1966 Barbie Dolls

Color Magic Barbie debuts with hair and clothing that can be dyed. Her shoulder-length hair comes in Golden Blonde or Midnight Black, and can color to Scarlet Flame or Ruby Red.

Hats are big this year with Lunch on the Terrace, Pretty as a picture, and Shimmering Magic. Shimmering Magic is famous for the large, fancy white picture hat trimmed with white netting and red satin roses.

Another doll enters Barbie's family with the introduction of mod cousin Francie and little sister and brother, twins Tutti and Todd. Read more

Vintage Francie Dolls

Francie was presented to the public in 1966 as Barbie's mod cousin. While Barbie wore sophisticated fashions, Francie wore modern style clothing made with bright colors and patterns.

She was made slightly shorter than Barbie, although not as short as Skipper, leading the public to put Francie at an age between Barbie and Skipper. Francie was the first fashion doll to come with real eyelashes.

Mattel made Francie in many different configurations during the ten years she was on the market. From 1966 to 1968, she was available as a straight leg model and a bendable leg model. Beginning in 1967, she also was made as a Twist n Turn doll.

This model allowed her to twist at the waist. Also in 1967, Francie became the first dark complected doll for Mattel. Black Francie still used the caucasion molds, so she did not have true African American features. (article continued below)... Read more