gómez|first1=Edward|title=Al Carbee's Art of Dolls and Yearning: "Oh, for a real, live Barbie!"|url=http://hyperallergic.com/125248/al-carbees-art-of-dolls-and-yearning-oh-for-a-real-live-barbie/|website=Hyperallergic|date=May 10, 2014}}</ref> Carbee was the subject of the 2013 feature-length documentary ''[[Magical Universe]]''. Carbee's collage art was presented in the 2016 Barbie exhibit at the [[Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris]] in the section about visuals artists who have been inspired by Barbie.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Bender|first1=Silke|title=Widerlegt! Die 10 größten Irrtümer über Barbie|url=https://www.welt.de/icon/article153220825/Widerlegt-Die-10-groessten-Irrtuemer-ueber-Barbie.html|newspaper=[[Die Welt]]|publisher=[[Die Welt|Welt]]|date=March 12, 2016|language=de-DE}}</ref>

She has also been portrayed as a tourist at [[Walt Disney World]] and [[Disneyland]].

[[File:Interior of the Barbie Cafe.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Barbie café in Taiwan in 2013]]

In 2013, in [[Taiwan]], the first Barbie-themed restaurant called "Barbie Café" opened under the Sinlaku group.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\story_31-1-2013_pg9_1 |title=First Barbie-themed restaurant opens in Taiwan |date=31 January 2013 |newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]] |access-date=1 February 2013 }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The ''Economist'' has emphasized the importance of Barbie to children's imagination:{{Blockquote|From her early days as a teenage fashion model, Barbie has appeared as an astronaut, surgeon, Olympic athlete, downhill skier, aerobics instructor, TV news reporter, vet, rock star, doctor, army officer, air force pilot, summit diplomat, rap musician, presidential candidate (party undefined), baseball player, scuba diver, lifeguard, fire-fighter, engineer, dentist, and many more.{{nbsp}}[...] When Barbie first burst into the toy shops, just as the 1960s were breaking, the doll market consisted mostly of babies, designed for girls to cradle, rock and feed. By creating a doll with adult features, Mattel enabled girls to become anything they want.<ref>''[[The Economist|Economist]]'' 21 Dec 2002, Vol. 365 Issue 8304, pp 20-22.</ref>}}

Many designers have been given the opportunity to design clothing for Barbie. Among them are [[Calvin Klein]], [[Donna Karan]], [[Bob Mackie]], [[Nicole Miller]], [[Christian Dior]], [[Escada]], [[Anne Klein]], [[Ralph Lauren]], [[Donatella Versace]] and [[Bill Blass]].

On September 7, 2021, following the debut of the [[streaming television|streaming]] [[television film]] ''[[Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams]]'' on [[Netflix]], Barbie joined forces with [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]]-nominated music producer, songwriter, singer and actress [[Ester Dean]] and Girls Make Beats – an organization dedicated to expanding the female presence of [[Record producer|music producers]], [[Disc jockey|DJs]] and [[audio engineer]]s – to inspire more girls to explore a future in music production.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-13|title=Barbie® Launches New Music Producer Doll to Highlight the Gender Gap in The Industry|url=https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-launches-new-music-producer-doll-to-highlight-the-gender-gap-in-the-industry|access-date=2021-09-20|website=[[Mattel|Mattel News]]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107145927/https://corporate.mattel.com/news/barbie-launches-new-music-producer-doll-to-highlight-the-gender-gap-in-the-industry|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-07|title=Barbie|url=https://www.girlsmakebeats.org/barbie|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Girls Make Beats|language=en-US|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107152931/https://www.girlsmakebeats.org/barbie|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-14|title=Barbie Makes Big Announce With Girls Make Beats Introducing New Doll|url=https://1035thebeat.iheart.com/featured/stichiz/content/2021-09-14-barbie-makes-big-announce-with-girls-make-beats-introducing-new-doll/|access-date=2021-10-01|website=Stichiz on [[iHeartRadio]]|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107145926/https://1035thebeat.iheart.com/featured/stichiz/content/2021-09-14-barbie-makes-big-announce-with-girls-make-beats-introducing-new-doll/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Controversies ==

Barbie is often looked upon as an icon of Western childhood. Her popularity ensures that her effect on the play of Western children attracts a high degree of scrutiny. The criticisms leveled at her are often based around the idea of children considering Barbie a role model and attempting to emulate her.

=== Mattel Adventure Park ===

The [[Middle East]]ern country of [[Saudi Arabia]] outlawed Barbie dolls on [[September 10]], [[2003]].

{{main article|Mattel Adventure Park}}

In 2023, Mattel broke ground on a theme park near [[Glendale, Arizona|Phoenix, Arizona]]. The park is to open in 2025 and highlights Mattel's toys, including a Barbie Beach House, a [[Thomas & Friends]] themed ride, and a [[Hot Wheels]] go-kart race track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Theme Park with A Barbie Beach House is Opening in Arizona in 2024 |url=https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCvD5tHopp0R%2F%3Fimg_index%3D1 |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.instagram.com |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222055835/https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCvD5tHopp0R%2F%3Fimg_index%3D1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mattel Adventure Park |url=https://www.matteladventurepark.com/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.matteladventurepark.com |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725221829/https://www.matteladventurepark.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="usatoday.com">{{Cite web |title=Barbie and more at Mattel Adventure Park: What to know about the new Arizona theme park |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/07/11/mattel-adventure-park-arizona-opening-info/70403169007/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725222306/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2023/07/11/mattel-adventure-park-arizona-opening-info/70403169007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The theme park will take place at the [https://www.vairesort.com/ VAI Resort complex], located {{convert|15|mi}} west of [[Phoenix, Arizona]].<ref name="usatoday.com"/>

===50th anniversary===

"Barbie" is sometimes used as a derogatory [[slang]] term for a person, particularly a [[girl]] or [[woman]], who is stupid. See [[bimbo]].

In 2009, to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary, a runway show was held in New York for the [[New York Fashion Week|Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]].<ref>

{{Cite web |url=http://myitthings.com/FashionWeek/Post/fashion/It_Thing/Barbie-Runway-Show---Fall-2009-Mercedes-Benz-Fashion-Week-New-York-/802142009235862557.htm

|title=Barbie Runway Show – Fall 2009 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York

|publisher=MyItThings.com

|date=February 14, 2009

|access-date=May 23, 2011

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714143349/http://myitthings.com/FashionWeek/Post/fashion/It_Thing/Barbie-Runway-Show---Fall-2009-Mercedes-Benz-Fashion-Week-New-York-/802142009235862557.htm

|archive-date=July 14, 2011

|df=mdy

}}</ref> The event showcased fashions contributed by fifty well-known [[haute couture|haute couturiers]] including [[Diane von Fürstenberg]], [[Vera Wang]], [[Calvin Klein]], [[Bob Mackie]], and [[Christian Louboutin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://alldolldup.typepad.com/all_dolld_up/2009/02/runway-rundown-the-barbie-shows-50-designers-.html |title=Runway Rundown: The Barbie Show's 50 Designers! |publisher=[[TypePad]] |access-date=May 23, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707025915/http://alldolldup.typepad.com/all_dolld_up/2009/02/runway-rundown-the-barbie-shows-50-designers-.html| archive-date= July 7, 2011 | url-status= live}}

</ref><ref>

{{Cite web

|url=http://www.handbag.com/fashion/news-christian-louboutin-explains-barbie-fat-ankle-comments/v1

|title=Christian Louboutin explains Barbie "fat ankle" comments

|publisher=Handbag.com

|date=October 16, 2009

|access-date=May 23, 2011

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303163457/http://www.handbag.com/fashion/news-christian-louboutin-explains-barbie-fat-ankle-comments/v1

|archive-date=March 3, 2010

|df=mdy

}}</ref>

===Barbie Dream Gap Project===

The first of Barbie's black friends, "Colored Francie," debuted in 1967, but racial tensions quickly caused this doll to be discontinued. The first African-American Barbie, "Black Barbie," appeared thirteen years later.

In 2019, Mattel launched the "Barbie Dream Gap Project" to raise awareness of the phenomenon known as the "Dream Gap": beginning at the age of five, girls begin to doubt their own intelligence, where boys do not. This leads to boys pursuing careers requiring a higher intelligence, and girls being underrepresented in those careers.<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |last=Haneline |first=Amy |title=A girl with a gavel! Barbie debuts judge dolls, partners with GoFundMe to close 'dream gap' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/parenting/2019/10/07/barbie-debuts-judge-dolls-partners-gofundme-close-dream-gap/3862758002/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[USA Today]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919092946/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/parenting/2019/10/07/barbie-debuts-judge-dolls-partners-gofundme-close-dream-gap/3862758002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As an example, in the U.S., 33% of sitting judges are female. This statistic inspired the release of Judge Barbie in four different skin tones and hairstyles with judge robes and a gavel accessory.<ref name=":52" />

===Thank You Heroes===

=== Physical characteristics ===

In May 2020, in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Mattel announced a new line of career dolls modeled after the first responders and essential workers of 2020. For every doll purchased, Mattel donated a doll to the First Responders Children's Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 13, 2020|title=Mattel Unveils #ThankYouHeroes Program from Barbie® Supporting First Responders Children's Foundation|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200513005235/en/Mattel-Unveils-ThankYouHeroes-Program-From-Barbie%C2%AE-Supporting-First-Responders-Children%E2%80%99s-Foundation|website=[[Business Wire]]|access-date=October 23, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124032308/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200513005235/en/Mattel-Unveils-ThankYouHeroes-Program-From-Barbie%C2%AE-Supporting-First-Responders-Children%E2%80%99s-Foundation|url-status=live}}</ref>

Barbie's height and exaggerated hourglass figure drew criticism from [[parent|parents]] and [[anorexia nervosa]] groups. If scaled into real life proportions, she would be 5 [[feet]], 9 [[inches]], (1.75 m) measuring 36-18-33. According to research by the University Central Hospital in [[Helsinki]], Finland, she would lack the requisite 17 to 22 percent of body [[fat]] required to [[menstruate]]. [http://site.www.umb.edu/forum/1/AMSTJess/member/Forums/481613252.html] <!-- The chances of meeting someone with Barbie's measurements is 1 in 100,000. (what is the source for this?) --> [[Image:Barbieneck.jpg|thumb|right|Modified image of a Barbie doll with an adult Burmese woman's neck ring stack in its original proportions edited in to show just how long Barbie's neck is.]] According to research the by Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, a healthy woman would have to have her neck elongated by 3.2 in. (Int J Eat Disord. 1995 Nov;18(3):295-8) to match Barbie's proportions. Long necks are valued in many societies; for example, the Burmese sometimes practice neck enlongation body modification by using neck rings. These rings crush the collar bone over time to give the appearance of an elongated neck.

