How Barbie’s Style Has Changed From 1959 To Today

The iconic Barbie doll is a staple for many generations of children. Mattel has a stronghold on the market, as it is the world’s largest toymaker in terms of revenue. The company has sold over a billion Barbie dolls, making her the brand’s largest and most profitable line. Mattel has followed trends and kept with the times, redesigning Barbie’s style and shape as fashion and pop culture so dictate. At times, this meant a wardrobe change, and at other times, the entire doll mold was redesigned.

Here’s a roundup of the many changes that have taken place over the years.

 

12. The Original Barbie

The first Barbie doll, released in 1959, came as a blonde or brunette with hoop earrings and a striped swimsuit. The doll only cost $3 when it was first released, but today, an original is worth tens of thousands of dollars. The highest-ever auctioned price of a mint condition doll was $27,450.