When we think of Barbie, we often think of collector dolls, stunning fashion, and perhaps her unrealistic body type. What you may not know is that from the beginning, Barbie was all about opening doors for women and girls and empowering them to dream big.
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler. In 1956 she was discouraged by the limited toys available to her daughter. The options available at the time all represented being a mom or a caretaker. However for her son she found toys representing diverse dreams and careers. With a little inspiration from the Swiss Bild Lilli Doll, and the support of her husband, the co-founder of Mattel, Handler released the first Barbie in March of 1959 at the New York Toy Fair.
Despite early skepticism, over 300,000 Barbies were sold that first year. Since 1959 Barbie has become an iconic brand and instantly recognized name. Barbie also has a legacy of empowering women and being ahead of her time, all rooted in Ruth Handler’s early ambitions of inspiring girls to dream big.
Here are 12 times that Barbie made history through its empowerment of Women:
Here are 12 times that Barbie made history through its empowerment of Women:
In 1962 women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts. Yet in this year, the Barbie Dreamhouse was released. Barbie owning her own home represented both the independence and empowerment of women.
In 1962 women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts. Yet in this year, the Barbie Dreamhouse was released. Barbie owning her own home represented both the independence and empowerment of women.
In 1965 Astronaut Barbie was released – a whole 4 years before man landed on the moon. This drew attention and excitement towards US space efforts and the unknown possibilities out there. Barbie’s career has never been limited by the traditional jobs held by women.
In 1965 Astronaut Barbie was released – a whole 4 years before man landed on the moon. This drew attention and excitement towards US space efforts and the unknown possibilities out there. Barbie’s career has never been limited by the traditional jobs held by women.
When we think of Barbie, we often think of collector dolls, stunning fashion, and perhaps her unrealistic body type. What you may not know is that from the beginning, Barbie was all about opening doors for women and girls and empowering them to dream big.
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler. In 1956 she was discouraged by the limited toys available to her daughter. The options available at the time all represented being a mom or a caretaker. However for her son she found toys representing diverse dreams and careers. With a little inspiration from the Swiss Bild Lilli Doll, and the support of her husband, the co-founder of Mattel, Handler released the first Barbie in March of 1959 at the New York Toy Fair.
Despite early skepticism, over 300,000 Barbies were sold that first year. Since 1959 Barbie has become an iconic brand and instantly recognized name. Barbie also has a legacy of empowering women and being ahead of her time, all rooted in Ruth Handler’s early ambitions of inspiring girls to dream big.
Here are 12 times that Barbie made history through its empowerment of Women:
In 1965 Astronaut Barbie was released – a whole 4 years before man landed on the moon. This drew attention and excitement towards US space efforts and the unknown possibilities out there. Barbie’s career has never been limited by the traditional jobs held by women.
Here are 12 times that Barbie made history through its empowerment of Women:
In 1962 women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts. Yet in this year, the Barbie Dreamhouse was released. Barbie owning her own home represented both the independence and empowerment of women.
In 1965 Astronaut Barbie was released – a whole 4 years before man landed on the moon. This drew attention and excitement towards US space efforts and the unknown possibilities out there. Barbie’s career has never been limited by the traditional jobs held by women.
In support of the Equal Rights movement, the Francie Barbie was released in 1967. She was Barbie’s friend and was one of the first black dolls to be released. A year later, Christie was released. These dolls had features and hair like Barbie, but their skin color was different.
In support of the Equal Rights movement, the Francie Barbie was released in 1967. She was Barbie’s friend and was one of the first black dolls to be released. A year later, Christie was released. These dolls had features and hair like Barbie, but their skin color was different.
In 1980 Mattel diversified their Barbie line by releasing Hispanic and African American Barbies with hair and features that matched their race.
In 1980 Mattel diversified their Barbie line by releasing Hispanic and African American Barbies with hair and features that matched their race.
The Day-to-night Barbie featured Barbie as a high powered CEO in a pink skirt and business blazer. The look easily converted to a tule skirt and sequined top. This 1985 Barbie inspired girls and taught them they too could be CEO’s.
