1959 Barbie Dolls

The world was first introduced to the Barbie doll in the year 1959. She debuted in the now famous black-and-white striped swimsuit and top knot ponytail that came in shades of blonde and brunette.

She also came with holes in the bottom of her feet that had metal cylinders inside them so that you could attach her to a black metal stand. Also the number one actually has no blue color in her eyes, the iris is white.

Near the end of the year 1959 the second type of ponytail Barbie was introduced to the world, known as the  number two ponytail. The only difference from the first doll was that she no longer had the holes and metal cylinders in her feet.

Although critics did not give her a warm welcome, at the New York Toy Fair where she first appeared. However she was a huge hit with little girls, selling almost 350,000 dolls in her first year of production.

A popular outfit that came out this year for Barbie was the Cotton Casual. Which was a navy and white striped dress paired up with white open toe shoes.

Other popular outfits for collectors from this year include the Gay Parisienne and the Roman Holiday.

Below is a Barbie's very first commercial from 1959...