Collectible Vintage Barbies

Initiated at the American Toy Fair in 1959, the Original Barbie was the original teenage doll ever fashioned for children and quickly became one of the all-time bestselling and most widely collected toys. Heavily promoted on TV, more than billion of the Barbie dolls have been sold. Most Collectors grant early days numbered Barbie dolls from 1959 and the 1960s, in as well as a wide mixture of rarities and special editions, such as Barbie dolls with flexible legs or red hair.

The toy was the dream of Ruth Handler, whose husband, Elliot, was the "el" in Mattel and whose daughter, Barbara, gave the doll its name. The inspiration for Barbie’s facial appearance and unfeasible hourglass figure was Bild Lilli, a doll Handler picked up in 1956 while vacationing in Europe. The dream became a reality and the rest is know as History of the Barbie Doll…

Most of the garments offered in 1959 were still available in 1960, making the three that were discontinued (Easter Parade, Gay Parisienne, and Roman Holiday) extremely collectible. Of the six new garments added in 1960, Friday Night Date was one of the finest, thanks to its charming blue corduroy jumper with felt appliqués, pair of soda glasses with cotton standing in for actual fizz, and a black serving tray bearing the Barbie logo.

In 1961 Mattel introduced the world to Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend named after Barbara Handler’s brother. Barbie dolls with bubble-cut hair dos were also offered in addition to Barbies with ponytails. Barbie’s ever-increasing line of outfits suggested that this woman did more than go to fancy parties and beach barbecues — she was an American Airlines stewardess, a nurse, and even a professional ballerina.

Vintage Barbie Dolls have become such a fashion no matter woho wants a Barbie, whether it is a Barbie Collector or just a child wanting a Barbie to play with.