1959-60s
In 1959, Barbie Millicent Roberts from (fictional) Willows, Wisconsin was introduced to a skeptical toy industry at the New York Toy Fair. A gallon of gas was 25 cents, the average annual wage was $5,000 and the #1 Ponytail Barbie sold for $3. Additional fashions based on the latest runway trends from Paris ranged from $1 to $5. In the first year, 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold.
REFLECTION OF THE TIMES
1950s
Barbie’s debut as the “teenage fashion model” mirrored the sophisticated glamour of 1950s stars like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Elizabeth Taylor, donning high arched brows, pursed red lips, a sassy pony tail with curly bangs and a coy, sideways glance. Even her figure was high fashion and model-esque, with pale, ivory skin, long slim legs and a narrow waist and hips. Barbie – though well known for her blonde locks – was sold as both a brunette and blonde.
The first female astronaut, Russian Valentina Tereshkova surfaced in 1963 and Barbie soon followed, celebrating the excitement of the space program while showing girls that any career is within reach. Four years later in 1969, the first American man landed on the moon.
1960s
As fast as 60s fashions evolved, so did Barbie from her famous bouffant bubble-cut hairstyle and fashions that mirrored First Lady Jackie Kennedy to the sleek hair and clothes of the multi-colored, swirling Mod era.
In 1960 Barbie sported softer looking eye makeup, a less arched eyebrow and blue irises for the first time. Also, Barbie was offered in a third hair color – “Titian”, a popular term for red hair at the time (1961).
Her long lists of “firsts” also began with the introduction of Miss Barbie who featured “sleep eyes” that opened and closed, as well as the first time Barbie had bendable legs
FAQs
Enchanting adventures await when Malibu Barbie and Brooklyn Barbie meet a horse with magical powers — and she needs their help with a mysterious mission! Watch all you want.
How old is Barbie now? ›
Barbie, formally known as “Barbara Millicent Roberts,” was born in 1959, which would technically make her 65 years old — except for the small fact that she was born as a 19-year-old. Yep, that's right: The first ever Barbie was officially 19 years old, which would make her age closer to 84 years old.
What was Barbie's real name? ›
Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Barbie was named after Ruth Handler's daughter, Barbara, and Ken after her son, Kenneth. She is from (fictional) Willows, Wisconsin, where she attended high school.
Is the Barbie movie ok for kids? ›
The movie does have adult themes, mild language and some suggestive references, but many parents have still felt comfortable taking their children and tweens to see it. The “Barbie” movie can be a great jumping off point for starting or continuing thoughtful discussions about diversity, inclusion and self-image.
Is Barbie streaming anywhere? ›
Where to Watch Barbie Online. Barbie is streaming exclusively on Max ($9.99-$19.99 monthly) and is also available to buy or rent digitally at Prime Video, Apple TV and other streaming video-on-demand platforms.
Is Barbie free on Hulu or Hulu? ›
Add Max to any Hulu plan for an additional $15.99/month. Hulu free trial available for new and eligible returning Hulu subscribers only.
How much older is Ken than Barbie? ›
Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson Jr. is a fashion doll introduced by American toy company Mattel in 1961 as the counterpart of Barbie, who had been introduced two years earlier.
Who is older Sindy or Barbie? ›
Sindy hit the shops four years after her American counterpart Barbie, in 1963. She could be said to be a little less glamorous and, perhaps, more realistic, which is potentially why Sindy is looked at more fondly by some.
Why did Barbie and Ken break up? ›
Barbie and Ken felt it was “time to spend some quality time apart” with Arons hinting that Ken's reluctance to put a ring on it may have played a part in their breakup. Still, the two swore the breakup was amicable and they would remain friends.
Who was Barbie's boyfriend? ›
Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson (1961–1967, 1969–present): Barbie's male counterpart and former boyfriend as well as the second character added to the line. Mattel announced a split between him and Barbie in 2004 and a reunion on Valentine's Day in 2011.
In the nineties and the early part of the first millennial decade, Barbie had a toddler sister named Kelly. She looked like the doll on the left, only blonde and blue-eyed. Fast-forward to the current year, and Kelly is gone. She's morphed into a little girl named Chelsea (right).
Did Barbie ever have a baby? ›
Barbie was childfree. She was invented to be that way. Her creator, Ruth Handler, way back in 1959, was disheartened to find that the only dolls her own daughter could play with were baby dolls.
Can I take my 7 year old to Barbie? ›
While these themes aren't necessarily inappropriate for most kids, they may not fully understand what the characters are implying either. There is also some talk of death and dying in the movie, which may be a little less appropriate for younger children under the age of 8.
Can men watch Barbie? ›
Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.” Barbie is for the girlies, and while men are encouraged to watch and enjoy it, I also suggest they de-centre themselves. Women are so rarely allowed to mass-enjoy culture together.
Can a 13 year old watch Barbie? ›
Barbie is and always has been a feminist icon, deal with it
First of all, yes, there are innuendos. This movie is rated pg-13 for a reason. If you brought your kid to it that's your problem. As a teenager, I can say without a doubt this movie is incredible, inspiring, and hilarious.
