The Amazing Story Of the Barbie doll

One of the more fascinating toys of all-time would have if the Barbie. And with no wonder since she was with us for over 45 years. Barbie is the biggest selling pop in toy history, and countless hours of fun has given to many girls from around the world. That brings to mind a good question; How is the Barbie?

The history of Barbie doll is a good story. You really should go all the way back to the beginning of Mattel to fully understand its beginning. Mattel was formed in 1938 by two lifelong friends, Harold Matson and Elliot Handler (Mat) (El). Did you know that when Mattel began, they were not a toy maker? In fact, Mattel started as a photo frame manufacturer. Later, she began to make pop furniture.

Elliot Handler was married and had a daughter, Barbara, who enjoyed playing with dolls, like all little girls. Instead of baby dolls, Barbara like to play with adult dolls, but there were really no dolls like that on the market. Mrs Handler found on an impromptu visit to Europe one day, a German doll named "Lilli" in a shop. The funny thing was, this was not even marketed as a pop. It was more a joke type gift for people.

When Mrs Handler returned back home, was a hit with Barbara Lilli. Mattel that gave an idea. They bought the marketing rights to Lilli and changed its name to Barbie, named after their daughter Barbara of course. The rest as they say, is history. Barbie was introduced to the world at the New York International Toy Fair in March, 1959. Actually, 9 March 1959 is Barbie's official date of birth.

Barbie became an instant hit, and spread across the us during that year. It seemed that Barbie was already a little lonely, so the next year, Ken was introduced. Did you know that Ken is named after the Handler the son, Kenneth?

Barbie was originally dressed in a black-and-white striped swimsuit. You even had the possibility of buying her with brown hair or blond hair. Barbies dress, of course, was later available in many different styles and selections made. Every conceivable outfit was offered. Barbies dress pattern was after the Paris designer fashion shows.

Barbie has been made in everything from a college student to a President over the years. Any type of accessory is made including, cars, houses, and pets. Barbie is also an Olympian and even a mermaid. The history of Barbie doll is a great story. How long can they stay popular? That is anyones guess, but Barbie is still going strong almost 50 years later, so I wouldn't doubt they still has many years to come.

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