Barbie doll, the favorite toy of every little girl, has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1959. From Barbie movies to the iconic dream house, young girls adore everything Barbie! With the upcoming Barbie movie release on July 21, 2023, excitement for Barbie is at an all-time high. Whether reliving childhood memories or enjoying new entertainment, Barbie continues to captivate. Discover 10 exciting Barbie facts you need to know as the movie hits theaters!
1. Invention
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Barbie, the epitome of sartorial splendor, owes its exquisite genesis to Ruth Handler, the visionary co-founder of the Mattel empire. In the glamorous era of the 1950s, Ruth’s keen eye caught sight of her daughter Barbara’s enchantment with paper dolls as she gracefully bestowed upon them sophisticated personas and embarked on captivating journeys through the tapestry of life. In a moment of enlightenment, Ruth’s discerning eye caught sight of a fascinating notion – the introduction of a 3D doll poised to embody the dreams and aspirations of young girls across the globe.
Barbie has gracefully transformed throughout its illustrious existence, mirroring the ever-shifting societal norms and embracing diverse cultural backgrounds. No longer confined to mere playthings, Barbie has ascended to the lofty status of a symbol, embodying progress and fostering inclusivity in its wake. Ruth Handler’s undeniable inspiration has left an indelible mark on generations of children, fashioning their dreams and perceptions with an air of limitless possibilities.
2. Debut
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On March 9, 1959, the enchanting Barbie graced the world’s stage at American International Toy Fair in New York, captivating hearts and souls with her impeccably stylish garments, exuding unparalleled elegance. Introduced as the “Teenage Fashion Model,” Barbie effortlessly transitioned between an array of captivating careers, leaving us in awe of her boundless ambition and unwavering determination. Embarking on daring escapades with an adventurous spirit that knew no bounds, Barbie became an emblem of empowerment, inspiring generations to dream fearlessly and embrace their unique sense of style. With its arrival, a new era of boundless imagination, limitless creativity, and unyielding empowerment has been ushered in, captivating the hearts and minds of children far and wide.
3. Barbie Full Name
Barbara Millicent Roberts- that’s Barbie’s complete name! Ruth Handler named the doll after her beloved daughter, Barbara. Barbara would spend countless hours engrossed in the whimsical world of paper dolls. Oh, the enchanting scenes she would conjure as these delicate figures effortlessly transformed into sophisticated adults, gracefully donning the most exquisite attire. The beautiful realm of imaginative play catalyzed the inception of the illustrious Barbie, giving rise to her eponymous appellation. Incorporating the moniker “Millicent” bestows upon the doll a delightful essence of refinement and grace, elevating Barbie beyond mere plaything and transforming her into a veritable emblem of lofty ambitions and boundless potential. Throughout the passing decades, the name ‘Barbie’ has effortlessly intertwined itself with the very essence of haute couture, igniting enthusiasm for splendor, boundless imagination, and unyielding empowerment.
4. Career Choices
Barbie has undeniably left a lasting mark on professional pursuits. With an awe-inspiring repertoire of over 200 distinct vocations, she has effortlessly shattered the glass ceiling and redefined the essence of career versatility. From traversing the celestial expanse as an astronaut to breaking the ethereal barrier of societal limitations as the epitome of power, she personifies the essence of versatility and grit. Barbie’s array of career choices not only captivates but also empowers young girls across the globe, urging them to embrace their aspirations and dream without limits fearlessly. Barbie’s empowering proclamation persists in imbuing the conviction that no ambition is too extravagant and no objective is beyond one’s grasp.
5. Cultural Impact
Barbie’s cultural influence is undeniable, effortlessly transcending generations and traversing borders. She exudes an aura of feminine empowerment and entrepreneurial prowess, leaving an indelible imprint on the very fabric of society. Her influence transcends the confines of mere playrooms, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for the realms of literature, cinema, and even a lavish Barbie-themed eatery nestled in the heart of Taiwan. With her myriad of professional pursuits and boundless horizons, Barbie exudes an aura of self-assurance and determination, solidifying the belief that young girls possess the power to manifest their every wish, igniting aspirations that surpass the boundaries of imagination and mold the fabric of their future ambitions.