===Habitat Stereotypingfor Humanity===

In February 2022, Mattel celebrated its 60-year anniversary of the Barbie Dreamhouse by partnering with Habitat for Humanity International. Mattel committed to taking on 60 projects, including new construction, home preservation, and neighborhood revitalization.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=Barbie Dreamhouse™ Celebrates 60 Years of Giving Dreams a Home™ with Habitat for Humanity Collaboration |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220203005159/en/Barbie-Dreamhouse%E2%84%A2-Celebrates-60-Years-of-Giving-Dreams-a-Home%E2%84%A2-with-Habitat-for-Humanity-Collaboration |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=[[Business Wire]] |language=en |archive-date=September 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908164805/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220203005159/en/Barbie-Dreamhouse%E2%84%A2-Celebrates-60-Years-of-Giving-Dreams-a-Home%E2%84%A2-with-Habitat-for-Humanity-Collaboration |url-status=live }}</ref>

The enormous range of available accessories relating to clothes, hair, make-up, parties and looking pretty give rise to the accusation that Barbie encourages young girls to focus on shallow trivia. Her accessories reflect a lifestyle that is unobtainable for most of the girls who play with her.

===Bad influence concerns===

This culminated in [[1993]] when Mattel released "Teen Talk Barbie", a talking version of the doll. It spoke a number of phrases such as, "Will we ever have enough clothes?" "I love shopping!" and, "Wanna have a pizza party?" Each doll was programmed to say four out of 270 possible phrases, so chances were good that no two dolls owned by a girl or her friends would be exactly the same. One of these 270 phrases was "Math class is tough!" Although only about 1.5% of all the dolls sold said the phrase, it caused public outcry over Barbie's representation of women, and the infamous phrase quickly became a common pop culture reference.

In July 1992, Mattel released ''[[Teen Talk Barbie]]'', which spoke a number of phrases including "Will we ever have enough clothes?", "I love shopping!", and "Wanna have a pizza party?" Each doll was programmed to say four out of 270 possible phrases, so that no two given dolls were likely to be the same (the number of possible combinations is 270!/(266!4!) = 216,546,345). One of these 270 phrases was "Math class is tough!", which led to criticism from the [[American Association of University Women]]; about 1.5% of all the dolls sold said the phrase. The doll was often erroneously misattributed in the media as having said "Math is hard!"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flickr |first=vaniljapulla // |title=1992: Barbie tells girls math is hard |url=https://dailyprogress.com/lifestyles/1992-barbie-tells-girls-math-is-hard/image_8cd0601c-b1dc-5e22-bb2d-348c60308c3e.html |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=The Daily Progress |date=September 5, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109180016/https://dailyprogress.com/lifestyles/1992-barbie-tells-girls-math-is-hard/image_8cd0601c-b1dc-5e22-bb2d-348c60308c3e.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Susan |date=2019-03-09 |title=Barbie, Like her Creator, Is a Feminist |language=en |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/barbie-like-her-creator-ruth-handler-is-a-feminist |access-date=2022-11-09 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402023854/https://www.thedailybeast.com/barbie-like-her-creator-ruth-handler-is-a-feminist |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 1992, Mattel announced that ''Teen Talk Barbie'' would no longer say "Math class is tough!", and offered a swap to anyone who owned a doll that did. Also in October 1992, Mattel opened its production factory in Indonesia as the main factory of Barbie in the world. The factory are located at [[Jababeka Group|Jababeka Industrial Park]] in Cikarang.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/21/business/company-news-mattel-says-it-erred-teen-talk-barbie-turns-silent-on-math.html?scp=1|title=Company News: Mattel Says It Erred; Teen Talk Barbie Turns Silent on Math|date=October 21, 1992|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 15, 2010|archive-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915021217/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/21/business/company-news-mattel-says-it-erred-teen-talk-barbie-turns-silent-on-math.html?scp=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mattel Indonesia Celebrates its 30th Anniversary and Inaugurates Plant Expansion |url=https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-indonesia-celebrates-30th-anniversary-inaugurates-plant-expansion |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=corporate.mattel.com}}</ref>

In 2002, Mattel introduced a line of pregnant [[Midge (Barbie)|Midge]] (and baby) dolls, but this ''Happy Family'' line was quickly pulled from the market due to complaints that she promoted teen pregnancy, though Midge was supposed to be a married adult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pregnant doll pulled from Wal-Mart after customers complain |date=24 Dec 2002 |website=[[USA Today]] |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2002-12-24-pregnant-doll_x.htm |access-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127053055/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2002-12-24-pregnant-doll_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

A group of parents, [[feminist]]s and other [[activist]]s known as the [[Barbie Liberation Organization]] bought hundreds of Barbies and [[GI Joe]] dolls, and switched their voice circuitry. This resulted in the new modified Barbie saying, "Eat lead, Cobra!" and "Dead men tell no lies." [http://www.etext.org/Zines/UnitCircle/uc3/page10.html]

In September 2003, the Middle Eastern country of [[Saudi Arabia]] outlawed the sale of Barbie dolls and franchises, stating that they did not conform to the ideals of [[Islam]]. The [[Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Saudi Arabia)|Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice]] warned, "Jewish Barbie dolls, with their revealing clothes and shameful postures, [[fashion accessory|accessories]] and tools are a symbol of decadence to the [[Perversion|perverted]] West. Let us beware of her dangers and be careful."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adl.org/main_Arab_World/barbie.htm|title="Jewish" Barbie Dolls Denounced in Saudi Arabia|publisher=Adl.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525154306/http://www.adl.org/main_Arab_World/barbie.htm|archive-date=May 25, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=May 23, 2011}}</ref> The 2003 Saudi ban was temporary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1430566/lifestyle|title=Barbie at 60, and how she made her mark on the Arab world|date=January 5, 2019|work=[[Arab News]]|access-date=December 16, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228212313/https://www.arabnews.com/node/1430566/lifestyle|url-status=live}}</ref> In Muslim-majority nations, there is an alternative doll called [[Fulla (doll)|Fulla]], which was introduced in November 2003 and is equivalent to Barbie, but is designed specifically to represent traditional Islamic values. Fulla is not manufactured by Mattel (although Mattel still licenses Fulla dolls and franchises for sale in certain markets), and (as of January 2021) the "Jewish" Barbie brand is still available in other [[Sunni Islam|Muslim]]-majority countries including [[Egypt]] and [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/797/li1.htm|title=Al-Ahram Weekly &#124; Living &#124; Move over, Barbie|date=June 7, 2006|publisher=Weekly.ahram.org.eg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513181613/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/797/li1.htm|archive-date=May 13, 2011 |url-status=live|access-date=May 23, 2011}}</ref> In [[Iran]], the [[Sara and Dara dolls]], which were introduced in March 2002, are available as an alternative to Barbie, even though they have not been as successful.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1856558.stm|title=Muslim dolls tackle 'wanton' Barbie|date=March 5, 2002|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=April 26, 2010|archive-date=March 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313191655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1856558.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Opposition to Barbie dolls in the Middle East has led to the sale of a Barbie-like doll called Fulla. These dolls are not produced or endorsed by Mattel but are similar in appearance and are dressed in traditional Islamic costumes such as a full length dress and headscarf. [http://www.bloggingbaby.com/entry/1234000523059988/]

In November 2014, Mattel received criticism over the book ''[[Computer Engineer Barbie|I Can Be a Computer Engineer]]'', which depicted Barbie as personally [[Computer illiteracy|inept at computers]], requiring her two male friends complete all of the necessary tasks to restore two laptops after she accidentally [[USB flash drive security#Malware infections|infects]] her and her sister's laptop with a [[malware]]-laced USB flash drive, before ultimately getting credit for recovering her sister's school project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/barbie-f-cks-it-up-again-1660326671|title=Barbie F*cks It Up Again|last1=Ribon|first1=Pamela|date=November 18, 2014|website=[[Gizmodo]]|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831220801/http://gizmodo.com/barbie-f-cks-it-up-again-1660326671|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics felt that the characterization of Barbie as a [[software design]]er lacking [[Computer programming|low-level technical skills]] was sexist, as other books in the ''I Can Be...'' series depicted Barbie as someone who was totally competent in those jobs and did not require outside assistance from others.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailydot.com/geek/barbie-engineer-book-girls-game-developers/|title=Barbie book about programming tells girls they need boys to code for them|last1=Romano|first1=Aja|work=[[Daily Dot]]|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=November 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121104132/http://www.dailydot.com/geek/barbie-engineer-book-girls-game-developers/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mattel later removed the book from sale on [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] in response to the criticism,<ref name="TC">{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/19/mattel-pulls-sexist-barbie-book-i-can-be-a-computer-engineer-off-amazon/|title=Mattel Pulls Sexist Barbie Book "I Can Be A Computer Engineer" Off Amazon|last1=Buhr|first1=Sarah|date=November 20, 2014|publisher=[[TechCrunch]]|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=August 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080954/https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/19/mattel-pulls-sexist-barbie-book-i-can-be-a-computer-engineer-off-amazon/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the company released a "[[Computer Engineer Barbie]]" doll who was a game programmer rather than [[game designer]].<ref name="TC"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/11/22/365968465/after-backlash-computer-engineer-barbie-gets-new-set-of-skills|title=After Backlash, Computer Engineer Barbie Gets New Set Of Skills|work=NPR|date=2014-11-12|access-date=2020-12-31|archive-date=September 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903033128/https://www.npr.org/2014/11/22/365968465/after-backlash-computer-engineer-barbie-gets-new-set-of-skills|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Responses ===

One of the most publicized responses happened around the turn of the century, as Barbie's waist widened to more natural proportions. Barbies of different nationalities have also been created, including [[African]], [[Hispanic]], [[Asian]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] Barbies. Most commonly the Hispanic Teresa and African-American Christie appear as Barbie's "ethno-friend" alongside Skipper and occasionally red-head Midge, who's been around since the sixties.

==Diversity==

Mattel also released an "International collection" in 1980, with Barbies from different parts of the world. The dolls are dressed in more or less traditional clothes, each representing a nation. The [[European]] countries are highly over-represented but there are also [[Peruvian]], [[Kenyan]], [[China|Chinese]], [[Arctic]], [[Japan]]ese and [[Australian]] Barbies. In [[2001]] "The Princess Collection" was issued for instance with dolls named Princess of [[India]], Princess of the [[Navajo Nation|Navajo]], Princess of the [[Viking]]s. As of [[2005]] there are also a "Kelly: Dolls of the World" where Barbies "little sister" and two friends represent different European countries.

{{Redirect|Black Barbies|the Nicki Minaj song|Black Barbies (song)}}

[[File:Oreo Fun Barbie.jpg|thumb|upright|''Barbie Oreo School Time Fun'' from 2001<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-10-12 |title=2001 Oreo Barbie |url=http://www.authentichistory.com/diversity/african/images/2001_Oreo_Barbie.html |access-date=2022-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012041355/http://www.authentichistory.com/diversity/african/images/2001_Oreo_Barbie.html |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }}</ref> was controversial due to a negative interpretation of the doll's name.]]

