Of course we know Barbie is everyone’s favorite fashionista.
But what’s her story?
Barbie’s creation was inspired by the mid-Century German fashion doll, Bild Lilli. Handler observed European children’s penchant for the adult-like figurine, and decided to create her own ‘woman’ doll for American children. After returning from a trip to Europe, Handler debuted her creation at the American International Toy Fair.
Barbie’s name is taken from Ruth’s daughter, Barbara Handler, who was 18 years old at the time of Barbie’s creation.
Barbie made her debut in 1959 with a striped swimsuit, blonde ponytail, and red lipstick.
Barbie was a creation that helped women realize they can be anything they want to be.
Barbie traveled into space in 1965, four years before man walked on the moon.
In 1992, Barbie ran for president for the first time and has run in nearly every election year since. In 2016, she ran with the first all-female ticket.
• In 1973, Barbie saved lives as a surgeon, at a time when very few women were in the operating room.
• In 1985, she took to the boardroom as “Day to Night” CEO Barbie, just as women began to break the glass ceiling.
• To encourage more girls to explore the STEM field, Barbie has been a computer engineer, video game developer, Mars explorer, and robotics engineer.
Barbie has had over 250 inspirational careers including astronaut, pilot, firefighter, journalist, and entrepreneur to name a few.
Barbie’s latest diversity doll line includes dolls with prosthetic limbs, vitiligo and even hairless dolls.
You’ve got to admit, Barbie really does have it all, with over a billion pairs of shoes and more than a hundred outfits every year.
She’s traveled the world and worked so many jobs.
She truly is the worlds most beloved doll.
Living La Vida Diva 