Discover the fascinating story of Barbie, the doll who conquered the world!

Whether it's a figure on a school backpack, a name in a storybook or the heroine of a recent movie, Barbie is a name that resonates with nostalgia and fascination. Since its birth in 1959, the doll has never ceased to capture the imagination of million children and parents around the world.

But what do we really know about Barbie's story ? Who is this doll of 29 centimeters Who conquered the world? How has it evolved over time, and how has it expanded beyond the universe of Toys to invade the shelves of School supplies and even the halls of cinema ?

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of the pink license, since its early days as a Innovative toy for little girls until it was transformed into Global cultural icon. Get ready to dive back into a Enchanted world and to (re)discover the history of this doll like no other. Happy reading!

A look at Barbie's story

Birth of an icon: the inspiration behind the license

Inspired by the German mannequin dolls "Bild Lilli", Barbie was designed to offer little girls an alternative to traditional baby games. Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler watched her own daughter Barbara play with adult paper dolls and decided to create a three-dimensional toy in the shape of a young woman to help her dream about her future. Thus was born Barbie, named after Barbara, and marketed for the first time in 1959.

The pretty blonde through the decades: a reflection of our societal evolution

Since its inception, Barbie has often been at the forefront of societal trends, embracing and integrating various fashion movements and professional roles. In the 60s, she explored space as an astronaut, long before women set foot on the moon. She became a doctor in the 80s, long before many professions were open to women.

Most recently, Mattel launched the "Fashionista Barbie" line, featuring models in different sizes, shapes, and skin colors, to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Controversies and resilience: the challenges faced by the license

Barbie is also an icon who has faced her share of controversies. From criticism of its unrealistic proportions to accusations of reinforcing gender stereotypes, it has had to navigate sometimes turbulent waters.

Yet, by adapting her models and listening to her detractors, she managed to stay relevant. The creation of the veiled doll in 2017 and the Barbie in a wheelchair in 2019 demonstrate Mattel's commitment to creating an articulated toy that reflects the diversity of the real world.

This first part of the story reminds us that Barbie is not just a doll, but a cultural icon who has crossed the ages, evolved with society and overcome challenges. In the rest of this article, we will discover how she went from the world of games to school supplies, and how these merchandise brought a new dimension to her legacy.

Barbie beyond the doll

From toy to brand: the emergence of Barbie merchandise

Over the decades, thanks to its growing popularity and its status as a cultural icon, a complete range of merchandising products has emerged. Mattel quickly seized the opportunity to expand its universe, offering fans a way to experience Barbie beyond the doll. From fashion and school supplies to video games and movies, the articulate young woman has settled into almost every aspect of children's lives.

Barbie at school: find her on kids' backpacks and school supplies

One of the most popular merchandise of the license is undoubtedly the range of school supplies. Barbie school bags, with bright colors and attractive designs, are a must-have for many kids at back-to-school.

These girly school bags allow little schoolgirls to not only carry books and notebooks, but also to make a style statement and express their love for Mattel's pretty girl.

Barbie's range of school supplies include:

- backpacks;
- bags with wheels;
- snack boxes;
- kits;
- stationery;
- small writing equipment (pens, pencils...);
- and many other accessories dear to schoolchildren.

 These bachelor's degree supplies add a touch of fun to learning and encourage young girls to engage in their studies.

The star on screen: from television to cinema

Mattel's license is distinguished in many other areas. From clothing and video games to books and movies, the imprint of Mattel's doll is everywhere. For example, the Barbie animated film series, launched in the early 2000s, was hugely successful and further strengthened brand awareness. On July 19, 2023, the film "Barbie" was released in French cinemas. Immediate success!

Thanks to targeted commercial marketing and the multiplication of television creations, the pretty blonde remains present in the lives of children. Thus, the brand is increasingly deeply rooted in popular culture, reaching a wider and more diverse audience.

In the next section, we'll explore how Barbie, beyond her role as a toy, has become a true cultural phenomenon, touching fields such as fashion, education, and even film.

Barbie: a cultural phenomenon

Red carpet and sequins: a great influence in pop culture

Barbie has transcended the world of toys to become a true cultural icon. Her presence has been felt in many fields, from fashion to media. High-end fashion designers, such as Moschino and Versace, drew inspiration from his iconic style, coming up with bold collections in his honor.

In the media field, many songs and movies have referenced Ken's girlfriend, reinforcing her status as a pop icon. The best example: the Scandinavian band Aqua and its song "Barbie Girl" released in 1997 was a huge worldwide success.

A Lesson Learned: Barbie and Education

The reach of the pretty articulate blonde doesn't stop at pop culture. Indeed, with its school-centric derivatives, it has managed to integrate into the world of education. Barbie school supplies are adorned with pink and encourage learning by making everyday tasks more attractive.

In addition, with the introduction of dolls embodying various professions, from astronaut to president, Barbie has also played a role in inspiring little girls' career ambitions.

A transgenerational phenomenon: when Mattel's doll passes from mother to daughter

Many mothers today fondly remember their own blonde dolls and are thrilled to share this legacy with their children. Whether it's through a vintage toy, a school bag or a movie, Barbie has a knack for reviving childhood memories and bringing generations together.

Barbie's great strength? The pretty doll has survived the decades by constantly reinventing itself to fit into the daily lives of children and adults. It is essential in many fields and with all generations. In the last part of this article, we will recap her incredible journey and invite you to (re) discover the Barbie universe through our exclusive collection of merchandising.

The end of the story, or not...

By revisiting Barbie's story, we discovered much more than just a story about a girl's game. It is the evolution of a cultural icon who has spanned decades, shaped and been shaped by societal trends, influenced fashion, media, education, and continues to make hearts beat.

As a creator of dreams, instigator of style and heroine of pop culture, the doll has been able to renew itself and remain relevant over the years. From the Barbie backpack for school to the latest movie released in cinemas, each derivative product always establishes the brand a little more with young and old alike.

If you have been touched by this beautiful biography and want to (re) discover the universe of this iconic doll, we invite you to explore our exclusive collection of merchandising products dedicated to the beautiful blonde on our e-commerce site laboutiquedestoons.com. Let yourself be transported by nostalgia and share the magic of the Marvel doll with your child. Together, let's create new memories with Barbie!

Discover our Barbie shop!

Sources:
- ouest-france.fr: How does Barbie remain a timeless superstar at almost 65?
- bible-marque.fr: Barbie