Barbie, with her distinctive blonde ponytail and black and white striped stretch bathing suit made her debut at the 1959 American Toy Fair in New York City, and took the toy world by storm. The dolls literally flew off the shelves. Mattel set a toy selling record the first year Barbie debuted, selling 351,000 dolls the first year. In ten short years, parents would spend $500 million on Barbie products for their clamoring youngsters.
Barbie was the first fashion doll, and she spawned many spin-offs, but she and her "family" of dolls are simply the most popular in history. Barbie gets at least 100 new clothing designs every year, and because they produce so many Barbie outfits each year, Mattel has become the biggest garment manufacturer in the world.
Today, Barbie has come a long way from that fashion doll who debuted in 1959. She has sisters, a boyfriend, and represents nearly 100 different nationalities. However, collectors prize the original Barbie and her 50s wardrobe above all else. Barbie and her clothing are one of the most popular collectibles in the world today, and a mint-condition original Barbie can sell as high as $10,000. So, check the attic, the basement, and the storage boxes for your old Barbie treasures. They could be more valuable than you think, and even if they aren't, they'll bring back lots of fond fashion memories!
Barbie was the first fashion doll, and she spawned many spin-offs, but she and her "family" of dolls are simply the most popular in history. Barbie gets at least 100 new clothing designs every year, and because they produce so many Barbie outfits each year, Mattel has become the biggest garment manufacturer in the world.
Today, Barbie has come a long way from that fashion doll who debuted in 1959. She has sisters, a boyfriend, and represents nearly 100 different nationalities. However, collectors prize the original Barbie and her 50s wardrobe above all else. Barbie and her clothing are one of the most popular collectibles in the world today, and a mint-condition original Barbie can sell as high as $10,000. So, check the attic, the basement, and the storage boxes for your old Barbie treasures. They could be more valuable than you think, and even if they aren't, they'll bring back lots of fond fashion memories!
[Lady Gaga Barbie - created by Veik, a fan from Beijing]
[Amy Winehouse Barbie]
Some Barbie Trivia:
- The first Barbie cost $3.
- The Ken doll was named for Ruth and Elliot Handler's son
- At first, Barbie was a teenaged fashion model, but she's had over 80 careers since then, from astronaut to a medic in Desert Storm.
- Barbie's full name is "Barbie Millicent Roberts."
- Barbie didn't have a belly button until 2000.
- Two Barbies are sold every second around the world.
- There's an official Barbie collectors site at: http://www.barbiecollector.com/
3 comments:
Wow, there are great ones!
This post IS Sharp!!!! Loving the Amy Winehouse doll. The history of Barbie is so fascinating and creative.....I'm waiting on OScar dolls! Speaking of Ocsars, ummm where's your Oscar post ha??? You know I'm waiting on your favorite picks.....I LOVED Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus & Sandra Bullock...everyone else no. And please don't say you LOVED Zoe's dress ha....wasn't good. That dress she had on was fighting another.
Have a lovely day girl :)
Tuesdai, I am rolling right now!
I LOOVED Miley <3 ..too cute. I'm gonna get to that post now.
Hope ur enjoying your day as well -xx
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