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Women's History Month

Judy Ragagli

White-Ginger-Barbie-by-Judy-Ragagli

 

In celebration of Women's History Month, I wanted to feature a women who has touched so many lives.  Yes....... Barbie!  Even though she may be just a doll, to many people she is one of the most adored dolls throughout the world.  Here is a brief history of our beloved icon.

The History of Barbie

 

Created in 1959 by Ruth and Elliot Handler, co-founders of Mattel, Barbie was an innovation destined for fame and described as a "new kind of doll from real life." She debuted as an eleven and one half inch teenage fashion model, an adult-like figurine that liberated young girls from a toy market dominated by baby dolls. The original Barbie found her roots in the existing German Bild Lilli doll, however, Mattel's version of this glamorous miniature far surpassed Lilli and any other toy of that class to become a market success with both children and adults, thus creating a legacy that would survive the decades.

Barbie's extreme success can be attributed to the world that Mattel created around her, one that was based in the lifestyle of the postwar era, its fascination with high fashion, and the popular emphasis on teen culture in America. Charlotte Johnson, the original designer of Barbie's extensive collection of outfits and accessories, drew inspiration from the actual haute couture of Paris to cultivate the doll's modern image. Through the creative efforts of Johnson and her Mattel team Barbie assumed an identity and life of her own; she became defined by the hundreds of accessories and outfits that comprised her world. Her charm and meaning in the hearts of those who played with her, loved her, and watched her grow over the years extended beyond that of a simple inanimate object of child's play; she had a life story and a soul.

Barbie's image and wardrobe provide a chronological narration of the social and cultural history of the latter half of the twentieth century. Always en vogue, Barbie acted as a barometer for the current trends of each era which were indicative of the social and political climates in America and overseas. Her wardrobe was paramount to her popularity and, in addition to being a mirror of the fashions and attitudes of society, all her clothing was impeccable designed. Meticulous attention was paid to the detail and craftsmanship of her outfits. Each piece was hand-sewn and highly detailed with real pockets, satin lining, fine fabrics, and finished off with a label and logo. Barbie's genuine mink stole remains one of the most coveted pieces in her wardrobe and, originally available at Sears for $9.99, was also her most expensive. Barbie gave young girls access to the fantasy world created in the fashion magazines through images by photographers such as Richard Avedon and Irving Penn; she was a miniature diva that offered affordable glamour.

The ever-famous Roman Holiday Holiday Barbie attests to both the quality of the workmanship and the significance to the greater context in which each outfit was conceived. The handsome suite came with a white purse, black-rimmed glasses in matching case, a plastic comb, and hankie. This set also included the rare tiny brass compact complete with a mirror, powder puff, and engraved with a "B." The Roman Holiday ensemble, with its inspiration in the Audrey Hepburn movie of 1954, was available only during Barbie's debut year and highlighted the burgeoning affinity for all things Italian. When Italian movie studio, Cinecitta, opened its doors to Hollywood in the early fifties - proving American cinema with a new home in Italy- starlets began exploring the country and its unique style. The growing fascination with Italian culture helped Italian designers gain autonomy from Paris couture thus marking a new epoch in the world of fashion.

Barbie's look was constantly changing to reflect current standards of beauty. The first doll resembled a typical 1950's fashion model with her defined features, red lips, curved eyebrows, and artificial pallor. She had demurely side-glancing eyes and were lined with black eyeliner. In the first two years this image would change as she underwent a makeover: Her eyes became blue and eye-makeup a mix of blue and brown. Her brows softened from the original inverted v-shape to a more horizontal line. The fourth version of the doll featured a slightly deeper and more natural skin tone and by 1961 she had a new short and stylish bubble cut to replace her long ponytail. In 1965, Mattel introduced the "American Girl" Barbie who sported a Dutch-boy hairstyle and thrilled her fans with her new bendable leg design. Two years later she went through a total transformation marking a new generation of the "Twist N' Turn" Barbie. Not only did she have bendable legs, now Barbie could swivel at the waist as well. She had larger eyes and long eyelashes to compliment her soft and loosely flowing hair. This transformation paralleled the rise of the Mod era centered in London, which was personified by the supermodel, Twiggy. The couture period for Barbie came to an end as actual French couture was being overshadowed by the new styles of "Swinging London."

Behind her up-to-the-minute wardrobe and striking appearance existed a truly modern and independent young woman. Barbie's evolving identity and aspirations explored the sociology of contemporary America. She exemplified the shifts in gender roles and captured the spirit of the changing nation through her endeavors. Barbie's resume includes a medical degree, a master's degree in business administration, veterinary degree, a pilot's license, and boasts a position as officer in four different branches of the military. Before the civil rights movement, 1968 welcomed Christie into the Mattel family, Barbie's first African American friend. Barbie was not afraid of transformation. Her malleability allowed her to act as a representation of the adult universe and Christie opened the door to a new generation of diversity for Barbie, once again blurring the lines between youth culture, current events, fashion, and fine art.

 


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