About Barbie Clothes
Barbie dates to a time when women were gaining more independence by venturing outside of their homes for experiences dedicated to more than homemaking and child rearing. Barbie was a career woman then, and is a successful glass ceiling breaker in today's tough toy world. From fashion model to secretary to doctor, Barbie has tried on as many professions as she has outfits. Barbie clothes share a history of American fashion over many decades.
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History
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In 1959, Barbie began as a fashion model in three-dimensional form. All other girls' fashion toys were created as paper dolls prior to the introduction of Barbie. Wearing only a black and white striped swimsuit with matching sunglasses, shoes and hoop earrings for accessories, the curvaceous toy with the feminine form became the latest rave. In 1978, Barbie was the beach party queen when she wore a cover-up over her bikini. In 1980, the doll fashionista wore a funky disco bodysuit with wrap-&-snap skirt. The plastic Mattel-manufactured doll with a vast wardrobe is still popular with girls, boys and avid adult Barbie collectors.
Types
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Mattel has provided Barbie with an incredible wardrobe. As time progressed, Barbie clothes went from taffeta gowns to miniskirts with skinny tights and high boots, and back around again. Barbie ventures from reality-based trendy styles to fantastical sparkling princess attire. With thousands of outfits from which to choose, Barbie becomes someone new with the change of an outfit.
Custom-made Barbie doll clothes can be ordered from tailors who specialize in miniature clothing creations. These Barbie clothes are handmade, and include the tiniest details to add to their distinctive quality. Each article of clothing is an original piece, adhering to made-to-order specifics.
Features
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There are Barbie clothes for nearly every occasion and career. Complete outfits include the accessories and objects specific to the particular Barbie doll. For instance, Malibu Barbie comes with a bathing suit, beach towel and sunglasses. Miss Astronaut Barbie has a silver metallic jumpsuit, moon boots and helmet. Registered Nurse Barbie wears a traditional white uniform accompanied by a navy cape, and Boot Camp Barbie wears G.I. gear with dog tags.
Identification
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Materials and patterns used to create Barbie clothes are the same as full-size garments, only in smaller dimensions. Barbie clothes come in cotton, wool, silk, chiffon and nylon, fabrics much like living "dolls" wear, and are fastened with snaps, hooks and Velcro. The Scarlet Macaw Barbie wears couture; purple, yellow and red feathers adorn the hem of her silk shantung gown. Evening dresses made of blush lace, crystal accents and chiffon trains are a part of Barbie's wardrobe. Barbie sports Vera Wang and Kimora Lee Simmons designer clothing. Barbie clothes cover it all, and Barbie wears them well.
Size
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If Barbie were a live woman, she would be more than 7 feet tall with the dimensions 44-17-40. To cover her human body would take considerably more fabric than her doll form. Barbie's petite plastic physique puts her between 11.133 and 11.5 inches tall, making her clothes no more than 11.5 inches long by 7 inches wide, unless there is an added train or the design is intended to be extra wide. Barbie has a 6-inch bust, a 3.75-inch waist and 5-inch hips, making the doll slim with long, slender legs that remain apart and feet that stay suspended en pointe, ready to slip into her classic high heels.
Potential
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Weak sales of Barbie dolls and their clothing prompted Mattel to attempt a rejuvenation of the toy brand by appealing to a slightly older audience. Mattel's "long-term plan to reinvigorate" Barbie doll and Barbie clothes sales involves promotions that publicize the Barbie Luxe brand featuring jeans, hooded sweatshirts, handbags and accessories. Mattel anticipates the Barbie clothing and accessories line will appeal to trend-setting teenagers and women, causing the popularity of the articles to "trickle down to Barbie the doll."
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