The History of the Barbie Doll

Barbie has been around for more than 45 years and is still going strong. Arguably the biggest selling doll of all-time, Barbie has been a joy for countless millions of girls all over the world. How did Barbie get her start anyway?

The story of how Barbie got her start actually dates back to the beginnings of the company that made her, Mattel. It was in 1938 that Elliot Handler and Harold Matson got together and created a business partnership. They formed the Mattel company. As a sidenote in history, Mattel originally manufactured picture frames, but later started making doll furniture. Of course, later on they began making toys exclusively.

The Handler's daughter, Barbara, loved to play with dolls, but there were few 'grown up' dolls to play with. That gave the Mrs. Handler an idea. While they were travelling in Europe she bought a German doll named 'Lilli' for her daughter. Lilli wasn't even a child's doll. It was more of a novelty joke gift.

After they returned home Mattel decided to buy the marketing rights to "Lilli". It turned out to be one of the greatest toy acquisitions in history. They changed the name of Lilli to Barbie since this was short for Barbara, the Handler's daughter. Barbie was first introduced to the world on March 9, 1959 at the New York International Toy Fair. This is considered to be Barbie's official date of birth.

Later that year Barbie was sold throughout the United States and immediately became a hit. On another sidenote, 'Ken' was later born in 1960 and named after the Handler's son, Kenneth.

Many people may not know it, but the original Barbie doll appeared dressed in a black and white swim suit. You could buy her as either a blond or a brunette. Barbies dress was one of enormous selection. All types of outfits were made available. Her clothes were actually designed to look similar to what the fashions were at the Paris fashion shows.