Barbie turns 65
9.3.2024
Translation: machine translated
The first Barbie doll was presented in New York 65 years ago today. She was modelled on a doll that Ruth Handler had previously seen in Switzerland. We say "Happy Birthday"!
As a child, I loved Barbie dolls. Then I passed them on to my little sister. I still have a few that my sons play with today. Somehow Barbie was always there. She's a universal toy - like a racing car or a teddy bear.
The first Barbie wore a black and white swimming costume, had long hair and was 29 centimetres tall. She had movable limbs so that she could be presented in various poses. And Barbie was a huge success: the doll sold more than 300,000 copies in her very first year. Barbie is now one of the most successful children's toys: three Barbies are sold somewhere in the world every second.
Hi Barbie, hi Ken!
One year after the launch, the fashion designer Barbie came onto the market, followed by the flight attendant Barbie in 1961 and the astronaut Barbie in 1965, followed by clothing, accessories and furniture. In 1961, Ken, Barbie's boyfriend, was introduced, and in the 1970s, friends and Family members were added, for example Skipper, Barbie's little sister, and Barbie's friend Christie.
Barbies appearance changed constantly
Last summer, we even saw "Barbie" on the big screen: the film directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling received eight nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards, including "Best Film".
Fun facts about Barbie
Finally, a few interesting facts about Barbie:
Header image: Anne Fischer
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
News + Trends
From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.
Show all
