Barbies of the 60s
Since their inception in 1959, Barbie dolls have been a favorite of little girls, despite backlash from feminists and parents. During the 1960s, Barbie underwent transformations to fit a changing America, as well as significant structural improvements. She also got a boyfriend, friends and family members.
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The First Barbie
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As described by "Time" magazine, the first Barbie doll, which emerged in 1959, wore a black and white striped bathing suit, carried a straw beach bag and sunglasses, and came with either blonde or brunette hair. Designers tried to mimic 1950s film stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth by giving Barbie high arched brows, pursed red lips, a pony tail with curly bangs and a coy, sideways glance.
According to Kristin Riddick from the University of Virginia, early outfit choices included a bridal gown, tennis dress, ballerina costume and casual wear. Soon pajamas came along, as well as a conservative dress and apron combo, like that worn by housewives, and outfits for the prom and sock hops.
Barbie Themes
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Like Barbies of today, 1960s Barbie play sets came with themes such as "Barbie Goes to College" and "Debutante Ball Barbie," according to Riddick. When rock and roll music became popular, Barbie emerged with dangling earrings, a mini skirt and go-go boots. Usually outfits were named for their fabric theme such as "Fur Out" or "Mini Print."
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Career Barbie
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In 1960 Mattel released a career-oriented Barbie who worked as a fashion designer. She wore a sophisticated pink tailored suit, a matching hat, and high heels. "Time" reports that girls could choose from four jobs for Barbie in 1961: singer, ballerina, registered nurse and flight attendant. Mattel offered its first version of "Astronaut Barbie" in 1965, wearing a silver space suit and sporting a bob haircut.
Friends and Family
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Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, entered the scene in 1961, according to Sue Mullin from the "Dallas Morning News." He wore swim trunks and an unbuttoned shirt, and came with blond, brown or black hair. Alternative clothes included a sailor's outfit, a college student look and casual ensembles for picnics or movies.
In 1963 Mattel released Barbie's best friend, Midge, who had brunette hair and wore a sleek red swimsuit and red heels. Barbie's little sister, Skipper, appeared in 1964, along with her own boyfriend, Allan. A year later, Barbie's family grew to include twins Tutti and Todd followed by her more modern cousin, Francie, who also came in Japanese and African American versions. Christie, the first African American friend of Barbie's, came along in 1968.
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Riddick writes that Barbie got a more natural look in 1961, with softer eyes, a better skin tone and a bubble hair cut. Barbies originally had straight legs, but in the early 1960s, a new design with bent knees emerged. Mattel introduced "Color Magic" Barbie in 1966, whose hair and clothes could change with a magic solution. Soon "Twist and Turn" Barbie came along, with a movable waist. By 1965 Barbie had a house and a car. In the late 1960s, talking Barbies emerged, according to Mullin. These dolls could say "Let's go shopping!" in English, Spanish, French, German and Japanese.
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