Analysing the changes in the iconic doll, The New York Times says, "Her nose has remained pert, and her gaze vacant, while her plastic skin formula has grown dewier, her hair-plugs have multiplied, her forehead proportions have shrunk, and her joint movement has been upgraded."

The NYT reports that on the occasion of Barbie's 50th birthday, "Mattel has re-released half a dozen retired models, including a 1971 Malibu in gauzy bell-bottoms, a 1977 SuperStar in feather boas and a 1986 Rocker in a spiky pink wig."