In her 62 years, Barbie has become more than the sum of her accessories as an activist and an icon of empowerment and change. Here, we look back at her evolution and pay homage to the doll who defined our childhoods.
1959, BARBIE’S DEBUT
The brainchild of Ruth Handler, Barbie Millicent Roberts was first introduced to the world on March 9, 1959. Dressed in a black and white striped bodice with fiery red hair, she epitomised old-school glamour and was a reflection of the times.
1965, BARBIE WALKS ON THE MOON
Whatever man can do, Barbie can do better – and a whole four years earlier. Such was the case when Miss Astronaut Barbie hit shelves, marking her journey to the moon long before Neil Armstrong took that famous step. She’s had more than 200 different careers since then, sticking one to the patriarchy along the way.
1967, FIRST CELEBRITY BARBIE, TWIGGY, IS UNVEILED
As well as appearing on countless magazine covers, British model Twiggy was the first celebrity to have a Barbie made in her likeness. The doll wore her iconic makeup, striped minidress and knee-high boots.
1968, BLACK DOLLS INTRODUCED
To increase diversity, Christie – one of the first Black dolls – was released. She was dressed in a mod-inspired swimsuit and marked the beginning of a more inclusive chapter for Barbie.
1971, MALIBU BARBIE
The ’70s saw disco take over and Barbie relocate to the coast. Sun-kissed Malibu Barbie was your quintessential California girl and will celebrate her 50th
1992, BARBIE RUNS FOR PRESIDENT
Barbie has fronted seven US presidential campaigns, and the first was in 1992. Dressed in a star-spangled gown, she also came with a red power suit allowing for seamless transition from ballroom to boardroom.
2015, BARBIE ROLE MODELS
It’s one thing to say a girl can do anything, but you can’t be what you can’t see. Enter: Barbie role models, inspired by real women who have achieved extraordinary things (think Ava DuVernay).
2016, BARBIE FASHIONISTAS
Barbie Fashionistas ushered in a new era as Barbie became the ultimate shape-shifter and the most diverse doll on the market. Available in four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colours, 24 hairstyles, and different physical abilities, she was no longer confined to outdated beauty standards.
2019, DREAM GAP PROJECT
Proof she walks her talk, Barbie established the Dream Gap Project in 2018 to close the confidence gap between little girls and boys. In 2019, a fund of $250,000 was split between three charities – Step Up, She Should Run and She’s the First – that are working with communities to educate future female leaders, encourage them to enter politics, pursue careers and ensure they have the confidence to become their most emboldened selves.
2020, BARBIE EXTRA
In a radical embrace of self-expression, Barbie Extra puts forward the notion of style as a state of mind. Blue hair? Duh. Clashing prints and bold shapes? Absolutely. Changing your mind about who you are every day? Totally fine! So long as you do things on your terms, anything is possible.
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