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Over the years, Barbie has become more than a simple toy.
She’s one of the most recognizable brands, a fashion icon, and a global sensation.
But it’s no simple feat to stay that relevant throughout multiple decades.
This first iteration of Barbie was modeled after 1950s beauty standards and style.
She wore a black and white striped one-piece bathing suit and a signature ponytail with ringlets in her bangs.
That makeup may not be practical for a day at the pool, but we love it regardless.
Though Ken never became as popular as Barbie, he’s often purchased alongside the fashion doll.
Ken wasn’t introduced until two years after the original Barbie doll.
The first Ken made his debut at the American International Toy Fair.
He stood 1 inch taller than the original Barbie and wore red swim trunks.
His swimsuit look was the perfect complement to the 1959 Barbie in her signature striped swimsuit.
Barbie’s beau has also changed over the years.
His wardrobe also expanded to introduce new styles and grow with the times.
Often Ken dolls are sold with outfits to match Barbie’s looks, just like the original swimsuit pairing.
Through her many cutting-edge jobs, Barbie acts as an aspirational figure for the young children who love her.
And Barbie’s first big career move may have been one of her most impressive.
In 1965, Mattel introduced its first astronaut Barbie doll.
The “Miss Astronaut” doll wore a fashionable and utilitarian silver space suit.
In her own way, Barbie has been making a statement and breaking glass ceilings for decades.
The Bubble Cut Barbie was introduced in 1961 and sold throughout the decade.
So, it was only fitting for Barbie to try the trendy look out for herself.
Yes, the model was the first celebrity who inspired Mattel to create a doll in their likeness.
The Twiggy Barbie hit shelves in 1967.
In a 2021Instagrampost, the legendary model shared some throwback snaps of her Barbie and noted its significance.
“It was the first ‘celebrity’ doll of its kind,” she wrote.
“And of course she had a range of fabulous outfits.”
We’d expect nothing less.
The beach-loving doll was a casual and groovy alternative to some of the earlier designs.
Some big changes were also made to the style of Barbie’s face.
And asBarbie Mediapoints out, the new face mold also changed Barbie’s eyes.
Originally, Barbie’s gaze was directed to the side, but Malibu Barbie’s eyes look straight ahead.
AsThe Girl Museumnotes, Malibu Barbie’s overall expression “depicted confidence.”
Malibu Barbie’s impact has been lasting, to say the least.
Like Malibu Barbie, the Superstar version’s look was more friendly and soft than the original vintage Barbie.
But she also had a more glamorous overall style than the 1971 beachy look.
It wasn’t until the 1980 that a Barbie doll named Barbie was released with non-white features.
Kitty Black Perkins was the first Black doll designer and the creative mind behind the first Black doll.
When creating the doll, the designers made a point to make this Barbie different from any before her.
Perkins said she was inspired by Diana Ross when styling the doll.
“I wanted her just to reflect the total look of a Black woman,” Perkins continued.
“We made her lips a little bit fuller; we made her nose a little bit wider.
1985’s Day-to-Night Barbie is a gal on the go
The Day-to-Night Barbie was another iconic moment.
The popular doll was originally released in 1985 and came with a changeable wardrobe.
The first look is a signature pink business suit complete with a briefcase for the day.
When it comes to balancing work and fun, this Barbie can have it all.
The Oscar-nominated actor wore a replica of the look to the Seoul premiere.
She even had white and pink pumps and a brimmed hat with a pink and white polka dot band.
No Barbie has managed to outsell Totally Hair Barbie.
According toGuinness World Records, Totally Hair Barbie holds the record with over 10 million dolls sold.
Barbie made her first run for president in 2000.
This Barbie got a slight redesign to go with her political campaign.
“We want girls to see themselves in their dolls.”
Barbie got a belly button in 2000
In 2000, Mattel also released Jewel Girl Barbie.
What’s more, she wore a crop top with a low-rise skirt a very ’00s silhouette, indeed.
But the thing that sets this Barbie apart from every other Barbie?
Jewel Girl Barbie was the first Barbie to have a belly button.
Some other changes were made to Barbie’s physique in this release.
TheBBCpoints out that this Barbie had a more athletic frame and a bendable waist.
Along with the original Barbie design, petite, tall, and curvy dolls became available for purchase.
This 2016 release was a big shift away from those problematic sentiments.
“But changes at a huge corporation take time.”
For example, as one woman told Time, the curvy doll could be fuller figured.
“There are shapes that are curvier and still are beautiful.
Along with the varied body types, Mattel has added to its Fashionista line to include disabled dolls.
And we’d be willing to bet she will only keep evolving.
