Bar
bie is a globally recognized and iconic brand that has been a part of the lives of millions of girls and women for over six decades. However, despite its popularity, there are still a lot of cool and fascinating facts about Barbie that many people are not aware of. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known facts about the world-famous blonde doll.
1. Barbie's real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts
The name Barbie is derived from her creator, Ruth Handler's daughter Barbara. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. This was revealed in a series of books that were published in the early 1960s about Barbie's life and adventures.
2. Barbie was inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli
Ruth Handler was inspired to create Barbie after coming across a German fashion doll called Bild Lilli during a trip to Europe in 1956. Bild Lilli was a hard-plastic doll based on a cartoon strip character that was popular in Germany. Handler saw the potential of a similar doll for the American market and created Barbie in 1959.
3. Barbie was first sold as a teenage fashion model
Barbie made her debut as a teenage fashion model in 1959 wearing a black and white striped swimsuit, white sunglasses, and gold hoop earrings. The original doll wore a ponytail and had a curvy figure that was considered groundbreaking at the time.
4. Barbie has had over 200 careers
Barbie has had many careers over the years. She has been a doctor, astronaut, Olympic athlete, firefighter, and even a presidential candidate. In fact, she has had over 200 different jobs since she was first introduced in 1959.
5. Barbie's first pet was a horse named Dancer
Barbie's first pet was a horse named Dancer that was released in 1961. Since then, Barbie has had numerous pets, including cats, dogs, and even a panda.
6. Barbie has been constantly evolving over the years
Barbie's appearance has changed over the years to reflect changing beauty standards and cultural norms. Her hair has been styled in a variety of ways, and she has been made in different sizes, including petite, tall, and curvy.
7. Barbie has a full name
In addition to her real name, Barbie has a full name that was revealed in 2004. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and she hails from Willows, Wisconsin.
8. Barbie is a fashion icon
Barbie is known for her fashion sense, and she has been featured in numerous fashion shows and events over the years. In fact, many designers, including Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, have created outfits for Barbie.
9. Barbie has her own movie franchise
Barbie has appeared in several animated movies over the years, including Barbie in the Nutcracker, Barbie as Rapunzel, and Barbie and the Diamond Castle. These movies have been popular with young girls around the world.
10 Barbie has been the subject of controversy
Despite her popularity, Barbie has also been the subject of controversy over the years. Many critics have accused her of promoting unrealistic beauty standards and setting a bad example for young girls. However, Barbie has also been praised for her ability to inspire young girls to dream and aspire to new heights.
In conclusion, Barbie is much more than just a doll. She is an icon and a symbol of female empowerment that has inspired countless generations of girls and women around the world. With over six decades of history behind her, Barbie continues to be a beloved and cherished figure in popular culture.