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Launched in 1959 produced by Mattel, she is almost 50 years old, her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, she’s from willows Wisconsin, her signature colour is pink, her boyfriend is Ken, she is known all around the world by girls everywhere, she has starred in movies and books, she even has a song written about her by Aqua released in 1997, she was first sold for $3.00 and has sold billions. “Who am I talking about BARBIE of course”.

Can you remember your childhood with Barbie I can and today I will be speaking to you about my favourite doll, the story of Barbie, the history of Barbie and her many great attributes.

Ruth handler co-founder of Mattel toys was watching her young daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls, when she decided to create a teenage doll that young girls could dress up and play with. In 1959 the doll with good looks, cool outfits, charm and charisma entered the toy shops around America despite sceptical critics asking who would buy her? as the teenage doll was so unlike the other dolls popular at the time, but Barbie started to grab the attention of girls and soon became a worldwide sensation

Superstar Barbie swept the shelves in 1977 a doll that mirrored the funky late 70’s trends found on the dance floor and catwalks. In the 1980’s collectors in their twenties wanted more. Mattel then produced Blue Rhapsody Barbie 1986 made of porcelain the Barbie marked the beginning a collectors timeline. Then in 1988 came Happy Holidays Barbie girls loved her and a total of 300,000 dolls were sold worldwide. 1990 was a big year for Barbie as the worlds most famous designers Bob Mackie, Vera Wang, Christian Dior just to name a few created fashion styles for the doll.

He has been barbies boyfriend for 40 years now and in 1961 was introduced by Mattel the first ken stood 12 inches tall and available in brunette or blonde he came with sandals, towel and fashion booklet. In 1993 Earring magic Ken was debuted it was the best selling Ken doll in Mattel history despite the success of the doll, public criticism stopped the production as mothers noted the resemblance of Earring magic ken to a stereotypical gay man.

Barbie has starred in over 10 movies and is even releasing a new Christmas movie. She also has many books featuring Ken, Christie, Miko, Skipper, Teresea, Todd, Stacey and Kelley. her line of dolls have even featured Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, the Veronicas, Lindsay lohan, the Olsen twins, twiggy, Britney spears and Kimora lee Simmons

Bratz has given Barbie great competition since its production by MGA Entertainment in 2001. Besides the dolls there are play sets, outfits, fashion for girls even DVD’s Video games, Bratz has even won several toy of the year awards since its debut Bratz are often more costly and have fewer collectors item dolls. However Barbie still gets more mothers votes as they have objected to the Bratz skimpy, inappropriate or “Fashionista” style.

The future of Barbie collecting will continue to grow because of its immense popularity. Barbie has become a worldwide phenomenon, She is the most collectable doll in the world and as the popularity of vintage dolls in the market it is clear that Barbie is here to stay. Now in her fourth decade Barbie continues to entertain her audience of old and young collectors, exclusive vintage barbies have gone up in immensely in price since the 1980’s and collectables have never been so popular making 1.5 billion dollars a year annually.

Four decades has really changed Barbie, from her first look a black and white striped swimsuit to wedding gowns princess dresses and tiaras, over the years Barbie has followed so many of the trends not only that but the barbies you would find on the shelves today have made so many changes in 49 years and I hope that you have enjoyed my speech.