Happy birthday, Barbie! 8 things you didn’t know about the pint-sized bombshell
If you think Cindy Crawford looks amazing at 50, check out Barbie! Mattel’s iconic doll is celebrating her 57th birthday today, and she looks just as blonde and bubbly (and wrinkle-free!) as she did when she debuted in 1959. Since then, the pint-sized powerhouse has become a household name and, more recently, a social media star. Forget keeping up with the Kardashians—it’s all about keeping up with Barbie! She’s had over 150 careers, ranging from teacher to rapper to president, and through it all she’s always had a smile on her face. She’s an icon and a fashion force. In celebration of Barbie’s 57th birthday, we’ve rounded up the coolest 8 things about this tiny bombshell. Pop the bubbly!
1. Barbie’s real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
This one-name wonder (like Béyonce, Cher and Rihanna) was named after founder Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara.
2. Barbie’s first look was a black and white striped swimsuit.
When it comes to fashion, this pint-sized beauty will try any trend. When she was introduced in 1959, she opted for a strapless one-piece swimsuit, hoop earrings and a swingy ponytail. Timeless, like Barbie.
3. Her resume is way more impressive than yours.
Since Barbie’s debut in 1959, she’s had over 150 careers including Olympic gymnast, astronaut, President of the United States, McDonald’s cashier and model. Werk!
4. Barbie caught the eye of Andy Warhol.
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The late contemporary artist (who also did a silkscreen series of Marilyn Monroe in the 1960s) unveiled a silkscreen of Barbie in 1985.
5. Totally Hair Barbie is the best-selling Barbie ever.
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Whether brunette or blonde, updo or down, Barbie’s hair has been providing inspo for decades. So it comes as no surprise that Totally Hair Barbie (1992) has been racking up serious dolla dolla bills.
6. Barbie is a social media superstar.
Look out Kim K! Barbie has 1.3 million Instagram followers, and we’re totally digging her street style shots and #OOTDs. And that shoe collection? Pretty dreamy.
7. Barbie and Ken have been in an on-off relationship since 1961.
A photo posted by Barbie & Ken. (@barbie.ken.love) on
Like any celeb couple, there has been some major drama in the love department. They split in 2004, then Barbie had a 2-year romance with Australian surfer Blaine (hello dreamboat). They got back together in 2011, and officially posted their status on Facebook—like every other couple in the universe.
8. Barbie’s perfect bod just got a lot more real.
With the introduction of Mattel’s curvy, petite and tall Barbie dolls earlier this year (they are expected to hit the shelves sometime in March), this style icon is no longer a one-size-fits-all toy. A variety of skin tones, eye colours and hair textures will also be available in the new Fashionistas line.
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