There is no doubt that Barbie is the most iconic doll in the world. But after all, do you know how old Barbie is? Born in New York, she has become one of the most recognizable figures and has helped to shape more than one generation of children, youth and adults.
This year she will win her first live-action and, therefore, all eyes are on the doll. So let’s reveal how old she is, how Barbie came to be and fun facts about this figure that has already become a classic. Check out!
After all, how old is Barbie?
On March 9, 2023, Barbie turns 64 years old! It was on this date that she was born, in 1959, in New York City, United States.
Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, but the nickname Barbie was what made the Mattel doll raise the company to the rank of the largest toy industry in the world. In turn, Mattel appeared a few years earlier, in 1945, in California.
The toy was designed by Ruth Handler, the then president of the company. What not everyone knows is that it was inspired by another famous doll of the time: Bild Lilli, a German item released in 1955.
(Source: Ubuy/Playback)Source: ubuy
However, Bild Lilli did not have the same success as Barbie. For you to have an idea, the 64-year-old doll has already surpassed the mark of 1 billion units sold since its launch. It’s too much!
With success, Barbie conquered not only the toy market, but also became a true pop culture icon. Since she was born, films, books and animations have been produced that follow the glamorous life of Barbie and her friends, such as her boyfriend Ken.
- See too: Margot Robbie Movies to Watch While Waiting for Barbie
Check out 5 curiosities about Barbie
Now that you know how old Barbie is, let’s check out some curiosities about the most famous doll in the world:
5 – Characteristic pink
(Source: Mattel/Disclosure)Source: Mattel
According to Pantone, pink – Barbie’s visual identity – is registered by code PMS 219. The color is so iconic that it became a fashion trend in 2022, called Barbiecore.
4 – Barbie has already been to space
(Source: Space/Reproduction)Source: Space
Before man even set foot on the moon, Barbie had already done that. In 1965, a Barbie doll was sent to the Moon. The milestone made the doll gain even more female empowerment feature and began to represent the doll with professions such as astronaut, engineer and many others.
3 – Barbie around the world
(Source: CNN/Disclosure)Source: CNN
You must imagine that, in almost 64 years, she had time to travel the world, right? So, here’s a fun fact: the doll has already represented five continents and 40 countries, reinforcing Mattel’s desire to make all girls identify with the doll.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that the first black Barbie was launched in 1980 and was a sales success! Likewise, in 2016, Barbie gained three new body types (Petite, Curvy and Tall, in addition to Classic), seven skin tones and 22 eye colors. There’s Barbie for everyone!
2 – Fashionista
(Source: Tiendamia/Reproduction)Source: Tiendamia
Being also a fashion icon, Barbie has been dressed by more than 75 designers, including Oscar de La Renta – the first, in 1980 –, Moschino, Vera Wang, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, and even Karl Lagerfeld.
- Check out: Live-action Barbie movie gets first teaser trailer; Look
1 – Unquestionable success
(Source: Amazon/Disclosure)Source: Amazon
According to recent statistics, a Barbie doll is sold every three seconds in the world and the brand is present in 150 countries. With that, it’s easy to see why she’s the most famous doll on the globe!
So, did you like to know more about how old Barbie is and the curiosities that make her an icon that crosses generations?
To stay on top of everything that happens in the world of pop culture, keep following the portal. Also, take the opportunity to share the article on social networks!
