Hobbies And Interests
Child's Play Toy
Generations of young girls have played with several versions of the Barbie doll. Playing with the doll has challenged the imagination and creativity of youngsters who build their own doll houses and learn to sew for the first time.
Significance
Barbie was the first teen doll made for children in the U.S. and was introduced to a skeptical adult audience. Ruth Handler, co-owner of Mattel, saw a need for a teen doll in the world of young girls who had only paper and baby dolls to play with.
Collectibles
The Barbie doll has become highly collectible, with several special series having been produced since 1980. Barbie has been produced as a "Wizard of Oz" character, a career woman, a bride and a dancer, among many other incarnations.
Famous Ties
An Andy Warhol Barbie portrait was one of the design elements used by Jonathan Adler, the official interior designer for a life size Malibu Dream House for the 50th birthday celebration of the Mattel doll. Christian Dior, Vera Wang, Bob Mackie and Nolan Miller are some of the world famous designers who have created original fashions for Barbie.
Family and Friends
Barbie has 32 friends who have been introduced to the toy market, including her boyfriend, the 1961 Ken doll, and the 1963 Midge doll. Barbie, who is named after Ruth Handler's daughter, has five sisters, one brother and two cousins who were introduced from 1964 to 1999.