March 9 in History
1959 - Barbie makes her debut at the American Toy Fair in New York
Barbie, the fashion doll manufactured by the American toy company Mattel, Inc. launched on this day in 1959, was created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler who used a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration. The figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls, Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over sixty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parodies of the doll and her lifestyle. Barbie has transformed the toy business in affluent communities worldwide by becoming a vehicle for the sale of related merchandise (accessories, clothes, friends of Barbie, etc.). She has had 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 in March 1959 – Barbieologin