Image Courtesy of katieswisher | Flickr
At 54 years young, Barbie has had quite an eventful timeline thus far. Easily marked as the most popular doll in the world, Barbie is truly an icon. As with any iconic image with such a magnitude of popularity, there have been shocking innovations, controversy and the like.
For even the most active collector of these beautiful dolls, there are still fun and interesting facts to be discovered. Let’s take a look at some of the most rare and interesting facts sprinkled along the prestigious life of the Barbie doll!
1.) She works hard for the money.
In her life thus far, Barbie has had more than 80 careers! Her resume includes rock star, presidential candidate and paleontologist. Smart AND beautiful.
2.) Bellisima!
In the Dolls of the World® Collection, the very first nationality Barbie represented was Italian.
3.) I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world.
If you placed them head to toe, the amount of Barbie dolls (including her family and friends) sold since 1959 would actually circle our green planet, earth, more than seven times.
4.) Living in Barbie’s shadow.
Barbie has five sisters who, unfortunately have to live in her shadow. There is Skipper who was introduced in 1964, then Tutti, a twin introduced in 1966, next came Stacie in 1992, then Kelly in 1995, and last, but not least, Krissy™ in 1999.
5.) America, the Barbie-ful.
As the most popular collecting hobby in America, doll collecting comes second only to stamp collection – This comes as no surprise to us!
6.) How many doll-ars?!
When the first Barbie doll was purchased, she only cost $3.00! Times, they are-a changing.
7.) A wardrobe to be reckoned with.
Mattel is, unbelievably, one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the world thanks to Barbie and friends! They have used more than 105 million yards of fabric to create their clothing over the years.
8.) Shoes are a Barbie’s best friend.
Shoe enthusiasts everywhere would drool over Barbie’s collection! In her closet, Barbie has more than one billion pairs and over one hundred new clothing additions each year. Lucky girl!
9.) That doll was made for walkin’.
For the very first time in 1999, Barbie walked without the helping hands of a doll owner. Also, in 2000, she actually inline skated by herself! Many people can’t even do that, so kudos to Barbie!
Check out these and more fun facts about our friend, Barbie, at the link below. For all you Barbie collectors, don’t forget to check out the new and exciting Barbie dolls in Gigi’s Dolls’ collection right on our website!
Source http://collectdolls.about.com/library/blbarbiefacts.htm via Mattel, Inc.
