Everyone’s favorite doll, Barbie, celebrated her 50th birthday in 2009, and we first covered her in the December 1962 story, “Teenage Fashion Dolls.” Back then, she cost $3, and Ken cost $3.50.
Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916–2002) is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.
Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.