"Colored [[Francie (Barbie)|Francie]]" made her debut in 1967, and she is sometimes described as the first [[African Americans|African-American]] Barbie doll. However, she was produced using the existing head molds for the white Francie doll and lacked distinct African characteristics other than dark skin. The first African-American doll in the Barbie range is usually regarded as Christie, who made her debut in 1968.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mastercollector.com/articles/dolls/dollnews31301.shtml |title=African American Fashion Dolls of the 60s |publisher=MasterCollector.com |access-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822175140/http://www.mastercollector.com/articles/dolls/dollnews31301.shtml |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kattisdolls.net/faces/christie.htm |title=Faces of Christie |publisher=Kattisdolls.net |access-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720091540/http://kattisdolls.net/faces/christie.htm |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> Black Barbie was launched in 1980 but still had Caucasian features. In 1990, Mattel created a focus group with African-American children and parents, early childhood specialists, and clinical psychologist, Darlene Powell Hudson. Instead of using the same molds for the Caucasian Barbies, new ones were created. In addition, facial features, skin tones, hair texture, and names were all altered. The body shapes looked different, but the proportions were the same to ensure clothing and accessories were interchangeable.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ducille|first=Ann|date=1994|title=Dyes and Dolls: Multicultural Barbie and the merchandising of difference|journal= Differences: A Journal of Feminist Cultural Studies |volume=6|pages=46}}</ref> In September 2009, Mattel introduced the So In Style range, which was intended to create a more realistic depiction of African-American people than previous dolls.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562706,00.html |title=Mattel introduces black Barbies, to mixed reviews |publisher=[[Fox News]] |date=October 9, 2009 |access-date=October 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011234536/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C562706%2C00.html |archive-date=October 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Starting in 1980, it produced Hispanic dolls, and later came models from across the globe. For example, in 2007, it introduced "[[Cinco de Mayo]] Barbie" wearing a ruffled red, white, and green dress (echoing the Mexican flag). ''[[Hispanic (magazine)|Hispanic]]'' magazine reports that:{{Blockquote|[O]ne of the most dramatic developments in Barbie's history came when she embraced multi-culturalism and was released in a wide variety of native costumes, hair colors and skin tones to more closely resemble the girls who idolized her. Among these were Cinco De Mayo Barbie, Spanish Barbie, Peruvian Barbie, Mexican Barbie and Puerto Rican Barbie. She also has had close Hispanic friends, such as Teresa.<ref>"A Barbie for Everyone" ''[[Hispanic (magazine)|Hispanic]]'' (February–March 2009), Vol. 22, Issue 1</ref>}} Professor Emilie Rose Aguilo-Perez argued that over time, Mattel shifted from ambiguous Hispanic presentations in their dolls to one that is more assertive in its "Latinx" marketing and product labeling.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Perez |first1=Emilie Rose Aguilo |title=The Marketing of Children's Toys |chapter=Commodifying Culture: Mattel's and Disney's Marketing Approaches to "Latinx" Toys and Media |date=2021 |pages=143–163 |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-62881-9_8 |isbn=978-3-030-62880-2 |s2cid=234253829 |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-62881-9_8}}</ref>

To counter accusations of gender stereotyping, career Barbies have been released. These include [[astronaut]], [[gymnast]], [[rapper]] and [[soldier]]. She also ran for [[President]] after breaking up with Ken. [http://www.adiosbarbie.com/bology/bology_timeline.html]

Mattel has responded to criticisms pointing to a lack of diversity in the line.<ref>Marco Tosa, ''Barbie: Four decades of fashion, fantasy, and fun'' (1998).</ref> In 2016, Mattel expanded the So In Style line to include seven skin tones, twenty-two eye colors, and twenty-four hairstyles. Part of the reason for this change was due to declining sales.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Barbie breaks the mold with ethnically diverse dolls|last=Shan|first=Li|date=January 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The brand now offers over 22 [[skin tones]], 94 [[Human hair color|hair colors]], 13 [[eye colors]] and five [[Female body shape|body types]].<ref name="Gilblom">{{Cite news |last=Gilblom |first=Kelly |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-24/barbie-s-pandemic-sales-boom-followed-yearslong-revamp-at-mattel |title=How a Barbie Makeover Led to a Pandemic Sales Boom |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=2021-02-24 |accessdate=2021-02-25 }}</ref>

=== Parodies and lawsuits ===

Many artists have referred to Barbie and her accompanying products, either as homage or as [[parody]]. The European pop-dance group [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]] released a song called "[[Barbie Girl]]" in [[1997]]. It contained lyrics such as "You can brush my hair/Undress me everywhere" and used graphics similar to the pink Barbie logo. Mattel used this as grounds for a [[trademark]] infringement and [[defamation]] lawsuit filed on [[September 11]] [[1997]]. However, it was dismissed by the court as parody on [[May 15]] [[1998]].

Mattel teamed up with [[Nabisco]] to launch a cross-promotion Barbie doll with [[Oreo]] [[cookie]]s in 1997 and 2001. While the 1997 release of the doll was only released in a [[White people|white]] version, for the 2001 release Mattel manufactured both a white and a [[Black people|black]] version. The 2001 release ''Barbie Oreo School Time Fun'' was marketed as someone with whom young girls could play after class and share "America's favorite cookie". Critics argued that in the African American community, ''Oreo'' is a derogatory term meaning that the person is "black on the outside and white on the inside", like the chocolate sandwich cookie itself.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oreo Fun Barbie|url=http://www.authentichistory.com/diversity/african/images/2001_Oreo_Barbie.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012041355/http://www.authentichistory.com/diversity/african/images/2001_Oreo_Barbie.html|archive-date=October 12, 2007|access-date=23 June 2010}}</ref>

A commercial by [[automobile]] company [[Nissan]] featured dolls similar to Barbie and Ken driving in a toy car was the subject of another lawsuit on [[September 18]] [[1997]] [http://www.eonline.com/News/Court/0997.barbie.html].

In May 1997, Mattel introduced ''Share a Smile Becky'', a doll in a pink [[wheelchair]]. Kjersti Johnson, a 17-year-old high school student in [[Tacoma, Washington]] with [[cerebral palsy]], pointed out that the doll would not fit into the [[elevator]] of Barbie's $100 Dream House. Mattel announced that it would redesign the house in the future to accommodate the doll.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Barbie's Disabled Friend Can't Fit |url=http://www.washington.edu/doit/Press/barbie.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001040037/http://www.washington.edu/doit/Press/barbie.html |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |access-date=November 6, 2010 |publisher=[[University of Washington]] |___location=EL SEGUNDO, Calif. |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

See also ''[[Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story]]''.

In July 2024, Mattel released the first [[Visual impairment|blind]] Barbie in collaboration with the [[American Foundation for the Blind]].<ref name="2024 disability Barbies">{{cite web |last1=Bancroft |first1=Holly |title=First blind Barbie released by toy maker Mattel |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/barbie-mattel-toys-blind-disability-b2583671.html |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=29 July 2024 |language=en |date=23 July 2024 |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729145820/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/barbie-mattel-toys-blind-disability-b2583671.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Alongside this, the company also launched a black Barbie with [[Down syndrome]].<ref name="2024 disability Barbies" />

== Collecting ==

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 20 Barbie dolls each year. Forty-five-percent of them spend upwards of $1000 a year.

==Role model Barbies==

== Related merchandise ==

In March 2018, in time for [[International Women's Day]], Mattel unveiled the "Barbie Celebrates Role Models" campaign with a line of 17 dolls, informally known as "sheroes", from diverse backgrounds "to showcase examples of extraordinary women".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://barbie.mattel.com/en-us/about/role-models.html|title=Barbie {{!}} Role Models {{!}} Inspiring Women {{!}} You Can Be Anything|date=2018|website=Barbie.com by [[Mattel]]|access-date=2018-03-08|archive-date=March 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309184641/https://barbie.mattel.com/en-us/about/role-models.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/06/us/barbie-dolls-inspiring-women-trnd/index.html|title=Barbie unveils dolls based on Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, Katherine Johnson and Chloe Kim|last1=Leguizamon|first1=Mercedes|date=2018-03-07|work=[[CNN News]]|access-date=2018-03-08|last2=Ahmed|first2=Saeed|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323044417/https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/06/us/barbie-dolls-inspiring-women-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mattel developed this collection in response to mothers concerned about their daughters having positive female role models.<ref name=":0" /> Dolls in this collection include [[Frida Kahlo]], [[Patty Jenkins|Patti Jenkins]], [[Chloe Kim]], [[Nicola Adams]], [[Ibtihaj Muhammad]], [[Bindi Irwin]], [[Amelia Earhart]], [[Misty Copeland]], [[Hélène Darroze|Helene Darroze]], [[Katherine Johnson]], [[Sara Gama]], [[Martyna Wojciechowska]], [[Gabby Douglas]], [[Guan Xiaotong]], [[Ava DuVernay|Ava Duvernay]], [[Yuanyuan Tan|Yuan Yuan Tan]], [[Iris Apfel]], [[Ashley Graham (model)|Ashley Graham]] and [[Leyla Piedayesh]].<ref name=":0" /> In 2020, the company announced a new release of "shero" dolls, including Paralympic champion [[Madison de Rozario]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.womenshealth.com.au/barbie-shero-2020-madison-de-rozario|title=Barbie Has Created A Doll Of Madison De Rozario And It Is So Dang Powerful|website=Women's Health|language=en-us|access-date=2020-03-05|archive-date=March 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315200150/https://www.womenshealth.com.au/barbie-shero-2020-madison-de-rozario|url-status=dead}}</ref> and world four-time sabre champion [[Olga Kharlan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/7783|title=Barbie launches doll inspired by Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan|website=Kyiv Post|author=Toma Istomina|date=March 5, 2020|access-date=August 11, 2023|archive-date=August 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811024545/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/7783|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fie.org/articles/964|title=Fencing focus: Olga Kharlan|website=FIE official website|date=June 30, 2020}}</ref> In July 2021, Mattel released a [[Naomi Osaka]] Barbie doll as a part of the 'Barbie Role Model' series. Osaka originally partnered with Barbie two years earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-18|title=Barbie Doll Modeled After Naomi Osaka Sells Out Within Hours of Release|url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/barbie-doll-modeled-after-naomi-osaka-sells-out-within-hours-of-release/|access-date=2021-08-20|website=Black Enterprise|language=en-US|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107145927/https://www.blackenterprise.com/barbie-doll-modeled-after-naomi-osaka-sells-out-within-hours-of-release/|url-status=live}}</ref> A month earlier, a [[Julie Bishop]] doll was released to acknowledge the former Australian politician,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singer|first=Melissa|date=2021-06-15|title='It sent a message': Julie Bishop just got her own Barbie doll|url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/it-sent-a-message-julie-bishop-just-got-her-own-barbie-doll-20210615-p5816v.html|access-date=2021-06-28|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|language=en|archive-date=December 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208123023/https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/it-sent-a-message-julie-bishop-just-got-her-own-barbie-doll-20210615-p5816v.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as was one for general practitioner [[Kirby White (physician)|Kirby White]] for her work during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Price|first=Kimberley|date=2021-08-05|title=Aussie GP honoured as one of six special Barbies|url=https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/7371904/aussie-gp-honoured-as-one-of-six-special-barbies/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Daily Liberal|language=en-AU|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805231127/https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/7371904/aussie-gp-honoured-as-one-of-six-special-barbies/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2021 a Barbie modelled after [[European Space Agency]] astronaut [[Samantha Cristoforetti]] was released.<ref name="Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie">{{Cite web | title=Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie Doll | website=Mattel Creations | url=https://creations.mattel.com/products/samantha-cristoforetti-barbie-doll-gtj81 | access-date=2022-12-23 | archive-date=December 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223062401/https://creations.mattel.com/products/samantha-cristoforetti-barbie-doll-gtj81 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Books about Barbie first emerged in the 1960s. In the mid-1990s, a new line of novels about Barbie appeared. This new series showcased Barbie's adventurous exploits. By the late-1990s, Mattel had moved to featuring her in interactive 3D video games for both [[gaming console]]s and [[personal computers]]. In recent years, she has taken the computer animated movie industry by storm, guest appearing in [[Toy Story 2]], and later her own [[direct-to-video]] movies, [[Barbie in the Nutcracker]], [[Barbie as Rapunzel]], [[Barbie of Swan Lake]], [[Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper]],[[Barbie:Fairytopia]], and [[Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus]], all of which were accompanied by small product lines, including dolls. Though not feature length, they are fairly abundant in plot.

