How Barbie crushed Sindy (2024)

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How Barbie crushed Sindy (1)

By David Sillito

Arts Correspondent

Her 50th birthday is around the corner and she can no longer keep up with fashion. Can anyone save Sindy, the doll created to be a British rival to Barbie?

Wholesome, demure, Sindy was the fashion doll created as a British girl-next-door alternative to the rather more glamorous and sexy American Barbie. She was the UK's most popular doll with about 80% of the fashion doll market at her peak in 1985.

But time has not been kind.

Sindy has been taken to court, she has been sidelined by her racy American rivals and, when Woolworths went under in 2009, she disappeared from the British High Street altogether.

Fifty years on, Pedigree Toys, the Exeter-based company which created Sindy, can no longer keep up with the demands of fashion and is looking for a firm to take her on to see if Sindy's values can work once again with the nation's girls.

But they have not lost faith in the doll, says Jerry Reynolds, of Pedigree Toys.

"Sindy is the girl-next-door, your friend... and she's been a comfort blanket to little girls, not just in Britain but across Europe and we believe those qualities stand the test of time."

But Sindy has had a difficult time of it. In the 1960s and 70s, she had it all - the Mary Quant bob, a moped and a pony. She wore outfits that made her look as if she had just stepped out of Biba or any of the boutiques of Carnaby Street, and her image was that of the carefree girl about Swinging London.

But in the 1980s her popularity began to decline. The shoulder pads and high-gloss glamour of Barbie began to make Sindy look a bit old-fashioned. The response was a makeover that made her look more like Barbie and provoked years of legal battles. Mattel, the makers of Barbie, felt their product was being copied and in 1994 Sindy's face was changed again.

Helen Carter, an avid Sindy collector and fashion lecturer, feels it was a disaster.

"[The original Sindy] has got such a warm, friendly expression on her face, she's got side-glancing eyes. She's not challenging in any way, she's pretty, she's the English Rose.

"Whereas [1990s Sindy] has got this grin, these forward-facing eyes. She doesn't look human, she looks like an alien... she's also got the Barbie bosoms. She was taken right away from what the intrinsic Sindy values were, which is now what we hope to back to. It's really important to go back to those values."

The original decision to create a British alternative to Barbie grew out of a feeling that girls in the UK would not relate to Barbie's grown-up looks and American lifestyle.

Through the 1960s and 70s Barbie had a telephone, drove a car and had, at one point, a job as an astronaut. Sindy had a cooker that made the sound of sizzling bacon. She was also younger and, as Carter says, not quite so pneumatic.

Pedigree thinks everything changed with arrival of the TV programmes Dallas and Dynasty which helped reset children's tastes. The dolls that sold were increasingly glossy, tanned and glamorous. The remodelled Sindy of the late 1980s was made thinner, her chest bigger and her legs longer - but Barbie prevailed.

However, over the past 10 years, even Barbie has been caught out by the arrival of Bratz dolls. The American Psychological Association, in a taskforce report on the sexualisation of girls, singled out Bratz dolls for their "sexualised clothing" of "miniskirts, fishnet tights and feather boas".

So is there a market for a return to a rather more innocent Sindy?

Freelance toy designer Rachel Godfroy thinks there is.

"Talking to some of my mum friends who have girls who are six or seven years old, they are looking for something that isn't brash, which isn't tarty. They are looking for something that is wholesome and good that they can give to their daughters' friends and not think, 'Is this a bit inappropriate?'"

The problem is that what a mother wants may not be what their daughters want, and Sindy's decline has been a long one.

A joint venture with Woolworths came to an end when the firm went under in 2009 and that was the end of Sindy on the High Street. Now, three years on, Pedigree thinks it can do no more and it is looking for a company to take her on which might be able to keep her wholesome but also up to date.

"We don't really have the skills to keep up with all the fashions," says Jerry Reynolds. "If it's a retailer or a manufacturer, they have to change her clothes every year to keep up with trends."

The problem will be deciding which fashions to dress her in - ones that appeal to mothers anxious to avoid tattoos and anything too suggestive, but also looks that little girls want to spend their pocket money on to get the cash tills ringing again.

More on this story

How Barbie crushed Sindy (2024)

FAQs

What happened to the Sindy doll? ›

During the 1990s, Barbie's share of the doll market continued to grow while Sindy's diminished, which led to Sindy being delisted from major retailers in 1997. Hasbro returned the doll's licence to Pedigree, and the doll was relaunched in 1999, manufactured by Vivid Imaginations.

Who is older Sindy or Barbie? ›

When Sindy was originally launched, she was always the younger, more wholesome doll compared to American glamour-puss Barbie. Sales of Sindy have struggled in recent years, particularly when Woolworths stores closed as they'd held the exclusive licence to sell them.

What is the difference between a Barbie and Sindy dolls? ›

Sindy was believed to be created as a competitor of the Barbie doll. She was meant to be a younger, simpler version of the glamourous Barbie. Barbie was, and still is known for her more mature and beautiful looks. She also has her many furniture pieces, homes, and cars.

How can you tell Barbie from Sindy? ›

Both dolls have lots of clothes and accessories children, or collectors, can enjoy along with the dolls. One difference between Cindy and Barbie is Sindys were available in blonde or brunette as standard, Barbie, other than special edition dolls was always blonde.

Who was Sindy's boyfriend? ›

In 1965 Sindy got a boyfriend called Paul. According to the Style Guide they met at a dance and Sindy was immediately attracted to his pleasant, shy personality.

How much are old Sindy dolls worth? ›

Sindy Editions Worth Collecting.

Evidently certain editions hold a lot of sentimental value for collectors. Take for example the 1978 'Nurse Sindy' which is a popular seller, even without a box or the 1979 'Sindy Majorette' which is very rare and in boxed condition will sell for over 295$.

Who is Barbie Girl boyfriend? ›

Mattel describes Barbie as strong, confident, and always willing to help her siblings. Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson (1961–1967, 1969–present): Barbie's boyfriend and the second character added to the line. After a short break in 2004, they officially got back together in 2011.

When did Barbie get divorced? ›

Mattel confirmed that American's favorite plastic couple parted ways on Valentine's Day in 2004.

Does Barbie have a younger sister? ›

Did you know #Barbie has 3 sisters? Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea.

What age do girls stop Barbies? ›

Some kids may lose interest in dolls around the age of 5 or 6, while others may continue to play with them into their pre-teen years. There really isn't a "magic age" at which all children suddenly stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child.

How do you tell if a doll is a Sindy? ›

Markings on the back of Sindy's head provide the best clues to the age of the doll: 1974 to 1976: "033050X" in small print. 1977 to 1980: "2 GEN 1077" on raised rectangle, "033055X" beneath that. 1983 to 1985: Sindy logo on raised rectangle, "033055X" beneath that.

What doll was popular before Barbie? ›

Barbie dolls are a household name throughout the United States, and they have been for decades. Before there was Barbie, though, there was another doll called Lilli — and she was not marketed to kids at all.

What ethnicity is midge Barbie? ›

Margaret "Midge" Hadley Sherwood is a fictional doll character in the Barbie line of toys by Mattel that was first released in 1963. Midge was created at the same time as Skipper. She was marketed as Barbie's best friend.
...
Midge (Barbie)
Midge Hadley
NicknameMidge
NationalityIrish-American
5 more rows

Are Barbie and Sindy dolls the same size? ›

Pedigree, then the girls' toy division of Lines Brothers, made the first "fashion dolls", such as "Miss Debutante", long before Barbie (11.5in tall) and Sindy (a petite 10.75in).

What Barbie has tan lines? ›

Sun Lovin' Malibu Barbie Doll was released in 1979. It features "mirrored" sunglasses, and tan lines.

How big is a Sindy doll? ›

Sindy promotes arts and crafts, hand eye coordination and creativity for children. Small Sindy-sized magazine is also included with games and puzzles inside. Height 12 inches/ 28cm.

Where is the Sindy Museum? ›

Welcome to the homepage of The Little Sindy Museum (TLSM) a small museum in Sweden, only about 45 square metres, filled with the love of Sindy dolls.

What is the most expensive collectible Barbie doll? ›

Released in 1996, the Pink Splendor Barbie is the most expensive retail Barbie ever, originally priced at a whopping $900. If you're inclined to buy this collector's item now, though, you can find her on Amazon for just $339!

What is the most sought after doll? ›

Pretty much always topping the list of most valuable vintage dolls, the original 1959 Barbie is a collector's item everyone wants. Her iconic black and white-striped swimsuit and 1950s ponytail make her a classic choice, and if you can find her in good condition, she's worth a lot.

What was the most expensive doll ever sold? ›

List of the most expensive dolls
  1. L'Oiseleur (The Bird Trainer) doll - $6,250,000. ...
  2. Madame Alexander Eloise - $5,000,000. ...
  3. Barbie by Stefano Canturi – $302,500. ...
  4. Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear – $136,000. ...
  5. Barbie and the Diamond Castle - $94,800. ...
  6. De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie - $85,000. ...
  7. Blue Ivy's Barbie Doll - $80,000.
Mar 14, 2023

Who is Barbie real husband? ›

Valeria Lukyanova
CitizenshipUkraine
OccupationsModel entertainer
SpouseDmitry Shkrabov ​ ( m. 2013)​
Modeling information
5 more rows

Who is Barbie's true love? ›

Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson is a character who was introduced in 1961 as Barbie's boyfriend. He was created by Ruth Handler, and she probably named Ken after her son Kenneth Handler.

Who is black Barbie's boyfriend? ›

The first African American male doll, Brad, was introduced in 1968, as the boyfriend of Barbie's African American friend, Christie, who was introduced in 1967.

Who is Barbie's son? ›

1961-present: Ken Carson was introduced on March 11, 1961. He was named after Kenneth, the son of Barbie creator Ruth Handler. Ken's backstory is that, like Barbie, he is from Willows, Wisconsin.

Was there ever a pregnant Barbie? ›

No, Barbie Has Never Been Pregnant.

Does Barbie have a missing sister? ›

One of her siblings eventually went missing.

Tutti and Todd are twins—or they were, until Tutti mysteriously disappeared in 1971.

What is black Barbie's name? ›

Many consider Christie to be the first “Black Barbie.” Christie was part of a series of talking dolls. By pulling a string on her back, the doll said things like, “Hi! I'm Christie!” and “Let's go shopping with Barbie.” Christie's hair was black.

Is Kelly Barbie's Daughter? ›

Kelly Roberts is the younger sister of Barbie, Skipper and Stacie and the older sister of Krissy. Kelly was introduced in 1995 and retired in 2010.

Why is Skipper not blonde? ›

Physical Appearance and Personality

Skipper is a natural blonde, but she dyed her hair brunette. She is a young teenager, and she has light skin and blue eyes. In her recent appearances, she has highlights in her hair, in colors such as blue, pink and purple.

Is 14 too old to play barbies? ›

As experts would tell you, there is no age limit for dolls. It may seem unusual in this day and age, but several 12-year-olds still play with dolls. And in a world where the internet is widespread, this may be a good thing.

Is it normal for a 13 year old to play with toys? ›

If a child still wants to play with toys as they move into adolescence, it is totally normal and to be celebrated! Unless a child's play is affecting or replacing real-life friendships, there is no need to worry.

Is Barbie 62 years old? ›

Mattel's Barbie doll made her debut in February 1959, making Barbie 62 years old.

Is Sindy still made? ›

Sindy Today…

2021 saw Kid Kreations (working under licence with Pedigree) bring back the doll you love to dress for a whole new audience. With Sindy Play!, a collection of six playsets, that include a doll, play accessories and a craft kit will ensure Sindy is around for many more years to come.

What does the oldest Barbie doll look like? ›

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.

How tall is a vintage Sindy doll? ›

HOW TO IDENTIFY SINDY DOLLS: 1963-64 doll: "Made in England" is on her neck, 29 centimeter (11.4 in) in height, soft head, rigid body without marks, hollow and hard legs; hair colour is blonde, brunette and auburn and it has a fringe (bangs) and looks like a messy bob.

What was the first creepy doll? ›

"Dead of Night" was released in 1945, meaning that this doll, Hugo, might be the original scary doll. "Dead of Night" is an anthology horror film — the most famous part involves Hugo, the dummy, who seems to somehow have a mind of his own.

What is world's oldest doll? ›

Wooden paddle dolls seem to be the oldest complete doll found as they were found buried in Ancient Egyptian burial grounds and tombs which date back all the way to 2000BC.

What is the oldest Barbie? ›

On March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Eleven inches tall, with a waterfall of blond hair, Barbie was the first mass-produced toy doll in the United States with adult features.

What race is Teresa in Barbie? ›

Among these was Teresa, who was depicted as being Italian or Latina. She appeared in 1988 in the California Dream line alongside Barbie, Ken, Christie and Midge (who made her comeback in this line as well). Christie has been Barbie's most featured friend at the time, being continuously in the playline since 1968.

What is B Barbies full name? ›

HISTORY. 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.

Why was Midge banned? ›

Midge received numerous complaints from adults who said that she was inappropriate for children and encouraged teen pregnancy. They also took issue with the fact that Midge initially didn't have a wedding ring. The complaints were so widespread that Walmart removed the Happy Family line from their shelves.

Are there chubby Barbies? ›

"See her hips?" Curvy Barbie has wider hips and a slightly fuller face and arms than non-curvy Barbies. You only notice this if you put her next to the other body shapes. The truth is, all these Barbies are still magnificently, unrealistically pretty.

Do new Barbie clothes fit old Barbies? ›

The new dolls, all named Barbie, are available in tall, curvy and petite body types, and while each comes with two complete outfits, they won't be able to share clothes among themselves or with the original Barbie.

How many girls own Barbie dolls? ›

The brand does $1 billion in sales across more than 150 countries annually, and 92% of American girls ages 3 to 12 have owned a Barbie, thanks in part to her affordable $10 price tag.

Why did Barbie Tanner get banned? ›

While the fact that Tanner the dog could eat his food and then “poop” it out (only for Barbie to pick up with her pooper scooper) probably didn't make Barbie's LinkedIn profile, it was the loose magnets in the scooper that became a choking hazard and forced Barbie Forever to be recalled.

What's the ginger Barbie called? ›

Biography. According to the Random House novels of the 1960s, Skipper Roberts is the second oldest child of the fictional George and Margaret Roberts of Willows, Wisconsin, their first child said to be Barbie.

Is there a blind Barbie? ›

Designed in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind, displayable packaging includes braille to create easy readability for sighted and non-sighted fans alike. Helen Keller Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Barbie® collectors and kids ages 6 years old and up.

Why was the Cayla doll banned? ›

BERLIN (Reuters) - A talking doll named Cayla has been banned by German authorities because the software inside her could be hacked, posing a security risk and allowing personal data to be revealed.

What is the midge doll controversy? ›

Midge was sold "pregnant" with Nikki, who was a tiny baby inside Midge's magnetic removable womb. This led to some controversy with some consumers saying that the doll was inappropriate for children, or that it promoted teen pregnancy.

How do you identify a vintage Sindy? ›

Markings on the back of Sindy's head provide the best clues to the age of the doll: 1974 to 1976: "033050X" in small print. 1977 to 1980: "2 GEN 1077" on raised rectangle, "033055X" beneath that. 1983 to 1985: Sindy logo on raised rectangle, "033055X" beneath that.

What does the name Sindy mean? ›

Sindy is a girl's name of Greek origin, meaning “from Mount Kynthos,” and an ode to one of the goddesses of Hellenic legend and faith.

Did Bratz dolls get banned? ›

LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, Dec 4 (Reuters) - A California federal judge ordered MGA Entertainment Inc to stop selling its popular Bratz dolls and banned it from using the toy's name, finding that hundreds of Bratz products infringe copyrights owned by rival toymaker Mattel Inc MAT. N.

Why are lol dolls getting banned? ›

Many of the toys, upon being exposed to cold water, reveal new, provocative lingerie-like markings, which many parents deem inappropriate for four to 14 year-old children, which the dolls are marketed to. MGA entertainment, the creator of the dolls, responded to the controversy via a statement shared with Fast Company.

What country banned Barbie dolls? ›

Iran's religious rulers first declared Barbie, made by U.S. company Mattel Inc, un-Islamic in 1996, citing its “destructive cultural and social consequences.” Despite the ban, the doll has until recently been openly on sale in Tehran shops.

Why was butterfly art Barbie banned? ›

This is one of the most controversial Barbie Dolls !!!!!: Butterfly Art Barbie Doll was quickly retired by Mattel because of the parent protests that the tattoo she is wearing on her belly.

Why did Barbie and Ken break up? ›

February 14, 2004: Barbie and Ken officially broke up.

The newspaper assigned the split to Ken's failure to commit and Barbie's excitement to commit, wearing multiple wedding gowns. This was also a year that Barbie ran for president, so she was quite busy.

What is a Skipper doll? ›

Skipper Roberts is a doll created by Mattel in 1964 to be Barbie's younger sister. Skipper Roberts. A Skipper doll. Since 2009, Skipper has had a colored streak in her hair. First appearance.

How can you tell if a vintage Barbie is real? ›

Usually vintage Barbies have holes in the bottom of their feet and the models. If your Barbie also has a stamp saying "Made in Japan" or "Japan" it means it was made between 1959-1972, because those models were manufactured there.

How many Pippa dolls are there? ›

Employing subtle makeover techniques and fashion variations, Palitoy was able to produce over 30 different Pippa and Friends by using only three head molds, different coloured vinyls and hair styles. Pippa's first three friends launched in 1972 were Marie, Tammie and Britt.

How do you tell if an American Girl doll is an original? ›

If it says "American Girl" or "Pleasant Company", then the doll is an authentic American Girl doll. Another way to check the doll is to check the doll's body for a body tag. Body tags are more prominent in Mattel-era dolls, but they exist: Hope this helped!

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