Inspiration in 1956
The Bild Lilli doll originated in Germany as a cartoon character in newspapers. Mattel owners and Barbie creators saw this character, known for her body proportions and seductive clothing, and were inspired to create the Barbie we know today in America. The Barbie doll that is now a children's toy, started as a recreation of "a symbol of sex and pornography for the men of Germany."
First Doll in 1959
Barbie has always been a style icon: she made her debut in a scandalous strapless bathing suit, glistening hoop earrings, black high heels, and other beach accessories. She was made with light skin, golden hair, rouged lips, heavy eye makeup, raised eyebrows, no smile, and a stern look to her right as her facial expression. 351,000 of these dolls were sold in their first year, breaking sale records.
First Barbie Commercial in 1959
The first ever Barbie doll commercial characterizes her, saying that she is "beautiful," "petite," and "neat"; girls are encouraged to "make believe that [they] are [her]." A soft melody with a woman's voice is singing this description, when a man's voice chimes in to advertise for her clothes. This was aired for the first time during an episode of The Mickey Mouse Club, which was a very popular children's show at the time.
Start of Barbie Career Dolls in 1960
Barbie has not only been an inspiration to young girls for her beauty, but also for her accomplishments. She has held a wide range of careers, as prestigious as ambassador and president, sporting job uniforms in unrealistically girly styles and poppy colors. Whatever she does, she does it in style.
Beginning of Variation in 1967
White, black, brown, yellow--Barbies began to be manufactured in all different skin colors starting in 1967. Myriads of different hair, skin tone, outfit, and theme combinations began to emerge in an attempt to cater to all different kinds of little girls in America. With a warm, inviting facial expression and beauty no matter what culture, these dolls became girls' best friends.
A Change in Shape in the 1990's
Although Barbies' figures have never been completely realistic for the average healthy young woman, her shape has become increasingly unachievable for real women today. Breasts are now more lifted, rib cages are now smaller, buttocks are now bigger, waists are now skinnier. This may influence young girls to have a negative view of themselves because Barbies are advertised as being perfect, yet real girls cannot look like her.
Accessorizing in the Early 2000's
From simple fashion accessories to houses, cars, pets, technology and more, Barbie has become not just a representative of fashion and careers, but of a fun lifestyle. Barbie's play accessories almost always have a plethora of perfect pink, representing her girly manner. The Barbie Dream House has always been the most popular of all the lifestyle accessories, where young girls often pretend that they are living their dream life through the dolls.
Barbie's Style Today
With a little bit of pink incorporated into almost every outfit, Barbie still maintains her role as a style icon for girls today. Her makeup has become less heavy since her origin, and her facial expression always includes a friendly smile and straightforward glance.