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 1990s

By the 1990s, Barbie was a global phenomenon. In 1989 alone, 22 million barbies were sold across the globe. The Totally Hair Barbie from 1992 (with her iconic long blonde waves), for example, broke a record as the best-selling Barbie doll ever, with over 10 million sold globally.




The face of a 1990s Barbie doll with blonde hair and sparkly eyeshadow
Six barbie dolls clad in 1990s-style clothing gather on a set of pink steps
An advertisement for the 1998 Barbie Dreamhouse; A glowing pink dollhouse against a cloudy blue sky

Makeup

Barbie kept it simple in the '90s with black mascara, light-toned eyebrows, and lipstick. Her glittery eyeshadow is a glamorous touch to this enchanting doll.

Fashion

The bold colors and patterns continue in the '90s, with fun pinks, oranges, and blues an integral part to Barbie's wardrobe.

Dreamhouse

The Dreamhouse was upgraded in the '90s, with several new foldable homes put on the market. The pictured dollhouse was a popular release from 1998 (my sisters and I owned the same one in different colors!).

Barbie accessories from the 1990s, including a suitcase with beauty and fashion symbols, a couple floral pillows, potted flowers, a rotisserie chicken, grapes, bread, clocks, picture frames, etc.
A 1990s Barbie living room setup, inclduing a TV stand with a television set, stick-on decorations, a mod floor lamp, a coffee table, and a pink cushioned stool
A white and pink Barbie minivan beside a pink car seat, fold tables, dishes, and cooler

Accessories

Colorful plastic accessories like these were common in the 1990s, reflecting the era's love for color. My sisters and I had a few of these as well!

Furniture

The 1990s featured a throwback to mod and mid-century furniture, as well as lots of white. This '90s living room set is the perfect example.

Cars

The minivan skyrocketed in popularity in the '90s, so of course Barbie had to have one for herself. Barbie also had a number of VW vehicles at the time.

The 1997 'Share a Smile Becky,' a brunette doll in a denim skirt-vest combo sits in a wheelchair
The first president Barbie in 1992, a doll with a blonde bob and deep blue professional dress set, stands at a podium on stage
Barbie, Ken, Christie, a brunette friend, and Barbie's younger sister stand together in beach attire

Body Types

The first Barbie with a disability, "Share a Smile Becky," was released in 1997. This is one example of the representation Barbie dolls saw in the '90s.

Careers

The first presidential Barbie came out in 1992, symbolizing feminist progress in Barbie's ambitious career path. Her many careers included U.S. Army Officer, Business Executive, and police Officer.

Friends

Barbie's new friends in the '90s included Becky, who uses a wheelchair, baby Krissy, and little sisters Kelly and Stacie.