On Barbie Turning 50

How fun to think of Barbie turning 50! I never knew we were the same age, girlfriend. She looks great for 50! My husband walked into the dark zone last evening when I cheerfully informed him of Barbie’s birthday. He foolishly said, “50 – is Barbie really “THAT OLD?” Silly man. I am keeping an ear open today for the flower delivery…

Barbie turning fifty has brought back memories of the wonderful Barbie museum that I visited in Palo Alto, CA in 1993. I was living in California at the time and my younger sister, Beth, (pictured left with her friend Karen) came to visit. She just had to see the largest Barbie collection in the world. It was truly amazing! Every Barbie you could imagine, wonderful dresses, accessories, cars, etc. Barbie had it all.

Barbie has changed over the last 50 years, reflecting our changing society and social trends. Barbie has evolved as we have, from teen Barbie to astronaut, to pediatrician, to police officer, to appropriately, Barbie for President. For fifty years, Barbie has fueled the imagination, creativity, and dreams of children all over the world. I wonder how many design careers were born from the famous question - “want to play Barbie?”

One of my favorite design blogs by Patricia Grey had a terrific post on Barbie yesterday. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Barbie!!