Barbie has her birthday today, congratulations to you, dear plastic doll.

We, at Mimi Berlin can’t believe that you are 60 years old as of today. You don’t look a day over 18, in our opinion.

Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel

The famous 3-D doll was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, in 1959. She named Barbie after her daughter Barbara.

(all images including desciptions of the dolls via mattel.com)

skepticism

Just like the first years, Barbie is still received with skepticism by both the toy-industry, as well as some feminists all over the world nowadays. Women who hate Barbie do so because she is the stereotype of the so-called ‘perfect woman’ especially her body-measurements, which are out-of-this-world, are preceived to be sexist. But you must know that Barbie has about 180 careers, from registered nurse to astronaut to babysitter. Also, she was created to offer choices to girls and give them “endless storytelling possibilities”. That was of course in the 1960s when women weren’t seen as equal to men as today. Anyhow, we, at Mimi Berlin, love Barbies.

no one-trick pony

The Barbie of today is nothing like the first doll, she’s not the one-trick pony anymore. Modern Barbie comes in all kinds of bodytypes and skincolors. Mattel even produces famous Barbie look-a-likes, like for instance, an X-files agent Dana Scully doll or a Frida Kahlo doll (from the inspiring women collection). Below more examples of which type you can buy, if you are really interested, we suggest you visit the Mattel site to view the whole range of toys for kids and adults.

Barbie® Ibtihaj Muhammad Doll

Designer: Kelley Lindberg Label: Black Label® Release Date: 07/30/2018 Body Type: Curvy Collector Facial sculpt:Ibtihaj Muhammad Fashion: Jacket, pants, bodysuit Fashion Sewn On?: No Accessories: Nike shoes, face mask, glove and sabre.

35th Anniversary Barbie® Doll

The reproduction of the original 1959 #1 Ponytail. The ”35th Anniversary Barbie® doll’ released in 1994 with a ‘vintage repro bodytype’

Barbie® 60th Anniversary Doll

Designer: Caroline DeMersseman Collection: Anniversary Dolls Label: Black Label® Release Date: 1/11/2019 Body Type: Model Muse Facial sculpt: Grace Collector: 55287 Fashion: Removable fashion with snap closures Eyelashes: Painted

Barbie® Busy Gal™ Doll

Label:Gold Label® Designer: Bill Greening Release Date: 3/6/2019 Body Type: Vintage with holes in feet Facial sculpt: Vintage Barbie Eyelashes: Painted Fashion: Top, jacket, skirt, heels Fashion Sewn On?: No Customization: Painted fingernails & toe polish Included with doll: Glasses, earrings, portfoio with 2 fashion sketches

Read and see more about Barbie and Haute-Couture here on this blog