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... [Continue Reading]

1972 Barbie Dolls

Barbie doll is more lifelike than ever this year as Walk-Lively Barbie and Talking Busy Barbie. Walk-Lively Barbie is fashioned in a brilliant red pantsuit and a yellow faux vinyl purse, complete with her own stand to walk on. Talking Busy Barbie can communicate and has rotating wrists and hands that open and close to hold a variety of accessories.

Barbie doll looks fashionable in The Short Set, a trendy and matching knit turtleneck sweater and short outfit, accented with a wide red hip-hugging belt, attached purse, and red knee-high boots. [Continue Reading]

1971 Barbie Dolls

It's the height of the hippie look with Live-Action Barbie. She looks far-out in her psychedelic jumpsuit with fringe and a headband. And thanks to her "loose-jointed" waist, she can even dance and sing along with a record that's included.

Malibu Barbie debuts this year with an open-mouth smile, a tan, and long blonde hair parted down the middle.

Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie debuts, giving little girls a blonde ponytail that grows when pulled.

For the first time, this year, Barbie doll's demure side-glancing eyes now look straight ahead. [Continue Reading]

1960 Barbie Dolls

Barbie dolls number 3 and 4 are released, slightly changed from number 1. Number 3 has blue irises and more gently curved eyebrows. Number 4 is made of a new type of vinyl that retains its flesh-tone color rather than whitening with age.

Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson designs Barbie doll's fashions this year with inspiration from the runways of Paris. The details are exquisite, using only the finest fabrics.

This year, Barbie models Busie Gal, a red linen suit layering a red and white striped blouse. This ensemble comes complete with sunglasses and a black portfolio.

She looks stunning as Solo in the in an elegant and glittery black sheath gown with tulle flares. This fashion is a collector favorite today and was reproduced in 1995. [Continue Reading]