Barbie doll turns 60 this year and still doesn’t have a single wrinkle!

Barbie doll made its official debut at the American Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959.Till now according to an estimate, more than one billion Barbie dolls have been sold.  Around 58 million Barbies are sold each year in more than 150 countries despite the fierce competition in present days’ toy industry.

The doll has been a forever favourite for young girls all over the world. the iconic doll has evolved during the years, it could be found blonde or brunette, slender or curvy, black or white, princess or president. Even if the doll has caused few controversies over the years, it still remains the favourite.

Nathan Baynard, director of global brand marketing for Barbie said, “In an industry where success today is three to five years, 60 years is a huge deal!”.

Barbie was invented by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, who was inspired by her own children to create the doll.

“Her daughter Barbara was limited in the choices of her toys — the only ones were baby dolls,” Baynard told.

 

Barbie is known universally just like many other international brands. The iconic doll has kept up with the present times, it has an Instagram account and also a strong twitter feed!

In 1965, four years before Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon, Barbie became an astronaut. In 1968, the first black Barbie doll, a friend named Christie, hit store shelves.

Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global general manager for the Barbie brand, said that today, 55 percent of the dolls sold around the world have neither blonde hair nor blue eyes.

“The narrative of the Barbie brand is that she’s a young woman and she’s independent and pursuing careers,” McKnight also added.