Barbie Turns 50

One of the most famous dolls in the world over the last 50 years has been the Barbie doll. It was created by Elliot and Ruth Handler in 1958, who have a daughter named Barbie and a son Ken. It has been an iconic symbol for children, primarily little girls, for as long as we can remember. It was modeled after a German cartoon the Lilli doll. Today Barbie is owned by Mattel and has made 3.3 billion dollars in annual sales. Every three seconds, three dolls are sold to three people around the world and there are more Barbies than people. The Barbie doll has evolved over the years and changed its image with the times. Barbie is now less traditional, has different homes and accessories/clothes, hopes, plus different career paths, including president. There is a doll of African descent and other ethnicities. One of the biggest news stories was in response to Barbie's unrealistic measurements with a size 18 inch waist and legs longer than her arms.  Her figure has since been adjusted along with her marriage to Ken, which ended in divorce. This years NYC fashion week had fifty designers create fifty Barbie looks and outfits on the runway to celebrate the birthday. Happy 50th, the popularity is due to adoration for this toy who has come to life for many. There is also a book called Barbie and Ruth Handler which is a birthday resent for the doll.