== Terminology Collecting==

''Collector Edition'' - Dolls designed specifically for collectors aged 14 and over. Collector Edition dolls usually come in showcase packaging, with a stand and a certificate of authenticity.

The standard range of Barbie dolls and related accessories are manufactured to approximately 1/6 scale, which is also known as ''playscale''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://miniatures.about.com/od/glossaryofminiatureterms/g/playscale.htm |title=Playscale per About.com |publisher=[[About.com]] |date=March 2, 2011 |access-date=May 23, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075027/http://miniatures.about.com/od/glossaryofminiatureterms/g/playscale.htm| archive-date= July 7, 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref> The standard dolls are approximately {{convert|11+1/2|in|cm}} tall.

''Customized'' - Dolls designed exclusively for specific retail stores are referred to as "customized".

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.

''Limited Edition'' - Collector Edition dolls produced in limited quantities worldwide, which are often available only from specific retailers. These dolls generally feature higher-quality materials and construction than non-limited dolls.

Vintage Barbie dolls from the early years are the most valuable at [[auction]], and while the original Barbie was sold for $3.00 in 1959, a mint boxed Barbie from 1959 sold for $3552.50 on [[eBay]] in October 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/scoop_article.asp?ai=6539&si=123|archive-url=https://archive.today/20060223104353/http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/scoop_article.asp?ai=6539&si=123|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 23, 2006|title=1959 Blonde Ponytail Barbie Brings Over $3,000!|date=October 16, 2004|work=Scoop|access-date=November 6, 2010}}</ref> On September 26, 2006, a Barbie doll set a world record at auction of £9,000 [[pound sterling|sterling]] (US$17,000) at [[Christie's]] in London. The doll was a Barbie in Midnight Red from 1965 and was part of a private collection of 4,000 Barbie dolls being sold by two Dutch women, Ietje Raebel and her daughter Marina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/060926/15/10osv.html|title=Midnight Red Barbie Doll sets auction record|date=September 27, 2006|publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Australia]]|access-date=November 6, 2010|___location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003010439/http://au.news.yahoo.com/060926/15/10osv.html|archive-date=October 3, 2006}}</ref>

In recent years, Mattel has sold a wide range of Barbie dolls aimed specifically at collectors, including [[porcelain]] versions, vintage reproductions, and depictions of Barbie as a range of characters from film and television series such as ''[[The Munsters]]'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1001084&t=modern |title=Welcome to the official Mattel site for Barbie Collector |publisher=BarbieCollector.com |access-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311173241/http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=1001084&t=modern |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=150303&t=modern |title=Welcome to the official Mattel site for Barbie Collector |publisher=BarbieCollector.com |access-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311173251/http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/product.aspx?id=150303&t=modern |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> There are also collector's edition dolls depicting Barbie dolls with a range of different ethnic identities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/gallery.aspx?t=modern&y=tmp1 |title=Welcome to the official Mattel site for Barbie Collector |publisher=BarbieCollector.com |access-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311173304/http://www.barbiecollector.com/showcase/gallery.aspx?t=modern&y=tmp1 |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref> In 2004, Mattel introduced the Color Tier system for its collector's edition Barbie dolls including pink, silver, gold, and platinum, depending on how many of the dolls are produced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://barbie.mattel.com/shop/en-us/ba/barbie-signature|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828201824/http://www.barbiecollector.com/collecting/tiers/|url-status=dead|title=Collectible Barbie Dolls: Become A Barbie Collector : Barbie Signature|archivedate=August 28, 2008|website=Barbie by [[mattel|Mattel.com]]}}</ref> In 2020, Mattel introduced the [[Day of the Dead|Dia De Los Muertos]] collectible Barbie doll, the second collectible released as part of the company's La Catrina line which was launched in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Kelly Murray|title=Mattel releases second edition of 'Day of the Dead' Barbie|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/barbie-dia-de-los-muertos-trnd/index.html|access-date=2020-09-13|website=[[CNN]]|date=September 12, 2020|language=en|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913124656/https://www.cnn.com/style/article/barbie-dia-de-los-muertos-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Number 1 Ponytail Barbie II.jpg|The No. 1 vintage Ponytail Barbie issued in 1959</center> -->

''OSS'' - Stands for "original swimsuit". Denotes a doll that is still dressed in the swimsuit it originally came in.

<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Vintage Number 3 Ponytail Barbie I.JPG|Vintage # 3 Ponytail Barbie from 1960</center> -->

<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Vintagebarbie.jpg|Vintage No. 5 Ponytail Barbie from 1962 in original box</center> -->

<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Number 6 Ponytail Barbie red hair.jpg|The No. 6 titian hair Ponytail Barbie from 1963</center> -->

<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Vintage Swirl Ponytail Barbie Brunette.jpg|Vintage Swirl Ponytail Barbie from 1964 -->

==Parodies and lawsuits==

''Ponytail'' - Barbie's first hairstyle consisted of a top-knot ponytail with tightly-curled bangs. Dolls with this haiystyle are referred to by collectors as the "ponytail" dolls. Early Barbie dolls are organized into five major groups based on various physical characterstics that can be used to determine when a particular doll was manufactured. The major categories are denoted by numbers:

Barbie has frequently been the target of [[parody]]: <!-- suggest inserting items in reverse date order -- Lexein -->

* Mattel sued artist [[Tom Forsythe]] over a 1999 series of photographs called ''Food Chain Barbie'' in which Barbie winds up in a [[blender]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.out-law.com/page-4681 |title=Barbie-in-a-blender artist wins $1.8 million award |publisher=Out-Law.Com |access-date=March 3, 2012 |archive-date=November 25, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061125071221/http://www.out-law.com/page-4681 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://barbieinablender.org/ |title=National Barbie-in-a-Blender Day! |publisher=Barbieinablender.org |access-date=March 3, 2012 |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211205103/http://www.barbieinablender.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.alteredbarbie.com/pdf/mattelfeescase.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326174636/http://www.alteredbarbie.com/pdf/mattelfeescase.pdf |archive-date={{Format date|2009|03|26}}| access-date={{Format date|2016|08|01}}| url-status=dead| date={{Format date|2004|06|21}} |title=Mattel v. Tom Forsythe}}</ref> Mattel lost the lawsuit and was forced to pay Forsythe's legal costs.<ref name=":1" />

* On the 25th episode of ''[[In Living Color]]'', in December 1990, a [[Homey D. Clown]] sketch found HDC filling in for [[Santa Claus]] at a shopping mall. A little girl ([[Kelly Coffield]]) asks for a Malibu Barbie & Condominium playset; instead, "Homey Claus" gives her "[[Compton, California|Compton]] Carlotta" (a crude doll made of sticks and bottlecaps) with a slum-apartment (a milk carton). When the girl complains, Homey raises his signature [[blackjack (weapon)|blackjack]] and wishes her a Merry Christmas; taking the hint, she thanks him and hastily retires.

* In Latin America, notable controversies include a 2018 legal dispute involving the Panama-based Frida Kahlo Corporation's allegations that [[Frida Kahlo]]'s great-niece in Mexico had wrongly licensed the Frida Kahlo trademark for the "Frida Kahlo Barbie" doll.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hyperallergic.com/442262/barbie-lawsuit-frida-kahlo-licensing-company-artists-relative/|title=After Frida Kahlo Barbie Debacle, Licensing Company Sues Artist's Relative|work=Hyper Allergic|access-date=2020-12-31|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408192545/https://hyperallergic.com/442262/barbie-lawsuit-frida-kahlo-licensing-company-artists-relative/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Mattel filed a lawsuit in 2004 in the U.S. against Barbara Anderson-Walley, a Canadian business owner whose nickname is ''Barbie'', over her website, which sells [[Sexual fetishism|fetish]] clothing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barbiesshop.com/news.htm|title=BarbiesShop.com News|access-date=June 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611121552/http://barbiesshop.com/news.htm|archive-date=June 11, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lawdit.co.uk/reading_room/room/view_article.asp?name=../articles/Mattel%20Loses%20Trade%20Mark%20Battle%20with.htm |title=Mattel Loses Trade Mark Battle with 'Barbie' |publisher=LawdIt UK |date=July 25, 2005 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219102401/http://www.lawdit.co.uk/reading_room/room/view_article.asp?name=..%2Farticles%2FMattel%20Loses%20Trade%20Mark%20Battle%20with.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed.<ref name=":1" />

* In 2011, [[Greenpeace]] parodied Barbie, calling on Mattel to adopt a policy for its paper purchases that would protect the rainforest. Four months later, Mattel adopted a paper sustainability policy.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/10/05/29262/mattel-breaks-asia-pulp-and-paper-after-greenpeace/| title=Mattel breaks up with Asia Pulp and Paper after Greenpeace's Barbie-based campaign| date=October 5, 2011| access-date=August 29, 2013| archive-date=December 3, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022432/http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/10/05/29262/mattel-breaks-asia-pulp-and-paper-after-greenpeace/| url-status=live}}</ref>

* ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' aired a parody of the Barbie commercials featuring "Gangsta Bitch Barbie" and "Tupac Ken".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j79/cmbeall/?action=view&current=SNL-Commercials-GangstaBitchBarbiem.flv |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716050952/http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j79/cmbeall/?action=view&current=SNL-Commercials-GangstaBitchBarbiem.flv |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |title=''Gangsta Bitch Barbie'' video |publisher=S77.photobucket.com |access-date=March 3, 2012 }}</ref> In 2002, the show also aired a skit, which starred [[Britney Spears]] as Barbie's sister [[Skipper (Barbie)|Skipper]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/dollydutson/?action=view&current=BritneySpears-SNL-InsideBarbiesDrea.flv |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722153054/http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/dollydutson/?action=view&current=BritneySpears-SNL-InsideBarbiesDrea.flv |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |title=Saturday Night Live skit &#124; Inside Barbie's Dream House |publisher=S177.photobucket.com |access-date=March 3, 2012 }}</ref>

