to be and longed to play with; Barbie.

From pink to cyan, she has owned all colours through a style tranformation and embodied a fierce, independant role model for all children to look up to. Taking miniature sized fashion to a new level and inspiring designers around the world, this doll has it all. Here are some iconic moments that has proven Barbie to be one of the most inspirational dolls of all time. From unique and inspiring styles of the decades, to taking on over 70 careers, she does it all!

The Iconic and sentimental doll of history has to be the Barbie doll. Dressed head to toe in glamorous pink shades and a bold smile she is the girl every little girl aspires to be. Since 1959, this Mattel Icon has gone on quite a journey and continues to remain one of the strongest toys on the market for children from all over the world. Beginning in just a simple one piece bodysuit she brought elegance and confidence and paved the way for inspiring girls to feel good in themselves and feel unstoppable.

What has been one incredible narrative throughout Barbie’s history is that she is unstoppable and can be successful in any career she choses and boy did she have many! 72 to be exact and that list continues to grow, smashing the glass ceiling and showing young girls and boys that they can be anything they put their mind to! Unlike other dolls, Barbie has always defied stereotypes even those that surrounded young women and girls in the 60’s. Unlike the social norms of women marrying young and starting a family, Barbie shfited expectations and showed freedom that any one can to do whatever they dream of. Although later partnering with her dashing side-kick Ken, Barbie remained the best-selling star of the show.

Inclusiveness has always been a big part of the values that creator Ruth Handler felt important for Barbie to embody. Therefore, the doll has adapted and changed appearance over time to resonate with young children from all different backgrounds and abilities. For example, there have been different collections featuring different body types, hair colours, skin tones, heights and so on.

Likewise, another important and positive change was ensuring Barbie presented a realistic body image for young girls. Showing that not all girls and women will look like the traditional tall, slim doll that Barbie began appearing as and that is completely normal. Furthermore, showcasing a range of bodies in different dolls can help influence a positive mindset, self esteem and make the doll feel more relatable to many. Another similar way that Mattell helped make young girls included was by creating those with prosthetic limbs and Barbie with a wheelchair. This was an incredible effort to help those with diabilities feel seen and just as equal to the doll they grew up with.

The world of Barbie remains solid and an evergrowing success in admiration and sales. With over 40 films, TV series, merchandise, toys, acessories, collaborations and a strong social media presence the doll is simply too hard to ignore! Why would we, she’s simply the best!