Barbie has been a timeless favourite, not just for little girls. Part of our childhoods, it awakened an interest in fashion and style in many of us.
The original Barbie, launched in 1959 by Ruth Handler, offered, for the first time, a doll with grown-up features instead of a baby. Dressed in a striped swimsuit, she encouraged imaginative play and is now a prized collector’s item.
The best-selling Barbie ever, she had long, 11.5-inch hair and came with styling accessories. Reflecting 1990s fashion, the gal inspired creativity with her colourful clothes and dos.
Yes, Barbie can go to the moon. This young lady appeared in 1965, dressed for space, inspiring girls to consider careers in science well before the moon landing. She was part of Barbie’s careers line promoting women’s ambitions.
The Fashionistas line introduced dolls with different body shapes, skin tones, abilities, including prosthetics and wheelchairs, promoting diversity and inclusivity in toys.
This plastic lass honoured artist Frida Kahlo with traditional clothing and her striking looks, celebrating creativity and resilience, though it also raised talks on cultural sensitivity.
Diamonds are Barbie's best friend too. On her 40th anniversary, Mattel teamed up with De Beers to create a diamond-studded, white gold Barbie valued at $85,000, highlighting Barbie’s luxury and art status.
Everyone's precious doll has a few desi avatars. The most interesting is the Indian Barbie chick togged up in a sindoori lal power suit, accessorised with gold jhumkas and bangles.
Wanting the next generation to celebrate women frontline workers, Barbie had unveiled its #ThankYouHeroes global doll series during the epidemic.