It was in 1958 that the patent for Barbie was obtained. This would be a fashion doll unlike any of her time. She would be long limbed, shapely and beautiful, all of this and only 11 ½" tall.
Paper fashion dolls of the times would give way to a three dimensional beauty with a wardrobe of unsurpassed quality. Ruth and Elliot Handler would name their new fashion doll after their own daughter, Barbie. Barbie dolls’ soon to be boyfriend Ken, would be named after their son Ken.
In March of 1959, Barbie doll would make her way to the New York Toy Show and receive a cool reception from the toy buyers. She would be viewed as risky to buyers since she was not the typical style selling baby doll of the times. Upon seeing Barbie on store shelves, the public decided differently. By 1960, the mood would change and the orders started pouring in to Mattel. It took several years for Mattel to catch up with the demand for Barbie. Within ten years, the public purchased $500 million worth of Barbie products.
Barbie has undergone a lot of changes over the years and has managed to keep up with current trends in hairstyles, makeup and clothing. She is a reflection of the history of fashion since her introduction to the toy market. Barbie has a universal appeal and collectors of all ages enjoy time spent and memories made with their dolls.
Courtesy of: http://www.dolls4play.com/barbiehistory.html
BARBIE 1959-present
KEN 1961-present, Barbie’s boyfriend
MIDGE 1963-66, Barbie’s friend
ALLAN 1964-65, Ken’s friend
SKIPPER 1964-present, Barbie’s sister
SKOOTER 1965-66, Skipper’s friend
RICKY 1965, Skipper’s friend
Courtesy of: http://www.dolls4play.com/barbiehistory.html
Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls
1959 - 1964
Vintage Barbie ponytail dolls were issued from 1959 to 1964. Her design evolved over the years and there are 7 different variations. These are known by their numbers: #1, #2, #3, etc. As a general rule, the lower the number the more valuable the doll.
Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls - includes all the ponytail dolls information to help you decide which one you have.
#1 and #2 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls (1959)
#3, #4 and #5 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls (1960 - 1961)
#6 & #7 Vintage Barbie Ponytail Dolls (1962 - 1964).
Vintage Barbie Bubblecut Dolls
1961 - 1967
Barbie's new look in 1961, said to be influenced by the 1st lady Jackie Kennedy, the fashion icon of the time, was a short style called a Bubblecut. Bubblecut Barbie dolls were sold from 1961 to 1967. Although collectors do not often distinguish the different faces like they do with the ponytail, the Bubblecut's face underwent the same transformation as the ponytail. The first Bubblecut had a small tight hairstyle. As the years progressed her hair got fuller and fuller.
Fashion Queen Vintage Barbie Dolls
1963
Wigs were a popular fashion item in the early to mid-1960s. Fashion Queen Barbie had molded painted hair and came with three wigs.
Vintage Barbie Fashion Queen Dolls
Barbie Swirl Ponytail
1964
In 1964 the glamorous Swirl Ponytail Barbie was introduced, signaling the beginning of Barbie's truly glamorous period that lasted until Barbie went "Mod" in 1967. The dolls, clothing and accessories from the glam years of 1964 to 1966 are among the most highly sought by collectors, and therefore the most valuable.
Vintage Barbie Swirl Ponytail Dolls
Miss Barbie
1964
Miss Barbie was the first doll with bendable legs and the only Barbie doll with "sleep" eyes that could open and close.
She had molded hair (instead of rooted) - she came with three wigs and a lawn swing and accessories.
Vintage Barbie Doll Miss Barbie
American Girl Barbie
1965 - 1966
The American Girl Barbie, named for her hair style, represents the peak of Barbie's glamour and elegance. The American Girl Barbie and her 1600 series ensembles are the most glamorous and the most coveted by collectors. No surprise they are also among the most valuable.
Vintage American Girl Barbie Doll
Color Magic Barbie
1966
Color Magic Barbie came with either Golden Blonde or Midnight Black hair that changed to either Scarlet Flame or Ruby Red when the enclosed solution was applied. This is one of the hardest to find, and therefore most expensive vintage Barbie dolls. Some Color Magic Barbies are considered "high color" with very vivid makeup. These are generally more valuable.
Vintage Color Magic Barbie Doll
SOURCE: https://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Barbie-Dolls.html
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