There way a lot of pushing, shouting and giggles at Hamleys in Regent Street, Central London yesterday as Barbie celebrated her 50th birthday.The world’s most popular doll was at the store in the flesh to greet children and nostalgic adults and pose with them for a souvenir photograph.
On my part I have to say I was simply excited to get a T-shirt. I always loved Barbie - even though I have to admit I did mine a little bit of damage when I was young ... but surely everyone has tried their hairdressing skills on her at least once ...
Anyhow, I was lucky to own so many.
“It’s amazing to think she is fifty already. I remember when I finally got my first Barbie. You see, my mother would not buy me one because she disapproved. She was shocked at the fact a doll had breasts” recalls Christel.
Needless to say the live doll did not have the 36-18-38 measurements that stirred controversy over unrealistic body expectations for women in the 1960s. But she did not disappoint with long blond hair and a Barbie-pink dress.
I did think the style was a little bit Playboy Mansion for a toy shop but with measurements such as hers it would have been hard to expect otherwise.
Barbie first went on display at the American Toy Fair in March 1959. She was the first mass-produced doll to mimic adult women and caused notorious debate.
However, regardless of the various critiques, the 11½ inches tall doll-woman sells at three a second worldly, according to NDP research Group.
Having a doll that did not represent a baby, but a fully-grown, sexual woman was unheard of. But Barbie also embodies freedom at a time when woman were though of primarily as housewives.
The doll has had over 100 different job titles and tried myriads of activities over the years.
Now, at 50, she is further from retiring than ever - is it the botox or what?!
