Barbie in the 1950's

1959 - Barbie first appeared in a black and white swimsuit with her ponytail and sunglasses. Nobody knew that the small curved body would be such an icon. She was made of a flesh colored plastic. The distinctiveness of #1 and #2 were very similar with one exception. The # 1 had drilled holes in her feet to fit on her doll stand and # 2 did not.

Both Barbie dolls were available in blonde and brunette. Facial characteristics included arched brows, black eye paint, colorless pupils, bright red lips and red nail polish on her finger and toe nails. Barbie had only 2 fashions at the time - Gay Parisienne and Roman Holiday.

1960s - After only one year Barbie doll had a softer look and more outfits to choose from. Her eyebrows were curved instead of arched. The pupils became blue, accented with either brown or blue eyeliner. The hair color was still either blonde or brunette in a ponytail until #5 came along. Then there was the option of titian.

This is when the hollow body with a small neck knob was introduced. Different hairstyles were introduced with the American Girl with bendable legs, Twist and Turn Barbie with longer hair and bangs, the Swirl Ponytail Barbie Doll and the Bubble Cut. Miss Barbie was the first doll in 1964 to feature bendable legs and open and close eyes. She was also the first to have molded hair and not rooted. She came with three wigs - titian, blonde and brunette.

In 1966 Color Magic Barbie came along with her color changing swimsuit. There were 6 pony tail Barbie Dolls created by the end of this era. Girls everywhere would be hooked on Barbie Doll for life. They would grow up to wish they had taken better care of their Barbie dolls.

Barbie in the 1970's

1970s - From wigs to a tan Barbie continues to change but still remains one of the most popular play toys for girls and boys! Barbie learned to talk and many more fashions and accessories were created. She even learned how to grow her own hair. She went from hip hop to sleek and chic. She was in style every year. Dolls such as Malibu, Busy Barbie, Talking Busy Barbie and Walk Lively Barbie were created.

1980s - The introduction of the Dolls of the World began. Barbie was traveling all over the world and was able to model fashions true to each country. She went to Italy, Sweden, Japan, Australia and many more places. The doll that was considered to be the first collector Barbie doll was porcelain in 1986 called Blue Rhapsody. Another Porcelain was created as a vintage reproduction Enchanted Evening.

The first Happy Holiday Barbie Doll was started in 1988. She is what started Diamonds and Dolls! Mattel did the first Anniversary doll for Barbie on her 30th Birthday with Pink Jubilee.

Barbie in the 1990's

1990s - Bob Mackie created his first doll for Barbie called Gold. The vogue for Bob Mackie would continue throughout this era and beyond.

Mattel continued doing reproductions in the fine bisque porcelain. They also supported troops with the Stars n Stripes series. Carol Spencer created a very limited edition Anniversary doll Gold Jubilee for Barbie's 35th Birthday.

The collector series came pouring with Winter Princess, Great Era's, Classique, Hollywood Legends with the Wizard of Oz, Coca Cola, and many more! Another great Designer came along in the latter part name Byron Lars.

Barbie in the new century

2000 - The most sensational craze of all times since the vintage Barbie was created . Fashion Model Collection Silkstone Barbie Dolls! Robert Best created a very sophisticated retro look. The first signing by Robert Best was held at Diamonds and Dolls!

Other wonderful Barbie designers are Bill Greening, Sharon Zuckerman, Abbe Littleton, Carter Bryant, Katiana Jimenez, Kitty Black-Perkins, Anna Choi and others.

Barbie has gone through a few head and body modifications. The Model Muse body was introduced with controversy on whether it is liked or not.

Through the years and the new millennium Barbie has become a legend. She continues to be played with and collected by many children and adults.