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Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Barbie

This Day in History: March 9th 1959 - Barbie Debuts

The Barbie doll, what an iconic figure! Yet, amidst her beauty has definitely been her share of criticism. Comparatively speaking, with a figure of 39-21-33 if she were a real woman, it is no wonder this little beauty led to a lot of controversy. Many felt Barbie provided little girls with an unrealistic and harmful example thereby fostering a negative body image.

Did you know? 

Bild Lilli Doll en.wikipedia.org
Barbie was fashioned after the German fashion doll, the Bild Lilli Doll, produced from 1955 to 1964, based on the comic-stip character Lilli. The comic strip was about a "gold diggin' broad always on the hunt for a wealthy man." In the cartoon, "Lilli was post-war, sassy and ambitious and had no reservations talking about sex."



See any resemblance?
Barbie debuted in 1959 when she was introduced by Mattel at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie as we know her was created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler. Ruth, however, got her inspiration from the German Bild Lilli Doll. One rarely hears or reads about Barbie's true origins and the details reveal the look of a miniature German hooker. Read more HERE...

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Barbie has become a global icon of many faces with some body changes throughout her career. She remains, however, a fashion doll, unlike her predecessors, the baby dolls.


The first Barbie doll was introduced 
in both blonde and brunette in March 1959.

http://todayinhistory.tumblr.com/





The Barbie Evolution: A comparison of the 90s to the 00s Barbie - butt, waist and boobs

Barbie Doll History: Barbie's face underwent major changes from 1959 to the 2000s.

Barbie, Fashion Icon of the 60s: Barbie's evolution physically 1959 to present

What are your experiences with the iconic Barbie doll?


 
Posted by at 5:04 PM

7 comments:

  1. Len Williams~ CarverMarch 10, 2013 at 6:01 AM

    I received that very same 1959 Barbie for my birthday that year...sure wish I still had her. thank you for sharing this bit of nostalgia

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    1. UnknownMarch 10, 2013 at 1:37 PM

      Oooooh! That would be worth something on today's market! I had all kinds of dolls but never had a Barbie. The last doll I owned I kept in a little doll suitcase. When our oldest daughter was little she found it stored in a closet at my mom's. Needless to say, she never was the same and looked really funny with only one eye!

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  2. UnknownMarch 10, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    I am a Barbie Fan for sure!!! Old as I am!! She has been there for so many years!! And yes Ido have some Barbies!!!

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    1. UnknownMarch 10, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      Had some Barbie look-alikes but never the real McCoy. I made all my doll clothes from scraps left over from my mom's sewing projects.

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  3. Susie SwansonMarch 10, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    Didn't know this but I had that same one . Pokey dotted dress and all.. Still got her today..Thanks for the great post..

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    1. UnknownMarch 10, 2013 at 7:26 PM

      If you have the one in the polka dotted dress pictured here, that is Lilli the precursor to Barbie. Of course, you could have a Barbie wearing a polka dotted dress!

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  4. AnonymousMarch 13, 2013 at 6:21 PM

    I love Barbie Dolls. They're so aesthetic. I got like 15 of them...
    What I realized is that when I was little there were REALLY fantastic ballroom gowns for Barbies... nowadays I don't see them anymore. :-(

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