The Day-to-night Barbie featured Barbie as a high powered CEO in a pink skirt and business blazer. The look easily converted to a tule skirt and sequined top. This 1985 Barbie inspired girls and taught them they too could be CEO’s.
1985 also marked the launch of a campaign called, “We Girls Can Do Anything.” The goal was to remind girls that they could do anything, and to inspire them to reach for their dreams.
1985 also marked the launch of a campaign called, “We Girls Can Do Anything.” The goal was to remind girls that they could do anything, and to inspire them to reach for their dreams.
The President of the United States is widely considered to be the most powerful position in the world. Mattel knew that this position ought to be held by Barbie, encouraging women and girls to get involved in politics. Thus in 1992 the first President Barbie was released. Mattel has released a new presidential Barbie every election cycle since 2000.
The President of the United States is widely considered to be the most powerful position in the world. Mattel knew that this position ought to be held by Barbie, encouraging women and girls to get involved in politics. Thus in 1992 the first President Barbie was released. Mattel has released a new presidential Barbie every election cycle since 2000.
In a new effort to diversify their line and to be more inclusive, Mattel released Becky in 1997. With the release of this doll, Barbie made her first handicapped friend as Becky was in a wheelchair.
In a new effort to diversify their line and to be more inclusive, Mattel released Becky in 1997. With the release of this doll, Barbie made her first handicapped friend as Becky was in a wheelchair.
In 2015 Barbie entered the world of vlogging. In these video blogs she discusses everything from bullying to depression to learning how to share one’s feelings. The goal of the vlog is to help girls work through the difficulties of life.
In 2015 Barbie entered the world of vlogging. In these video blogs she discusses everything from bullying to depression to learning how to share one’s feelings. The goal of the vlog is to help girls work through the difficulties of life.
That same year, Mattel released Barbie Sheroes. The line continued through 2018 and a total of 27 different Sheroes were produced. The line included female role models from many countries whose ages ranged from 19 to 85. Sheroes included, Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas, Fashion Magazine Editor in Chief Eva Chen, Country artist and Food Network host Trisha Yearwood, and artist Frida Kahlo.
That same year, Mattel released Barbie Sheroes. The line continued through 2018 and a total of 27 different Sheroes were produced. The line included female role models from many countries whose ages ranged from 19 to 85. Sheroes included, Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas, Fashion Magazine Editor in Chief Eva Chen, Country artist and Food Network host Trisha Yearwood, and artist Frida Kahlo.
In a release that made the cover of Times Magazine, Barbie released dolls with new and more diverse body types in 2016.
In a release that made the cover of Times Magazine, Barbie released dolls with new and more diverse body types in 2016.
In 2018, Barbie began the #MoreRoleModels campaign and expanded their Sheroes line with the creation of The Inspiring Women doll line. These dolls included inspiring historical women such as Amelia Earhart.
In 2018, Barbie began the #MoreRoleModels campaign and expanded their Sheroes line with the creation of The Inspiring Women doll line. These dolls included inspiring historical women such as Amelia Earhart.
In the more than 60 years since Barbies debut back in 1959, she’s done more than become a famous collectors item, iconic brand, and fashion legend. Mattel and Barbie have stayed true to their roots and have spent over 6 decades inspiring young girls to reach for their dreams.
Thanks for letting me share some of Barbie's Amazing history with you. Next weeks is highlighting even more higlights from Barbie's 60+ years, so be sure to check it out!
In the more than 60 years since Barbies debut back in 1959, she’s done more than become a famous collectors item, iconic brand, and fashion legend. Mattel and Barbie have stayed true to their roots and have spent over 6 decades inspiring young girls to reach for their dreams.
Thanks for letting me share some of Barbie's Amazing history with you. Next weeks is highlighting even more higlights from Barbie's 60+ years, so be sure to check it out!
Read more about Barbie's history at any of these sites:
Read more about Barbie's history at any of these sites: