March 9 in History
1959 – The Barbie doll makes its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York
Fashion doll Barbie, described as one of the twomost popular dolls in the world (the other being her boyfriend Ken was launched on this day in, 1959. Manufactured by American toy company Mattel, Inc. it was created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.
Barbie, the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over six decades and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parodies of the doll and her lifestyle. Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls, making it the company’s largest and most profitable line
Since its launch, Barbie has transformed the toy business in affluent communities globally by becoming a vehicle for the sale of related merchandise (accessories, clothes, friends and relatives of Barbie, etc.). Writing for Journal of Popular Culture in 1977, Don Richard Cox noted that Barbie has a significant impact on social values by conveying characteristics of female independence, and with her multitude of accessories, an idealized upscale life-style that can be shared with affluent friends.
-Wikipedia
Photo Caption – The first Barbie doll was introduced in both blonde and brunette on March 9, 1959 –Wikipedia
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