barbie

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by Mattel, Inc. Introduced in 1959, she became one of the best-known toys in the world. Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, and was inspired by the German doll Bild Lilli. The character’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, a fictional woman living in Malibu, California. Since her debut, Barbie has been produced in numerous looks and is accompanied by a wide range of accessories, outfits, vehicles, and play sets.

Over the decades, Barbie’s appearance, careers, and family have expanded. The first Barbie wore a black-and-white striped swimsuit and had a ponytail. Ken, Barbie’s partner, was introduced in 1961. The line has since included many friends and relatives. In recent years Mattel introduced the Fashionistas line with multiple body shapes—original, tall, and curvy—and a broader spectrum of skin tones, hair textures, and physical features, reflecting greater diversity.

Barbie has had a significant cultural impact, influencing fashion trends and presenting a wide array of professional roles for girls, from astronauts and doctors to presidents. She has also been the subject of ongoing discussion about body image and consumer culture. Mattel has leveraged the brand through films, animated series, licensing, and collaborations, along with charitable and educational initiatives linked to Barbie’s image.

A live-action feature film titled Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and released in 2023, further broadened the brand’s reach. Today Barbie remains a central, enduring brand for Mattel, with a global presence across products, media, and merchandising.