* In November 2002, a New York judge refused an [[injunction]] against the British-based artist Susanne Pitt, who had produced a "Dungeon Barbie" doll in [[bondage (BDSM)|bondage]] clothing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Published on Friday November 8, 2002 00:00 |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1242812002 |title=The Scotsman |publisher=[[The Scotsman]] |date=November 8, 2002 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013190953/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1242812002 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* [[Aqua (band)|Aqua's]] 1997 song "[[Barbie Girl]]", which topped the charts worldwide, was the subject of the 2002 lawsuit ''[[Mattel, Inc. v. MCA Records, Inc.|Mattel v. MCA Records]]''. Mattel lost, with Judge [[Alex Kozinski]] saying that the song was a "parody and a social commentary".<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2150432.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | title=Barbie loses battle over bimbo image | date=July 25, 2002 | access-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-date=March 13, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313185049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2150432.stm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.purelyrics.com/index.php?lyrics=fhjpacrk |title=Aqua Barbie Girl lyrics |publisher=Purelyrics.com |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629231234/http://purelyrics.com/index.php?lyrics=fhjpacrk |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

* Two commercials by automobile company [[Nissan]] featuring dolls similar to Barbie and Ken was the subject of another lawsuit in 1997. In the first commercial, a female doll is lured into a car by a doll resembling [[G.I. Joe]] to the dismay of a Ken-like doll, accompanied by [[Van Halen]]'s "[[You Really Got Me#Van Halen version|You Really Got Me]]".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI2L82eUoJU "1990's Nissan 300ZX Commercial"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416095624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI2L82eUoJU |date=April 16, 2016 }} ''[[YouTube]]'' April 25, 2010</ref> In the second commercial, the "Barbie" doll is saved by the "G.I. Joe" doll after she is accidentally knocked into a swimming pool by the "Ken" doll to [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]]'s "Calling Dr. Love".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuoUD9fOk5U "Nissan Toys 2 Barbie Ken Commercial" ''youtube''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417000524/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuoUD9fOk5U |date=April 17, 2016 }} April 25, 2010</ref> The makers of the commercial said that the dolls' names were Roxanne, Nick and Tad. Mattel claimed that the commercial did "irreparable damage" to its products,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/20/business/mattel-sues-nissan-over-tv-commercial.html |title=Mattel Sues Nissan Over TV Commercial |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 20, 1997 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524104634/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/20/business/mattel-sues-nissan-over-tv-commercial.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20031119231723/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424993/19970924/aqua.jhtml After Aqua, Mattel goes after Car Ad] [[MTV.com]] September 24, 1997</ref><!--<ref>{{Cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwMG7ifuTjQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/bwMG7ifuTjQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Nissan G.I. Joe Steals Barbie Commercial|date=February 2, 2006|work=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> – rm copyvio --> but <!--lost the copyright infringement lawsuit-->settled.<ref>[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BATTLEGROUND+BARBIE%3a+WHEN+COPYRIGHTS+CLASH.(News)-a083824028 Battleground Barbie: When Copyrights Clash] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021184125/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BATTLEGROUND+BARBIE:+WHEN+COPYRIGHTS+CLASH.(News)-a083824028 |date=October 21, 2012 }} Peter Hartlaub, The Los Angeles Daily News, May 31, 1998. Accessed July 3, 2009.</ref>

* In 1999, Canadian nude model Barbie Doll Benson was involved in a trademark infringement case over her ___domain name, BarbieBenson.com.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/1999/06/stripper-barbie-lawsuit-a-bust/|title=Stripper: Barbie Lawsuit a Bust|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|access-date=2020-12-31|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128000426/https://www.wired.com/1999/06/stripper-barbie-lawsuit-a-bust/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* In 1993, a group calling itself the [[Barbie Liberation Organization]] secretly modified a group of Barbie dolls by implanting voice boxes from [[G.I. Joe]] dolls, then returning the Barbies to the toy stores from where they were purchased.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sniggle.net/barbie.php |title=Barbie Liberation |publisher=Sniggle.net |date=May 23, 1996 |access-date=May 23, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110608150245/http://www.sniggle.net/barbie.php| archive-date= June 8, 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/31/us/while-barbie-talks-tough-g-i-joe-goes-shopping.html?pagewanted=all | work=[[The New York Times]] | title=While Barbie Talks Tough, G. I. Joe Goes Shopping | first=David | last=Firestone | date=December 31, 1993 | access-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-date=June 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614203120/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/31/us/while-barbie-talks-tough-g-i-joe-goes-shopping.html?pagewanted=all | url-status=live }}</ref>

* Malibu Stacy from ''[[The Simpsons]]'' 1994 episode "[[Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy]]".

* ''Savior Barbie'' refers to a satirical Instagram account. Savior Barbie is depicted as being in Africa where she runs an NGO that provides drinking water to locals and makes sure to provide footage that depicts her glorious acts of goodness. The account is likely to have inspired others such as "Hipster Barbie" and "Socality Barbie".<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://qz.com/africa/665764/instagrams-white-savior-barbie-neatly-captures-whats-wrong-with-voluntourism-in-africa/ | work=Quartz Africa | title=Instagram's White Savior Barbie neatly captures what's wrong with "voluntourism" in Africa | first=Lily | last=Kuo | date=April 20, 2016 | access-date=April 8, 2021 | archive-date=April 14, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414103603/https://qz.com/africa/665764/instagrams-white-savior-barbie-neatly-captures-whats-wrong-with-voluntourism-in-africa/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/barbiesavior/?hl=en | work=[[Instagram]] | title=Barbie Savior | first= | last= | date= | access-date=April 8, 2021 | archive-date=November 10, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110202824/https://www.instagram.com/barbiesavior/?hl=en | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Competition from Bratz dolls==

: #1 - 1959; The first Barbie doll. White irises, blue eyeliner. Has holes in feet lined with copper tubing. Body material whitens with age.

In May 2001, [[MGA Entertainment]] launched the ''[[Bratz]]'' series of dolls, a move that gave Barbie her first serious competition in the fashion doll market. In 2004, sales figures showed that Bratz dolls were outselling Barbie dolls in the United Kingdom, although [[Mattel]] maintained that in terms of the number of dolls, clothes, and accessories sold, Barbie remained the leading brand.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3640958.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | title=Bratz topple Barbie from top spot | date=September 9, 2004 | access-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-date=October 21, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021001254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3640958.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, figures showed that sales of Barbie dolls had fallen by 30% in the United States, and by 18% worldwide, with much of the drop being attributed to the popularity of Bratz dolls.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4350846.stm | work=[[BBC News]] | title=Barbie blues for toy-maker Mattel | date=October 17, 2005 | access-date=April 26, 2010 | archive-date=January 25, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125013746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4350846.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>

: #2 - 1959; same as #1, but without the copper-lined tubes in the feet.

: #3 - 1960; New blue irises and softer, curved eyebrows. Some dolls have brown eyeliner.

: #4 - 1960; Made with a new vinyl that retains its tan coloring. Blue eyeliner only.

: #5 - 1961; New, firmer hair texture. Lighter in weight due to a hollow torso.

: #6 - 1961; Same as #5, but has a slightly "chubbier" face. Came wearing a new red swimsuit.

: #7 & #8; Same as #6, with a different texture to the bangs.

In December 2006, Mattel sued MGA Entertainment for $1 billion, alleging that Bratz creator [[Carter Bryant]] was working for Mattel when he developed the idea for ''Bratz''.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Barbie sues Bratz for $1bn|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2601442/Barbie-sues-Bratz-for-1bn.html|work = [[The Daily Telegraph]]|___location = London|date = August 22, 2008|access-date = December 7, 2015|archive-date = December 11, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151211041241/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2601442/Barbie-sues-Bratz-for-1bn.html|url-status = live}}</ref> On July 17, 2008, a federal jury agreed that the Bratz line was created by Carter Bryant while he was working for Mattel and that MGA and its chief executive officer [[Isaac Larian]] were liable for converting Mattel property for their own use and intentionally interfering with the contractual duties owed by Bryant to Mattel.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/business/18toy.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin |title= Jury rules for Mattel in Bratz doll case |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 18, 2008 |access-date=December 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150623085951/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/business/18toy.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin| archive-date=June 23, 2015| url-status= live}}</ref> On August 26, the jury found that Mattel would have to be paid $100 million in damages. On December 3, 2008, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson banned MGA from selling Bratz. He allowed the company to continue selling the dolls until the winter holiday season ended.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Barbie beats back Bratz |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/12/04/news/companies/bratz_dolls.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008120406 |publisher=[[CNN Money]] |date=December 4, 2008 |access-date=December 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081207083628/https://money.cnn.com/2008/12/04/news/companies/bratz_dolls.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008120406| archive-date= December 7, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=David |last=Colker |title=Bad day for the Bratz in L.A. court |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/12/bad-day-for-the.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 4, 2008 |access-date=December 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081207034354/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/12/bad-day-for-the.html| archive-date= December 7, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On appeal, a stay was granted by the [[U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit]]; the Court also overturned the District Court's original ruling for Mattel, where MGA Entertainment was ordered to forfeit the entire ''Bratz'' brand.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1678979/US/Court.throws.out.Mattel.win.over.Bratz.doll |title=Court throws out Mattel win over Bratz doll |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=July 22, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724024113/http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wxxi/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1678979/US/Court.throws.out.Mattel.win.over.Bratz.doll |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>[http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2010/07/22/09-55673.pdf ''Mattel Inc. v. MGA Entertainment, Inc.''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731162937/http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2010/07/22/09-55673.pdf |date=July 31, 2010 }}, no. 09-55763 (9th Cir. Jul 22, 2010)</ref>

''Timeless Treasures&#8482;'' - A Collector Edition line featuring celebrity and character dolls.

[[Mattel|Mattel Inc.]] and [[MGA Entertainment|MGA Entertainment Inc.]] returned to court on January 18, 2011, to renew their battle over who owns ''Bratz'', which this time included accusations from both companies that the other side stole trade secrets.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://latimes.com/business/la-fi-0119-bratz-trial-20110118,0,28631.story | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | first=Andrea | last=Chang | date=January 18, 2011 | title=Mattel, MGA renew fight over Bratz dolls in court | archive-date=January 19, 2011 | access-date=December 12, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119230236/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-0119-bratz-trial-20110118,0,28631.story | url-status=live }}</ref> On April 21, 2011, a federal jury returned a verdict supporting MGA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/04/21/federal-jury-says-mga-not-mattel-owns-bratz-copyri/|title=Federal jury says MGA, not Mattel, owns Bratz copyright|access-date=April 22, 2011|publisher=Southern California Public Radio|archive-date=January 13, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113050909/http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/04/21/federal-jury-says-mga-not-mattel-owns-bratz-copyri/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 5, 2011, Mattel was also ordered to pay MGA $310 million for attorney fees, stealing trade secrets, and false claims rather than the $88.5 million issued in April.<ref name="Los Angeles Times">{{Cite news|last=Chang|first=Andrea|title=Mattel must pay MGA $310 million in Bratz case|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-aug-05-la-fi-mattel-bratz-20110805-story.html|access-date=August 5, 2011|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 5, 2011|archive-date=September 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907022424/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-aug-05-la-fi-mattel-bratz-20110805-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Twist 'N Turn Waist'' - A waist with a rotational joint, originally introduced in 1966. Many variations of this original design have been used.

In August 2009, MGA introduced a range of dolls called [[Moxie Girlz]], intended as a replacement for Bratz dolls.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Mae |last=Anderson |title=Bratz maker introduces new doll line |url=http://www.newsday.com/bratz-maker-introduces-new-doll-line-1.1343720 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=August 3, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |archive-date=August 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804205321/http://www.newsday.com/bratz-maker-introduces-new-doll-line-1.1343720 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Vintage'' - Dolls produced before 1972 are generally considered to be "vintage."

