Barbie Turns 57 Today — See How She's Transformed From 1959 to 2016
1/18Every so often, someone will comment on one of our pictures from seven years ago, and BAM — we're instantly reminded of the one time we cut our bangs too short, or how we walked around with foundation that was way too dark for four years (that happens to everyone, right?). It can be cringe-worthy, but it’s also a reminder of how quickly style and perception evolves. We can find comfort in the fact that those changes happen everywhere and to everyone, even in Barbie.
The world's most famous doll turns 57 today — not that that's really any of your business — and has updated her style, hair color, body shape, and even the way she faces (it was once thought improper for a woman to look straight ahead) in those years. You've probably seen some of these iterations, but not all, so in honor of this iconic anniversary, we bring you Barbie, from 1959 to 2016.
© Mattel Inc. All Rights Reserved2/181959
In 1959, Barbie was introduced and first sold at the New York Toy Fair. Believe it or not, people were skeptical of the now iconic doll and it sold for just $3. Notice how her eyes are not looking straightforward. During that time, Barbie was initially modeled after a German doll named Lilli (http://www.plosin.com/beatbegins/projects/wolf.html), by the co-founders of Mattel, Ruth and Elliot Handler. They discovered Lilli on a trip to Switzerland and brought the doll home for their daughter to play with. Initially, people thought she was too sexy for little girls, and indeed, she was modeled after the stars of the day, including Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. Eventually, however, people learned to love her, and the rest as they say, is history.
.jpg)
"(c) Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved"3/181959 Roman Holiday
Photographer: Joe Dias Stylist:Jnnifer Hoon
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
%2520(1).jpg)
7/181971 Malibu Barbie
The '70s introduced a more relaxed Barbie with longer hair, and maxi instead of miniskirts — they also brought us Malibu Barbie. But as the decade was nearing an end, and the excess of the '80s was upon us, 1977 brought us Superstar Barbie. Think bigger hair.
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
©Mattel Inc. All Rights Reserved.10/181980 African-American Barbie
The '80s brought us the first black Barbie actually made to look like a black woman, even though Christie came a decade earlier. These years also brought us even bigger hair and shoulder pads.
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
"(c) Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved"11/181981 Golden Dream Barbie
Photographer: Joe Dias Stylist:Jnnifer Hoon
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
.jpg)
© Mattel Inc. All Rights Reserved13/181992 Presidential Candidate
In 1992, 24 women were elected to the House of Representatives, and it was dubbed "the 'Year of Woman' in politics." This was also the year, the world met current presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. The '90s also brought us supermodels, and in '92 again, Totally Hair Barbie, which was the best selling Barbie of all time.
© Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved14/181992 Totally Hair Barbie
photo Jeff O'Brien stylist Beverly Elam
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
.jpg)
©2008 Mattel Inc. All Rights Reserved16/182000 Jewel Girl
At the turn of the century, Barbie got a belly button, broke up with Ken (2004), and gained a flexible waist.
- Celebrity StyleHow to Buy Casetify's New NCT DREAM Collection
17/182016
This is the year that Barbie gets real. She gets four new body types, and comes in seven skin tones and 22 eye colors now. Many discussions surrounding the unrealistic body proportions of the doll throughout the years finally warranted the addition of more down-to-earth and inclusive versions.
18/18Want more Teen Vogue? Like us on Facebook to stay in the know!
