How old is barbie

Since she was first launched in , a doll named Barbie has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. Barbie was the "first mass-produced toy doll in the U.S. with adult features," according to

Throughout her plus year career, Barbie has gone on many adventures and taken on over different occupations from astronaut to president of the U.S.

Here is what you need to know about the iconic doll's history, including who created Barbie.

Who created Barbie?

Barbie was created by Mattel. The company was founded in January and is responsible for other popular toy series, such as Hot Wheels, Fischer-Price, Monster High and Polly Pocket.

Mattel was co-founded by Ruth Handler and her husband Elliot.

What is Barbie's full name?

Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

The doll is named after Handler's daughter Barbara, who was the inspiration behind Barbie's creation.

The history of Barbie

Barbie was created by Ruth Handler of Mattel who was the principal architect of the doll's campaign.

Handler was inspired by watching her daughter play with paper dolls that resembled adult women.

Barbi biography wikipedia January 13, Criticisms of Barbie are often centered around concerns that children consider Barbie a role model and will attempt to emulate her. Retrieved April 29, September 20,

At the time, baby dolls were the popular toy. There were not many dolls on the market that allowed girls to role-play and envision their future beyond motherhood.

Initially, Handler's idea was not met with excitement as her husband and fellow industry executives were apprehensive about an adult-bodied doll.

Barbie's design was modeled after the Bild Lilli doll, which was created in the image of a German comic strip character.

Lilli was initially marketed toward adults, eventually becoming popular among children who enjoyed dressing up the doll.

Mattel bought the rights to Lilli and made their own version: Barbie.

The first Barbie was introduced on March 9, – now considered Barbie's official birthday. The doll was first launched at the American Toy Fair in New York City.

The first Barbie, often referred to as "No.

Barbi biography Greenwood Publishing Group. This model came in three ethnicities: a blond, blue-eyed white version; a Black version with a tall Afro; and, shortly after that, a Hispanic version. In , it was estimated that over a billion Barbie dolls had been sold worldwide in over countries, with Mattel claiming that three Barbie dolls are sold every second. Getty Images Barbie wears her astronaut suit in September

1," was a reflection of the style at the time. She was available in two versions: one with blonde hair and one with brunette, both sporting a ponytail with curly bangs. She wore a black-and-white striped, strapless swimsuit, a set of gold hoops and black heels.

Within its first year, , Barbies were sold and the public's love for the doll has only grown.

In , over 86 million Barbie dolls were sold, that's around Barbies sold every minute.

Just Curious for more?

Barbi biography pdf September 20, Official website. Retrieved September 10, Retrieved February 6,

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