IT’S been 58 years since Barbie first hit the shelves, and hasn’t she aged well?
Consumers were stunned this week by contrast between the newly launched hipster Ken doll (complete with a man bun) and the 1961 prototype, but that’s nothing compared to the many changing faces of the toy’s plastic fantastic girlfriend…
Looking back at Barbie in the 60s, she looks fit to be the First Lady of the United States.
From 1962’s perfectly coiffed beehive to the Jackie Kennedy-inspired do of 1969, Barbie certainly started off as one classy lady.
She also looks pretty stern – 1959’s Barbie is giving us some serious side-eye.
Through the 70s and 80s, Barbie’s face grows rounder and friendlier – cracking a smile for the first time in 1976.
Her eyes also gets bigger, as do her eye lashes, and gone are the stern heavy lids of the 60s.
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As you take in her ever-blonder hair and enlarged eyes, it’s worth casting your eye over Barbie’s accessories too.
The upturned collar on her multi-coloured jacket of 1987 couldn’t be more appropriate for the era and the troll earrings of 1992 are a fitting tribute to the dubious style choices of the 90s.
The 90s and 00s becomes all about the pink lip.
Barbie starts looking less childish as her face is made less round again.
As society’s expectations of women change, so has Barbie.
Last year, Matel released their first diverse range, making the iconic doll available in three new body shapes (tall, petite and curvy).
