Barbie

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by 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. The doll was named for her daughter.

Early in Barbie's career, a biography was created around her through a series of novels. She was christened Barbara Millicent Roberts with Willows, Wisconsin her home town. Barbie's steady boyfriend Ken Carson was introduced as a doll in 1961 with an extensive wardrobe. Other companions and family members were introduced over the years. Barbie has had pets, vehicles, houses, and even a theater.

Barbie has encountered criticisms, controversies, parodies, and lawsuits during her tenure as the world's leading fashion doll. Many criticisms and controversies are based on the assumption that children view her as a role model and will attempt to emulate what some preceive as a shallow lifestyle and an unrealistic body image.

Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and is viewed by some as a cultural icon. She has been the subject of art by Andy Warhol, Tom Forsythe, and Susanne Pitt. In recent years, Barbie has faced increasing competition from the Bratz range of dolls.