Barbie

Barbie is world's most famous and best-selling doll. The doll, produced and owned by Mattel Inc., debuted at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. The creator of Barbie was Ruth Handler, wife of Elliot Handler, a co-founder of the Mattel toy company. Barbie is named after Barbara Handler, daughter of Elliot and Ruth Handler.

Initially Barbie had either blonde or brunette hair, and later she sported all types of hairstyles and hair colors. Barbie's clothes were designed by Mattel's Charlotte Johnson. Many designers have been given the opportunity to design clothing for Barbie. Among them are Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Bob Mackie, Nicole Miller, Escada, Anne Klein, Ralph Lauren, Donatella Versace, Bill Blass, Paul Frank and Juicy Couture. Mattel has also made a biography for Barbie and a full complement of family and friends have been manufactured for her, prominent being her beau 'Ken'. Barbie was originally marketed as a 'teenage fashion model' but later went on to become a politician, rock star, doctor, nurse, firefighter, paleontologist, etc. Specific Barbie dolls have been created for various countries. Barbies of different ethnic groups and nationalities have also been created, including African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American Barbies.

Barbie is considered a cultural icon and is closely associated with Western childhood. Barbie dolls are available across a wide range. Accessories and doll houses are also available in a variety of designs. Accessories include books, stationary, bags, doll make up, clothes for dolls, etc. Barbie dolls are considered highly valuable collectibles. Barbie dolls are valued on the basis of their condition, rarity and to some extent, age. Consequently older Barbie dolls are higher priced. Mattel has also launched several collector editions of Barbie, and these command even higher premiums.