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While vacationing in Switzerland, Ruth Handler came across the Bild Lilli doll, a "grown up" version of the baby doll which was so popular at the time. Ruth was inspired by the statuesque blonde and knew that her daughter, Barbara, would love to play with her, as well as other little girls. Three of those dolls went home with Ruth and after a little tweaking, Ruth and Elliot Handler (founders of Mattel) brought their newest invention to the Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. Unfortunately Barbie (named after Ruth’s daughter) was not met with Ruth’s anticipated success. Ruth, however, was a good sales woman and knew that little girls would beg their parents to buy them this doll. Elliot remembered of his wife, “The doll was like a piece of art for her that held a piece of her heart.” Ruth always believed that little girls just couldn’t wait until they were “big girls”, and Barbie gave girls the opportunity to experience adulthood. When Barbie had her television debut in 1959, she was a teen fashion model, which was then unheard of in toy advertising. She was not advertised as a “doll” rather as a model that wore fabulous clothes and went to marvelous parties. When summer rolled around, the demand for Barbie’s sky rocketed, and she has been the best selling doll ever since.Here is the German designed Bild Lilli, note the similarities between her and Ruth’s Barbie.
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 Barbie and her mommy, Ruth Handler Barbie has occupied over 100 careers in her 50+ years.   Here are just a few of her highlights. |
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