original 1959 Barbie in a striped black and white outfit against a blue background

A 20th Century Phenomenon: Barbie Through the Decades

by Bryn Garrett

Barbie in the 1960s

In the spring of 1959, Ruth Handler released the Barbie doll, having drawn inspiration from the German Bild Lilli doll. In the 1960s, Barbie had been recently introduced and was already garnering the attention of millions. Let's take a look at some of Barbie's most popular trends when she was just taking off.




the face of 1960s brunette Barbie with averted eyes
six quadrants showcase different 60s fashion looks from Barbie
Barbie's first dreamhouse with one level and mod-syle interior, released in 1962

Makeup

Barbie's first makeup look showcased the famous thick black eyeliner and colored eyeshadow popular at the time. With an averted gaze, Barbie was a symbol of feminine passivity. It wasn't until the 1960s that Barbie opted for a forward gaze and softer look.

Fashion

Barbie's stylish clothing in the 1960s reflected the sophisticated, feminine style trends of the era, marking Barbie as a reknowned fashion icon.

Dreamhouse

Barbie's first Dreamhouse debuted in 1962, a one story cardboard home with yellow walls and mod furniture. At the time, it sold for $4.44.

Barbie accessories from the 1960s, including a miniature magazine, shoes, gloves, underwear, a purse, jewelry, etc.
A Barbie doll stands in front of a mod-style couch while another sits on a chair
Dolls Barbie and Ken stylishly ride a peach convertible

Accessories

Some of Barbie's first accessories had somewhat of a delicate, real-life quality. Her dainty white gloves and pearls represented the classy aesthetics of the time.

Furniture

Barbie's furntiure evolved greatly in the 1960s, and consumers began to see her signature pink in items such as her first four-poster bed and wardrobe. Real cloth was used in such furniture items, as is pictured in this mid-century living room set.

Cars

Barbie's first car was a Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II, to be known as "Barbie's own sports car." This stylish vehicle marked the start of the doll's love for convertibles.

The original 1959 Barbie in a black-and-white striped suit, with pale skin and inflexible knees and elbows
Fashion Designer Barbie, released in 1960. The doll wears a red dress set and a black tote bag that displays her title
Barbie, Ken, Midge, and another 'Fashion Queen' Barbie stand on an artifical shore wearing swimsuits with prices at their feet

Body Types

The original Barbie doll modeled a tall, slender body type with only the start of the arms and legs being movable. The doll was criticized for encouraging sexualized and unrealistic body standards for women.

Careers

Barbie's first job as a fashion designer in 1960 paved the way for the successful career woman that we know her as today. After becoming a a College Graduate and Career Girl in the early '60s, the doll held a variety of positions, including Astronaut, Flight Attendant, Tennis Player, and Registered Nurse, among others.

Friends

In her first decade, Barbie's friends and family were introduced, including her boyfriend Ken, childhood best friend Midge, sister Skipper, and Christie, the first Black Barbie doll released in 1968.