==Effects on body image==

''Modern'' - Dolls produced after 1972.

From the start, some have complained that "the blonde, plastic doll conveyed an unrealistic body image to girls."<ref>Ziobro, "Mattel to Add Curvy, Petite, Tall Barbies: Sales of the doll have fallen at double-digit rate for past eight quarters". ''The Wall Street Journal''. January 28, 2016.</ref>

Criticisms of Barbie are often centered around concerns that children consider Barbie a role model and will attempt to emulate her. One of the most common criticisms of Barbie is that she promotes an unrealistic idea of body image for a young woman, leading to a risk that girls who attempt to emulate her will become [[anorexia nervosa|anorexic]]. Unrealistic body proportions in Barbie dolls have been connected to some [[eating disorders]] in children.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Dittmar|first1=Helga|last2=Halliwell|first2=Emma|last3=Ive|first3=Suzanne|date=2006|title=Does Barbie make girls want to be thin? The effect of experimental exposure to images of dolls on the body image of 5- to 8-year-old girls|journal=Developmental Psychology|volume=42|issue=2|pages=283–292|doi=10.1037/0012-1649.42.2.283|issn=0012-1649|pmid=16569167}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Brownell|first1=Kelly D.|last2=Napolitano|first2=Melissa A.|date=1995|title=Distorting reality for children: Body size proportions of Barbie and Ken dolls|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1098-108X%28199511%2918%3A3%3C295%3A%3AAID-EAT2260180313%3E3.0.CO%3B2-R|journal=International Journal of Eating Disorders|language=en|volume=18|issue=3|pages=295–298|doi=10.1002/1098-108X(199511)18:3<295::AID-EAT2260180313>3.0.CO;2-R|pmid=8556027|issn=1098-108X|url-access=subscription|archive-date=July 9, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182748/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1098-108X(199511)18:3%3C295::AID-EAT2260180313%3E3.0.CO;2-R|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2008-03-01|title=Why Barbie feels heavier than Ken: The influence of size-based expectancies and social cues on the illusory perception of weight|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010027707001424|journal=Cognition|language=en|volume=106|issue=3|pages=1109–1125|doi=10.1016/j.cognition.2007.05.009|issn=0010-0277|last1=Dijker|first1=Anton J.M.|pmid=17599820|s2cid=26233026|url-access=subscription|archive-date=July 9, 2021|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181742/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010027707001424|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Anschutz|first1=Doeschka J.|last2=Engels|first2=Rutger C. M. E.|date=2010-11-01|title=The Effects of Playing with Thin Dolls on Body Image and Food Intake in Young Girls|url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-010-9871-6|journal=Sex Roles|language=en|volume=63|issue=9|pages=621–630|doi=10.1007/s11199-010-9871-6|issn=1573-2762|pmc=2991547|pmid=21212808|archive-date=September 30, 2023|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930181601/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-010-9871-6|url-status=live}}</ref>

''NRFB'' - Stands for "Never Removed From Box." Indicates that a doll is undisturbed in its original, un-opened packaging.

A standard Barbie doll is {{convert|11.5|in|cm}} tall, giving a height of {{convert|5|ft|9|in}} at 1/6 scale. Barbie's vital statistics have been estimated at {{convert|36|inches|cm}} (chest), {{convert|18|inches|cm}} (waist) and {{convert|33|inches|cm}} (hips). According to research by the University Central Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, she would lack the 17 to 22 percent body fat required for a woman to [[Menstrual cycle|menstruate]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 6, 2009|title=What would a real life Barbie look like?|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7920962.stm|website=[[BBC News]]|access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> In 1963, the outfit "Barbie Baby-Sits" came with a book titled ''How to Lose Weight'' which advised: "Don't eat!"<ref name="autogenerated1959">{{Cite book|title=Barbie Doll Fashion: 1959–1967|last=Eames|first=Sarah Sink|publisher=Collector Books|year=1990|isbn=0-89145-418-7|url=https://archive.org/details/barbiedollfashio00eame}}</ref> The same book was included in another ensemble called "Slumber Party" in 1965 along with a pink bathroom scale permanently set at {{convert|110|lb|kg}},<ref name="autogenerated1959" /> which would be underweight for a woman {{convert|5|ft|9|in}} tall.<ref>M.G. Lord, ''Forever Barbie'', Chapter 11 {{ISBN|0-8027-7694-9}}</ref> Mattel said that the waist of the Barbie doll was made small because the waistbands of her clothes, along with their seams, snaps, and zippers, added bulk to her figure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/b/barbie_doll/index.html|title=Barbie (Doll) – Times Topics|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|date=October 21, 2010|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=February 16, 2012|archive-date=November 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125202521/http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/b/barbie_doll/index.html?|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1997, Barbie's body mold was redesigned and given a wider waist, with Mattel saying that this would make the doll better suited to contemporary fashion designs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/32312.stm|title=Barbie undergoes plastic surgery|date=November 18, 1997|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=April 26, 2010|archive-date=December 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211173157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/32312.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7920962.stm|title=What would a real life Barbie look like?|last=Winterman|first=Denise|date=March 6, 2009|access-date=May 23, 2011|work=[[BBC News]]|archive-date=October 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023041311/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7920962.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

''MIB'' - Stands for "Mint in Box." Indicates that a doll is in perfect, like-new condition, and is still housed in its original box, but the box has been opened and the doll may have been removed at some point.

In 2016, Mattel introduced a range of new body types: 'tall', 'petite', and 'curvy', releasing them exclusively as part of the Barbie Fashionistas line. 'Curvy Barbie' received a great deal of media attention<ref name="Bates">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35670446|title=How does 'Curvy Barbie' compare with an average woman?|last=Bates|first=Claire|date=2016-03-03|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=2018-04-19|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/jan/28/curvy-barbie-is-it-the-end-of-the-road-for-the-thigh-gap|title=Curvy Barbie: is it the end of the road for the thigh gap?|last=Cartner-Morley|first=Jess|date=2016-01-28|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-wosk/the-new-curvy-barbie-dolls-what-they-tell-us-about-being-overweight_b_9193136.html|title=The New Curvy Barbie Dolls: What They Tell Us About Being Overweight|last=Wosk|first=Julie|date=2016-02-12|website=[[Huffington Post]]|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223171550/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-wosk/the-new-curvy-barbie-dolls-what-they-tell-us-about-being-overweight_b_9193136.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and even made the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine with the headline "Now Can We Stop Talking About My Body?".<ref name="Barbie's Got a New Body">{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/barbie-new-body-cover-story/|title=Barbie's Got a New Body|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812210231/https://time.com/barbie-new-body-cover-story/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the curvy doll's body shape being equivalent to a US size 4 in clothing,<ref name="Bates" /> some children reportedly regarded her as "fat".<ref name="Barbie's Got a New Body" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thisisinsider.com/allison-kimmey-curvy-barbie-body-positive-lesson-2018-3|title=A mom found her daughter's 'curvy Barbie' in the trash — and used it to teach her a lesson about body diversity|last=Ahlgrim|first=Callie|work=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420074222/http://www.thisisinsider.com/allison-kimmey-curvy-barbie-body-positive-lesson-2018-3|url-status=live}}</ref>

''A/O'' - "All original." Indicates that a doll is exactly as it was when it was originally left the factory, with no restoration work having been done to it.

Although Barbie had been criticized for its unrealistic-looking "tall and petite" dolls, the company has been offering more dolls set to more realistic standards in order to help promote a positive body image.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90511123/a-woman-wondered-what-barbies-would-look-like-in-quarantine-her-answer-is-amazing|title=A woman wondered what Barbies would look like in quarantine. Her answer is amazing|work=Fast Company|access-date=2020-12-31|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122070923/https://www.fastcompany.com/90511123/a-woman-wondered-what-barbies-would-look-like-in-quarantine-her-answer-is-amazing|url-status=live}}</ref>

''M/C'' - "Mint and complete." An outfit in perfect, just-out-of-the box condition with all pieces and accessories included.

<gallery>

== Timeline ==

File:Barbieswaistwidens.jpg|{{center|Barbie's waist has been widened in more recent versions of the doll.}}

: '''1958''': Ruth Handler develops the idea of Barbie.

File:How to lose weight II.JPG|{{center|Back cover of the vintage booklet titled ''How to Lose Weight'', stating "Don't Eat!"}}

: '''1959''': Barbie debuts. The vintage era of Barbie begins.

File:Barbie bathroom scale.jpg|{{center|Bathroom scale from 1965, permanently set at {{convert|110|lb|kg}}}}

: '''1960''': Barbie dolls number 3 and 4 are released.

</gallery>

: '''1961''': Number 5 is released featuring different hair colors. Enchanted Evening debuts. Barbie boyfriend Ken debuts.

: '''1963''': Fashion Queen Barbie debuts with three interchangeable wigs. Barbie soon-to-be best friend, Midge, is introduced.

: '''1964''': Barbie is marketed in a pink swimsuit. Barbie doll eyes open and close. Skipper, Barbie's little sister, is introduced.

: '''1965''': Barbie "American Girl" is introduced. Fashions inspired by the First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy are marketed. More lifelike with legs that bend. Miss Astronaut is introduced.

: '''1966''': Color Magic Barbie debuts. Lunch on the Terrace, Pretty as a Picture, and Shimmering Magic are marketed. Barbie&#8217;s cousin Francie introduced. Barbie&#8217;s little sister and brother, twins Tutti and Todd, debuts.

: '''1967''': Twist &#8216;N Turn Barbie is introduced. Fashion Shiner and Braniff Boarding Outfit are marketed. Colored Francie appears.

: '''1968''': Barbie speaks for the first time (English and Spanish). Six different phrases are said, including "I have a date tonight", "I love being a fashion model", and "Let's have a costume party."

: '''1969''': Ken is reintroduced with muscles and a new head, knees that bend, and the ability to speak.

: '''1970''': Living Barbie is introduced. She has elbows, knees, and ankles that bend. Her head, waist, arms, hands, and legs swivel.

: '''1971''': Malibu Barbie debuts. Growin&#8217; Pretty Hair Barbie debuts. Barbie doll's demure side-glancing eyes now look straight ahead.

: '''1972''': This is the year that the modern era of Barbie begins. Walk-Lively Barbie and Talking Busy Barbie are introduced. Talking Busy Barbie can communicate. Talking Busy Barbie has rotating wrists and hands can hold accessories.

: '''1973''': Quick Curl Barbie is introduced. Ken doll's hair comes with straight or curly hair and a removable beard, sideburns and two moustaches.

: '''1974''': Barbie turns sixteen. A section of Times Square in New York City is renamed Barbie Boulevard for a week.

: '''1975''': Barbie Olympic skier, gymnast and skater are marketed poseable with a "gold" medal. Barbie Get-Ups 'N Go new careers as a doctor, surgical nurse, ballerina and a flight attendant. Barbie Dream Boat is introduced.

: '''1976''': Ballerina Barbie debuts. Barbie of the Century for the bicentennial celebration is dressed in a red, white, and blue dress. Her red skirt is decorated with the American flag. A line of revolutionary soldiers in uniform are also supplied.

