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.

 en.wikipedia.org

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?