History of Barbie

<p>On this day in 1959, Mattel’s Barbie made her big debut at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Here are 20 of our favorite Barbies through the years. </p>

Mattel

By Brigette SupernovaPublished Mar 14, 2016 12:01AM EDT

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-sports-illustrated_b28axd — On this day in 1959, Mattel’s Barbie made her big debut at the American Toy Fair in New York City. She was the first mass-produced dolls with womanly features. Not unsurprisingly, Barbie was modeled after a sexy pin-up doll named Lilli, that was marketed as a racy men’s gift in Germany. Quickly becoming a household name, Barbie is still one of the most recognized toys and brands around the world.

Over the years, Barbie has morphed into thousands of variations—including her friend Midge, little sister Skipper, African-American friend Christie, boyfriend Ken, and dozens of collector dolls modeled after famous people. Here are 20 of our favorite Barbies through the years.

Here, Sports Illustrated Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-julia_xtqvwy — "Julia" Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-cambodian_ldeekh — Cambodian Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-south-african_un1yvj — South African Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-wonder-woman_nlayti — Wonder Woman Barbie
MAttel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-mad-men_jhmd6h — Mad Men Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-producer_hhefrt — Producer Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-warhol_ofmsvc — Andy Warhol Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-byron-lars_jmjuuf — Byron Lars Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-aerobics_entp1g — Aerobics instructor Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-rapper_zja7b7 — Rapper Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-farrah_ulzcql — Farrah Fawcett Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-pregnant-midge_hzi7ko — Pregnant Midge Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-lord-of-rings_ji2jd7 — Lord of the Rings Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-birds_xcqj4d — "The Birds" Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-ava-duvernay_ktntml — Ava DuVernay Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-cher_y1mbjj — Cher Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-lagerfeld_gyovqw — Karl Lagerfeld Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-pilot_pp2bpp — President Barbie
Mattel

galleries/2016/03/14/history-of-barbie/160309-barbie-gallery-president_hwshub — President Barbie
Mattel

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