: '''1977''': SuperStar Barbie is introduced. Eighteen inches (457 mm) tall Super Size Barbie debuts. Barbie and Ken have new bent arms and extra-poseable heads. "Pierced" earrings reappear, and dolls get rings for the first time.

: '''1978''': SuperStar Barbie gets the SuperStar Stage Show. Fashion Photo Barbie has photo shoots posing on a modeling stand.

: '''1979''': Pretty Changes Barbie debuts.

: '''1980''': Black Barbie, Hispanic Barbie, and the International Collection are marketed. The International Collection initially including Italian Barbie, Parisian Barbie, and Royal U.K. Barbie. The first Barbie doll convention is held.

: '''1981''': Western Barbie doll goes country with Westward Ho and Classic Cowgirl. Dallas, her palomino horse, debuts.

: '''1982''': Pink & Pretty Barbie debuts. Black Magic Curl Barbie debuts. Eskimo Barbie and India Barbie are added to the International Collection.

: '''1983''': Twirly Curls Barbieis marketed. Dream Date Barbie dates Ken. Angel Face Barbie has her own makeup line. Swedish Barbie and Spanish Barbie are added to the International Collection.

: '''1984''': Barbie doll's 25th Anniversary. Barbie & Ken Day is declared by New York Mayor [[Ed Koch]]. Tiffany's creates a sterling silver Barbie doll. The International Collection becomes the Dolls of the World Collection. Swiss Barbie and Irish Barbie are introduced.

: '''1985''': Day-to-Night Barbie debuts. [[Andy Warhol]] releases his Barbie painting. Barbie doll exhibition finishes its travels from France and nine U.S. cities.

: '''1986''': Barbie joins a band, The Rockers. Dream Glow Fashions that glow in the dark is marketed. Blue Rhapsody Barbie is introduced. It is the first Limited Edition collector Barbie doll. It is the first porcelain doll. Astronaut Barbie travels to space. Peruvian Barbie and Greek Barbie debut.

: '''1987''': Barbie's wild Concert Tour fashions take a cue from pop star Madonna. The World Collection adds Icelandic Barbie and German Barbie.

: '''1988''': The Happy Holidays Series debuts. Benefit Performance 1967 Barbie is added to the Limited Edition porcelain dolls. Mardis Gras Barbie debuts. Canadian Barbie and Korean Barbie are introduced.

: '''1989''': Barbie doll's 30th Anniversary. 1200 Pink Jubilee Barbie are given to invitation-only attendees. Army Barbie is marketed.

: '''1990''': Sophisticated Lady Barbie is added to the Limited Edition Porcelain Collection. Bob Mackie Gold Barbie is introduced with over 5,000 golden sequins and beads. It is Dolls magazine's "1990 Award of Excellence" and Doll Reader magazine's "Doty Doll of the Year Award." Air Force Barbie debuts. Nigerian Barbie and Brazilian Barbie join the Dolls of the World.

: '''1991''': Starlight Splendor Barbie and Platinum Barbie are added to the long line. Navy Barbie doll is introduced. Gay Parisienne Barbie doll is marketed. Czechoslovakian Barbie debuts.

: '''1992''': Stacie is introduced. Marine Corps Barbie debuts. Barbie store opens at [[FAO Schwarz]] in New York. Crystal Rhapsody Barbie debuts is the first mail-order Barbie doll. It is part of the Presidential Porcelain Barbie Collection. Neptune Fantasy Barbie and Empress Bride Barbie are marketed. Benefit Ball Barbie of the Classique Collection is introduced.

: '''1993''': 1920s Flapper Barbie and Gibson Girl Barbie of the Great Eras Collection are introduced. The First Edition Native American Barbie debuts and is added to the World Collection. The Masquerade Ball Barbie debuts.

: '''1994''': Barbie doll&#8217;s 35th Anniversary. Mattel reproduces the original number 1 Barbie. Limited Edition Jubilee Barbie is introduced and only 5,000 were made for domestic distribution. Kenyan Barbie and Chinese Barbie join Dolls of the World. Hollywood Legends Collection begins with as Scarlet O' Hara Barbie. Queen of Hearts Barbie is marketed.

: '''1995''': Mattel&#8217;s 50th Anniversary. Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Barbie is released. Kelly is introduced. The second doll in the Hollywood Legends Collection with Dorothy Barbie from The Wizard of Oz is introduced. Goddess of the Sun Barbie debuts. Rapunzel Barbie debuts as part of the new Children&#8217;s Collector Series.

: '''1996''': Barbie web site is available. Moon Goddess Barbie debuts. Barbie Millicent Roberts Collection debuts. Limited Edition Vintage Reproduction Poodle Parade Barbie is introduced. Hollywood Legends Collection features Barbie as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

: '''1997''': Harley-Davidson Barbie, a Toys 'R Us and Harley-Davidson dealership exclusive, debuts. Official Barbie Collector&#8217;s Club debuts. Marilyn Barbie is added to the Hollywood Legends Collection. Grand Premier Barbie doll, the first doll for club members only is marketed. Limelight Barbie is introduced. Billions of Dreams Barbie debuts. Classic Ballet Series with Sugar Plum Fairy Barbie.

: '''1998''': Sunflower Barbie, second in the Artist Series, is marketed. Happy Holidays Barbie doll series ends. Timeless Sentiments Collection is introduced with the Angel of Joy Barbie. Nolan Miller's Sheer Illusion Barbie and Vera Wang's bridal gown Barbie debut. Harley-Davidson Barbie #2 is released. [[Elizabeth Taylor]] endorses first approved doll in her likeness. One of a kind "Dream Halloween" [[CAAF]] auction doll depicting Miss Taylor at the 1954 [[Oscars]] ceremony designed by [[Anne Zielinski-Old]] sells to [[Demi Moore]] for ground breaking $25000.00. Collectible vinyl production dolls depicting "Cleopatra" and "Father of the Bride" follow. [http://www.annezielinski-old.com/html/interview.html]

: '''1999''': Silken Flame Barbie doll selected as a 1960s lifestyle for the U.S. Postal Service's Celebrate the Century&#8482; stamp series. Le Papillon&#8482; Barbie and Crystal Jubilee Barbie debuts. Barbie doll's 40th Anniversary. New face sculpting is used on Coca-Cola Barbie, NASCAR Official #94 Barbie, and Barbie in the Barbie and Kenny Country Duet Set. Collector Edition 40th Anniversary Barbie is released. Gala Edition 40th Anniversary Barbie has a very Limited Edition of 20,000 dolls which are given to Toy Fair Gala attendees. The ''"Art of Barbie"'' event and exhibition is held in [[London]] to commemorate her anniversary, raising funds for the [[Elton John AIDS Foundation]] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/546312.stm]. The release of "Heartstring Angel", "[[Todd Oldham]]", and "Western Plains Barbie" all designed by Anne Zielinski-Old.

: '''2000''': Barbie for President debuts. Limited Edition dolls production is reduced to quantities of 35,000 or less. Barbie celebrates the year 2000! Barbie 2000, Millennium Wedding&#8482;, and Sydney 2000&#8482; Olympic Pin Collector become part of the Most Collectible Doll In The World series. Hollywood Movie Star&#8482; Collection with Barbie as part of the Golden Age of Hollywood is marketed. Barbie Fashion Model Collection debuts. Barbie Silkstone&#8482; is introduced in this Collection; the distinctive pose and attitude for the new doll was designed by Anne Zielinski-Old [http://www.annezielinski-old.com/html/interview.html], from a 3D digital mannequin earlier developed at the [[Royal College of Art]] for a "Virtual Catwalk" [http://www.patricold.com/Images/vogue.jpg]. Barbie debuts with the belly button.

: '''2001''': The Cher Barbie doll debuts. Jeannie Barbie From I Dream of Jeannie&#8482; and The Munsters&#8482; Barbie Lily and Ken Herman Munster are introduced.

: '''2003''': Saudi Arabia's "[[Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice]]" (the muttawa or "religious police") declares that Barbie's provocative clothing is offensive to [[Islam]]. The doll is already banned in the kingdom as a "Jewish" toy, but are available as contraband. "Jewish Barbie dolls, with their revealing clothes and shameful postures, accessories and tools are a symbol of decadence to the perverted West. Let us beware of her dangers and be careful."

: '''2005''': Mattel expands the Barbie ___domain with the introduction of a high-end "Barbie Luxe" designer line of clothing and accessories for adult women. Included: jeans, shirts, handbags and jewelry designed by well-knowned fashion designers. US sales of Barbie "crashed by 30%, and world sales by 18%" [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4350846.stm].

==="Barbie Trivia syndrome"===

"Barbie syndrome" is a term that has been used to depict the desire to have a physical [[Human physical appearance|appearance]] and lifestyle representative of the Barbie doll. It is most often associated with pre-teenage and [[Adolescence|adolescent]] girls but is applicable to any age group or gender. A person with Barbie syndrome attempts to emulate the doll's physical appearance, even though the doll has unattainable body proportions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lind |first=Amy |title=Battleground: Women, Gender, and Sexuality |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |date=2008}}</ref> This syndrome is seen as a form of [[body dysmorphic disorder]] and results in various eating disorders as well as an obsession with cosmetic surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rosen|first1=David S.|last2=Adolescence|first2=the Committee on|date=2010-12-01|title=Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents|journal=Pediatrics|language=en|volume=126|issue=6|pages=1240–1253|doi=10.1542/peds.2010-2821|issn=0031-4005|pmid=21115584|doi-access=free}}</ref>

* In [[Sweden]], more Barbie dolls have been sold than the country's current population.

* There is a gene in the Drosophila fruit-fly called the "ken and barbie" gene (abbreviated ''ken''). When this gene is absent, the flies form without external genitalia.

Ukrainian model [[Valeria Lukyanova]] has received attention from the press, due in part to her appearance having been modified based on the physique of Barbie.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.inquisitr.com/224402/valeria-lukyanova-model-seeks-to-be-real-life-barbie-doll-photos/ |title=Valeria Lukyanova: Model Seeks to Be Real-Life Barbie Doll |date=April 23, 2012 |website=Inquisitr.com |access-date=August 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208192925/http://www.inquisitr.com/224402/valeria-lukyanova-model-seeks-to-be-real-life-barbie-doll-photos/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Valeria Lukyanova & Another Real Life Barbie Doll, Olga Oleynik, Come to America |date=December 10, 2012 |url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/10329/20121210/valeria-lukyanova-another-real-life-barbie-doll-olga-oleynik-come-to-america-photos.htm |website=EnStarz.com |access-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423012853/https://www.enstarz.com/articles/10329/20121210/valeria-lukyanova-another-real-life-barbie-doll-olga-oleynik-come-to-america-photos.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> She stated that she has only had breast implants and relies heavily on make up and contacts to alter her appearance.<ref name="Women's">{{Cite news|url=https://women-s.net/barbie-doll-syndrome/|title=The Barbie Doll Syndrome: Why Girls Are Becoming Obsessed with Unrealistic Curvy Bodies {{!}} Women's|date=2018-01-13|work=Women's|access-date=2018-04-27|language=en-US|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428181534/https://women-s.net/barbie-doll-syndrome/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Similarly, [[Lacey Wildd]], an American reality television personality frequently referred to as "Million Dollar Barbie", has also undergone 12 breast augmentation surgeries to become "the extreme Barbie".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2014/07/02/barbie-mom-36-surgeries-6-kids/|title=Mom Of 6 Has 36 Surgeries To Look Like A Barbie Doll — Did It Work?|last=Intern|first=HL|date=2014-07-02|work=[[Hollywood Life]]|access-date=2018-04-27|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315125253/http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/07/02/barbie-mom-36-surgeries-6-kids/|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* In [[The Simpsons]], there is a parody of Barbie called [[Fictional_characters_within_The_Simpsons#Malibu_Stacy|Malibu Stacy]].

