Monday, March 2, 2009
Barbie® Celebrates 50 Years Of Fun and Fantasy!
One of my fondest childhood memories is playing with Barbie dolls. By the hour, my neighbor and I 
would pretend that our dolls were best friends, housewives, movie stars, teachers, and brides. We were so proud and protective of our vinyl cases, filled with lovely clothes hung on tiny hangers, and the little drawers that held her shoes and handbags. We could never have imagined what Mattel® had in store for our favorite fashion doll.
It’s hard to believe that Barbie (full name Barbara Millicent Roberts) is celebrating her 50th birthday. Much has changed since 1959 – she’s gone from ponytail to page boy, bubble cut to bouncy curls, from feather cut to long sun-streaked locks. Her body proportions have changed from impossibly endowed to improbably perfect. Her bevy of best friends and family members has expanded from just Midge to include Ken, Allan, Skipper, Scooter, Stacie, Francie, Steffi, P.J., Todd & Tutti, and too many more to mention. She’s owned a dream house, a motor home, a Corvette, ski cabin, beach cruiser, hot tub party bus, and over 40 different pets! Her clothes have been styled by Armani, Dior, Givenchy, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, and dozens of other famous designers.
Barbie has transcended her original role as a snooty high-fashion model with a boyfriend to a smiling, independent professional woman who is successful at everything she does. So far, she has tackled more than 100 careers, including figure skater, rock star, teacher, doctor, paleontologist, astronaut, ballerina, firefighter, veterinarian, Army medic, superhero, NASCAR driver, chef, and even made a run for President! 
The secret of her longevity? Barbie is a Renaissance woman. She’s always at the forefront of change, always embracing the future and the next goal on her horizon. No matter what the generation, little girls will always relate to those goals, and dream of achieving their own, and that will never change. Happy 50th birthday Barbie, and many more!
posted by Betty at
8:47 AM
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