The Evolution Of Barbie: From 1959 To 2016

Barbie was the first doll with adult features that was mass-produced in the United States. Making her debut on March 9th, 1959, Barbie sported pulled-back blonde hair with bangs and a smirk. She was designed after a doll named Lili, who was based on a German comic strip character. 

1961 was a big year for Barbie; she got a boyfriend, Ken. It was also the year Barbie received many new identities. From stewardess to nurse, Barbie was given a variety of occupations. This caused some debate due to the controversy surrounding gender roles at this time in society.

In 1965, Barbie got a new hair-do. Her bob was styled after the popular trend at that time; women were opting for shorter hair. 1965 was also a controversial year for Barbie. Sleepover Barbie came with a little pink scale, which was set to 115 pounds, 35 pounds less than an average 5'9 (Barbie's height, proportionally) woman should weigh.

Barbie evolved just as much as the fashion trends in 1960s. Her bob cut gave way to long, flipped out blonde hair. Her clothes began to look less like First Lady Jackie Kennedy and more colorful to reflect the changing times. 

The 1970s brought on more change in Barbie's wardrobe just as the styles of the '70s reflected alternative lifestyles. Barbie's hair became long and straight and for the first time she had an open smile and her eyes faced forward. Barbie can thank the female empowerment movement for this addition!

In 1980 the first African American Barbie was introduced. She sported an afro and rocked two outfits that were representative of the '80s trends. Her second look, which was a white suit with gold trim, even came with a hair comb. 

This 1985 Barbie was known as Day to Night Barbie. She was a powerful executive businesswoman who was constantly on the move. Women were starting to seek out historically male jobs and Barbie reflected this movement. She gave young girls the courage and inspiration to step out into the workplace with confidence.

With the '90s came yet another look for Barbie. Her hair became bigger and her clothes became brighter and louder.

In 1992, the best selling Barbie was the Totally Hair Barbie. She had the longest locks of all the other Barbies, measuring 10 and a half inches. As you can see, her outfit definitely reflected the styles of the 1990s, maybe with a little groovy '70s mixed in.

With the new millennium right around the corner, it's no wonder Barbie took on a brand new look. Her look resembled the edgy trends that were taking over the fashion industry. Barbie's look was veering towards the sassy street-fashion the early 2000s brought about.

In 2004, Barbie ran for office. With the 2004 election in the works, Barbie added "running for president" to her resume with her red suit and patriotic neck tie. She was becoming a powerful woman for many young girls to look up to. 

The 2010 Superstar Barbie was remodeled after the 1977 Superstar doll. While she rocked the same bright pink dress, just a little shorter and skimpier, her eyes were wider, she wore more makeup and she stood taller. 

People started to notice how Barbie's unrealistic body proportions and lack of diversity negatively affected young girls. The new Barbie line came out with 33 different looks that embraced all, well some, standards of beauty. From different hair and eye colors to different skin complexions, Barbie started to reflect real people more and more.

But Barbie wasn't stopping with new skin tones and hair colors. She now has new body proportions, ones that are more inclusive to many different people. There is now a line of Barbies that include petite, curvy and tall body types. And she's rocking even more hair styles and fashionable outfits. From mohawks and blue hair to bouncy curls, Barbie has seen quite the makeover. She looks better than ever! Barbie still has a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction.