Barbies Throughout the Years

1950s

In 1959, the first ever Barbie doll was created. Before Barbie, the only dolls for girls to play with were ones that had made them roleplay motherhood. So when Barbie was created it gave girls a chance to play with something that didn’t portray motherhood. Barbie had made her first debut at the New York Toy Fair. The first ever Barbie doll was wearing a black and white striped swimsuit with a ponytail. Barbie's appearance was based off of Bild Lilli, a German doll that was created in the early 1950s. Barbie’s name came from Barbara Handler, the daughter of Mattel.

1960s

In the 1960s, even more Barbie dolls and Barbie items were released. In 1961, the very first Ken doll was released. This doll came with red swimming trunks and sandals. There was another item that was released in 1962 that had an effect on how Barbies are today. That item was the Barbie dreamhouse. This dream house had only one room and was made out of cardboard. This house had only things like seats, a vanity and a closet to store her clothes. This house didn’t even come with a kitchen! The most popular Barbie in that decade was The Twist N Turn Barbie. This Barbie was released in 1967. Her name had come from her waist which you could turn. 

1970s

With Barbies growing popularity more and more dolls were being released. This barbie is one of the barbies that came out in the earlier 70s, this barbie is the Malibu Barbie. She was the ultimate surfer girl with long straight hair and is suntanned. In fact, Malibu Barbie was the most popular Barbie of the 70s. Another iconic Barbie from the 70s is Superstar Barbie. This Barbie came in with her fabulous hairstyles and her winning smile that wowed fans. This is one of Barbie's glitziest looks from that era.

1980s

Entering the 80s, Barbie dolls just kept coming! In 1980 the first black Barbie doll had made her way to stores at least 10 years after the first black Barbie was made. But, she did not disappoint, wowing people with her disco skirt and her fabulous red jumpsuit. Adding on to the fabulous Barbies of the 80s is the Pretty in Pink Barbie. This Barbie would go for around $490 today! This Barbie came with an iconic pink dress and some fabulous jewelry to come with it.

1990s

With almost 40 years of fashion to share Barbie had made her way to the 90s. One of the most popular Barbies from the 90s was the Totally Hair Barbie. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Totally Hair Barbie was one of the best selling Barbies of all time with more than 10 million dolls being sold. This Barbie came with hair accessories and hair gel so you could style her hair anyway you wanted to. Another Barbie from the 90s was Gymnast Barbie. This doll came with a gold metal around her neck and a pink leotard with pink tights to match.