* Barbie doll has lots of famous friends; Mattel has produced many [[celebrity doll]]s throughout the years.

[[Jessica Alves]], prior to coming out as transgender, underwent over £373,000 worth of cosmetic procedures to match the appearance of Barbie's male counterpart, garnering her the nickname the "Human Ken Doll". These procedures have included multiple nose jobs, six pack ab implants, a buttock lift, and hair and chest implants.<ref name="Women's"/> Sporting the same nickname, [[Justin Jedlica]], the American businessman, has also received multiple cosmetic surgeries to enhance his Ken-like appearance.

* Several years ago, it was estimated that if every Barbie ever sold were laid end to end, the dolls would circle the world seven times.

*Barbies measurements, if she were life size, are 39-22-33

In 2006, researchers Helga Dittmar, Emma Halliwell, and Suzanne Ive conducted an experiment testing how dolls, including Barbie, affect self-image in young girls. Dittmar, Halliwell, and Ive gave picture books to girls age 5–8, one with photos of Barbie and the other with photos of Emme, a doll with more realistic physical features. The girls were then asked about their ideal body size. Their research found that the girls who were exposed to the images of Barbie had significantly lower self-esteem than the girls who had photos of Emme.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Dittmar|first=Helga|date=2006|title=Does Barbie Make Girls Want to Be Thin? The Effect of Experimental Exposure to Images of Dolls on the Body Image of 5- to 8-Year-Old Girls|url=http://willettsurvey.org/TMSTN/Gender/DoesBarbieMakeGirlsWantToBeThin.pdf|journal=Developmental Psychology|volume=42|issue=2|pages=283–292|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216120203/http://www.willettsurvey.org/TMSTN/Gender/DoesBarbieMakeGirlsWantToBeThin.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2018|url-status=dead|doi=10.1037/0012-1649.42.2.283 |pmid=16569167}}</ref> However, [[Benjamin Radford]] noted that the answer may not be this simple since this research also showed that the age of the girl was a significant factor in the influence the doll had on her self esteem.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Radford|first=Benjamin|date=2023|title=American Beauty:Idolizing Barbie-or Not|url=https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/barbie-beauty-bully-or-both/|journal=Center for Inquiry|archive-date=July 25, 2023|access-date=August 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725233200/https://centerforinquiry.org/blog/barbie-beauty-bully-or-both/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notable designers ==

* [[Kitty Black Perkins]], creator of the First Black Barbie.

* [[Carol Spencer]], Barbie fashion designer from 1963 to 1999.

* [[Bob Mackie]], guest designer for Barbie.

* [[Byron Lars]], guest designer for Barbie.

==See also==

* [[DungeonCreatable BarbieWorld]]

* [[Lammily]] – a [[Crowdfunding|crowd funded]] alternative developed by Nickolay Lamm

*[[Barbie syndrome]]

* [[List of Barbie animated films]]

* [[List of Barbie video games]]

* [[Sindy]]

* ''[[Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story]]''

* ''[[The Most Popular Girls in School]]''

* [[Totally Hair Barbie]]

* [[My Scene]]

* [[The Marvelous World of Shani]]

==Notes==

{{Notelist}}

==References==

{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* Best, Joel. "Too Much Fun: Toys as Social Problems and the Interpretation of Culture", ''Symbolic Interaction'' 21#2 (1998), pp.&nbsp;197–212. DOI: 10.1525/si.1998.21.2.197 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/si.1998.21.2.197 in JSTOR]

* Lord, M.G., ''Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll''. Paperback ISBN 0802776949.

* {{Cite book | author=BillyBoy*|author-link=BillyBoy* | title= Barbie: Her Life & Times| year=1987 | publisher=Crown| isbn=978-0-517-59063-8 }}

* Rogers, Mary F., "Barbie Culture". Paperback ISBN 0761958886.

* Cox, Don Richard. "Barbie and her playmates." ''Journal of Popular Culture'' 11#2 (1977): 303–307.

* Knaak, Silke., "German Fashion Dolls of the 50&60". Paperback www.barbies.de.

* Forman-Brunell, Miriam. "Barbie in" LIFE": The Life of Barbie." ''Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth'' 2#3 (2009): 303-311. [http://muse.jhu.edu/article/316618 online]

* Beckham, Victoria (Foreword), John, Elton (Foreword), ''The Art of Barbie''. Paperback ISBN 0953747921

* {{Cite book | last=Gerber | first=Robin | title=Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her | year=2009 | publisher=Collins Business| isbn=978-0-06-134131-1 | url=https://archive.org/details/barbieruthstoryo0000gerb }}

* Essays, ''Guys'n'dolls: Art, Science, Fashion & Relationships.'' Paperback ISBN 0948723572

* Karniol, Rachel, Tamara Stuemler-Cohen, and Yael Lahav-Gur. "Who Likes Bratz? The Impact of Girls’ Age and Gender Role Orientation on Preferences for Barbie Versus Bratz." ''Psychology & Marketing'' 29#11 (2012): 897-906.

* Knaak, Silke, "German Fashion Dolls of the 50&60". Paperback www.barbies.de.

* {{Cite book | last=Lord | first=M. G. | title=Forever Barbie: the unauthorized biography of a real doll | year=2004 | publisher=[[Walker & Co.]] | ___location=New York | isbn=978-0-8027-7694-5 }}

* {{Cite book | editor1-last=Plumb | editor1-first=Suzie | title=Guys 'n' Dolls: Art, Science, Fashion and Relationships | year=2005 | publisher=Royal Pavilion, Art Gallery & Museums | isbn=0-948723-57-2 }}

* {{Cite book | last=Rogers | first=Mary Ann | title=Barbie culture | year=1999 | publisher=SAGE Publications | ___location=London | isbn=0-7619-5888-6 | url=https://archive.org/details/barbieculture00roge }}

* Sherman, Aurora M., and Eileen L. Zurbriggen. "'Boys can be anything': Effect of Barbie play on girls’ career cognitions." ''Sex roles'' 70.5-6 (2014): 195-208. [http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/49768/ShermanAuroraPsychologicalScienceBoysCanBeAnything.pdf?sequence=1 online]

* {{Cite book | last=Singleton | first=Bridget | title=The Art of Barbie | year=2000 | publisher=Vision On | ___location=London | isbn=0-9537479-2-1 }}

* Weissman, Kristin Noelle. ''Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: An Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture'' (1999).

* Wepman, Dennis. "Handler, Ruth" ''American National Biography'' (2000) [https://doi.org/10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.1002288 online]

== External links ==

{{Commons category}}

=== General ===

* {{official website}}

* [http://www.barbie.com/ Official Barbie website by Mattel]

<!-- Per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->

* [http://www.barbiecollector.com Official Barbie Collector website by Mattel]

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* ''[[St. Petersburg Times]] Floridian'': [http://www.sptimes.com/2005/05/15/Floridian/The_doll_that_has_eve.shtml "The doll that has everything – almost"], an article by Susan Taylor Martin about the "Muslim Barbie"

* ''[[USA Today]]'': [https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-10-16-influential-people_x.htm Barbie at number 43 on the list of ''The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived'']

* ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'': [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/4014779/Doll-power-Barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-and-toy-world-dominance.html Doll power: Barbie celebrates 50th anniversary and toy world dominance]

* [[NPR|NPR Audio Report]]: [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87997519 Pretty, Plastic Barbie: Forever What We Make Her]

* [http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/40657447.html? Lawmaker Wants Barbie Banned in W.Va.; Local Residents Quickly React] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227065852/http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/40657447.html |date=February 27, 2014 }} March 3, 2009

* ''[[New York Times]]'': [https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/23/garden/barbie-doll-icon-or-sexist-symbol.html?pagewanted=1 Barbie: Doll, Icon Or Sexist Symbol?] December 23, 1987

* [http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/46470,news-comment,news-politics,in-pictures-barbie-50th- Barbie's 50th] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110110808/http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/46470,news-comment,news-politics,in-pictures-barbie-50th- |date=November 10, 2010 }} – slideshow by ''[[The First Post]]''

* ''[[BBC News]]'': [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12670950 Mattel shuts flagship Shanghai Barbie concept store] March 7, 2011

* ''[[BBC News]] 1'': [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/174836.stm Making Cindy into Barbie?] - [[BBC News]], HEALTH (21 September 1998)

* ''[[CBS News]]'': [https://web.archive.org/web/20040810081651/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/07/29/48hours/main632909.shtml Becoming Barbie: Living Dolls, Real Life Couple Are Models Of Plastic Perfection] - by Rebecca Leung (Aug. 6, 2004) [[CBS News]]

* {{Cite journal| last1=Glowka| journal=American Speech| volume=76| issue=1| date=2001| pages=79–96| url=http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/american_speech/v076/76.1glowka.html| title=Among the New Words| publisher=Project MUSE| doi=10.1215/00031283-76-1-79|display-authors=etal| url-access=subscription}}

* Anna Hart, [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/shopping-and-consumer-news/12122027/Introducing-the-new-realistic-Barbie-The-thigh-gap-has-officially-gone.html Introducing the new, realistic Barbie: 'The thigh gap has officially gone'], ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' website, January 28, 2016

{{Barbie}}

=== Other ===

{{Dolls}}

* New York Times: "''[http://davecullen.com/barbie.htm The Barbie Way of Knowledge]''" by Dave Cullen

{{Mattel}}

* Washington Times: "''[http://washingtontimes.com/world/20040102-112738-9433r.htm Religious police take after Barbie]''" by Paul Martin

{{Authority control}}

* St. Petersberg Times Floridian: "''[http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/12/Floridian/Coverup_girl.shtml Coverup girl]''" by Susan Taylor Martin

* Salon.com: "''[http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/1997/11/26harlot.html The Littlest Harlot]''" by Tracy Quan

* "''[http://www.yourappointmentwithadream.com/html/interview.html Renaissance Woman: Artist, Inventor, Developer]''" Interview with an ex-Barbie designer first published in Fashion Doll Quarterly.

* DoYouRemember.co.uk: "''[http://www.doyouremember.co.uk/memory.asp?memID=3142 Barbie memories]''" by the visitors of DoYouRemember.co.uk

* Barbie Doll Girl: "''[http://www.barbie-doll-girl.com A condensed history of Barbie]''"

* "''[http://xahlee.org/Periodic_dosage_dir/20030919_barbie.html Barbie Ethology]''" by Xah Lee.

* [http://www.shef.ac.uk/britfanfic/xPF.htm Plastic fantastic] by Tim Radley and Ostercy

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