Talking about cultural impact, “Totally Hair” Barbie, launched in 1992, remains the best-selling Barbie to date, selling over ten million dolls worldwide.
6. International Appeal
Barbie’s global allure is undeniably extraordinary, as her influence transcends borders, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts in over 150 countries worldwide. Mattel’s unwavering dedication to embracing inclusivity and celebrating diversity is beautifully showcased through their extensive collection of Barbie dolls, each one a stunning embodiment of different ethnicities and cultural heritages. In a spectacular display of inclusivity, Barbie effortlessly weaves together the vibrant threads of our global mosaic. This harmonious fusion allows her to captivate a vast and diverse audience, igniting a profound sense of connection and empowerment within the hearts of children hailing from various cultural backgrounds. With her timeless allure and undeniable charisma, Barbie effortlessly transcends boundaries, effortlessly bringing together the hearts of young individuals across the globe.
7. Ken, Barbie’s Boyfriend
In the glamorous world of Barbie, a dashing and devoted gentleman named Ken entered the scene in 1961. Since then, he has seamlessly integrated himself into the vibrant Barbie universe, becoming an inseparable and cherished companion to the iconic doll. Ken, named after Ruth Handler’s son, Kenneth, immediately became iconic, accompanying Barbie on several excursions and romantic outings. As a prominent presence in the enchanting realm of Barbie, he remains an adored figure, infusing a profound essence into the enduring tale of love.
8. Barbie Dreamhouse and Pets
Over the years, many cute animals have found refuge in the Barbie Dreamhouse. Animals of all kinds, from fluffy kittens and adorable dogs to elegant horses and even a zebra, have brought even more happiness and friendship into Barbie’s glitzy life. These furry pals have not only improved the quality of pretend play but have also highlighted Barbie’s nurturing and loving attitude, inspiring kids to do the same with their own pets.
9. Barbie Movies
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Barbie movies have become crucial to the franchise, attracting viewers with inspiring narratives and themes. Since “Barbie in the Nutcracker” debuted in 2001, both kids and adults have loved these animated features based on the famous doll. The movies frequently showcase Barbie as an adventurous heroine, one who tries out new jobs and identities while highlighting messages of friendship, bravery, and personal growth. The films’ gorgeously drawn landscapes serve as a platform for exploring a wide range of topics and retellings of classic tales, all while championing diversity and acceptance. Films based on the Barbie franchise are a perennial favorite since they keep kids entertained and teach them valuable life lessons. Some popular Barbie movies are Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper (2004), Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006), Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), Barbie of Swan Lake (2003), etc.
Margot Robbie plays Barbie in the movie- Barbie (2023), which promises to be a star-studded event. Greta Gerwig, the superb filmmaker, is directing the picture, and the selection of Ryan Gosling as Ken has piqued much interest. Fans are excited to see how this powerhouse team will bring Barbie’s universe to the big screen. With this stellar cast and crew, the film should present a new and inspiring vision of the classic character, appealing to moviegoers of all ages with its originality and flair.
10. Barbie Controversy
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When you’re famous, controversy follows! Barbie has not been immune to the occasional controversy. In the realm of stylish scrutiny, certain discerning voices contend that her ethereal physique, with its seemingly unattainable proportions, inadvertently perpetuates a detrimental narrative surrounding body ideals, particularly among impressionable young ingenues.
One example is Midge, the ‘pregnant Barbie,’ and her husband, Allen. Barbie’s best friend, Midge, and her husband, Allan, were introduced in 2002. The doll caused age-appropriateness concerns, resulting in its discontinuation, but some still consider it a collector’s item.
Mattel has gracefully responded to the call for diversity and inclusivity in a stunning display of fashion-forward thinking. With their exquisite “Fashionista” line, they have artfully introduced a captivating array of dolls that celebrate various body shapes and sizes.
Despite the controversies, Barbie remains an iconic toy that has brought joy and inspiration to generations of children worldwide. Also, if you’ve watched the new Barbie movie, don’t forget to tell us your thoughts!