The Doll Emporium - Doll Exhibition - Information
The Barbie® doll was first released on March 9, 1959, by the American toy company Mattel. Barbie® was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, with the goal of providing young girls with a toy that allowed them to imagine and explore adult roles and experiences.
Ruth Handler was dissatisfied with the dolls available to girls at the time, which were mostly baby dolls that reinforced the idea of girls as nurturers and caregivers.
Outfitted with career paraphernalia, the Barbie doll was a model for financial self-sufficiency. The doll defied the expectations of female responsibility to men or family: Barbie has no husband or offspring.
When in the early 1960s consumers clamoured for a Barbie-scale baby, Mattel did not make Barbie a mother but issued a “Barbie Baby-Sits” playset.
Did you know? …. Barbie® was named after Barbara Millicent Roberts, the daughter of Ruth Handler and later the Ken doll was named after her son too.
Shelf #1: 1959 - 1966
1. The first Barbie® doll, introduced in 1959, was called the 'TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL' #850 and was sold for $3 (a far leap from the $350,000 she can now sell for). Barbie's first incarnation #1 had a brunette or blonde ponytail with a signature black-and-white striped bathing suit, heels, and sunglasses. Unfortunately these dolls are very hard to come by so here we have an exact reproduction of the brunette version officially released by Mattel in 1995.
2. Mattel quickly followed the doll release with a line of fashion clothing, which played a key role in making Barbie a fashion doll and cultural icon. In 1960 the 'SILKEN FLAME' #977 fashion set was released, and is still popular today with a number of reproductions produced.
If you notice the doll head atop the stand you will see some terrible staining along the sides of the face. This is known as as ‘GREEN EAR’ among doll collectors. This discoloration is a common issue with vintage Barbie dolls, and it is primarily caused by the interaction of copper in the original earrings and the vinyl material of the doll's head.
3. The 1961 'NUMBER 5 PONYTAIL BARBIE' #850 has a new hollow body and a new hair colour. The T.M. symbol was replaced with the ® symbol after the word "Barbie" on her body marking. Many of the #5 dolls have a greasy face problem as there is a breakdown in the vinyl they used to make the dolls (which Mattel soon corrected).
4. The 'KEN DOLL' #750 - Barbie's iconic boyfriend, was first introduced by Mattel on March 11, 1961. However, in keeping with Ruth Handler’s desire that Barbie be a “single career girl,” the couple has never married, and Ken is typically seen as an accessory (didn't she have the right idea?!?)
5. New in 1962 are 'PAK' items that could be mixed and matched with other outfits. Here is a Barbie Pak SILK SHEATH DRESS in the rare colour of black. It is modelled by a 1962 Bubble Cut doll.
6. The Barbie 'FASHION QUEEN' #870 doll was released by Mattel in 1963, and the key feature of this doll was that Fashion Queen’s hair was interchangeable. She came with a wig collection, which could be swapped for different looks. This allowed her to have different hairdos depending on the outfit or style, emphasizing Barbie’s role as a fashion model with a wide variety of looks.
7. The Barbie 'BUBBLE CUT' #850 doll is one of the most beloved Barbie dolls from the 1960s. She was first introduced by Mattel in 1961 and quickly became one of Barbie's most popular and recognizable styles. The Bubble Cut hairstyle was a significant shift from the earlier Ponytail Barbie hairstyle and became a symbol of the evolving sophistication of Barbie's image during the early 1960s. This Bubble Cut doll was released in 1964.
8. The first Barbie 'SKIPPER' #950 doll was introduced by Mattel in 1964. Skipper was presented as Barbie’s younger sister, designed to appeal to a younger audience than the original Barbie doll. Skipper was part of Mattel’s efforts to expand the Barbie® brand and target different age groups. Skipper was initially portrayed as being around 10 years old.
Skipper is wearing a 1965 fashion pack called SHIP AHOY which was sold to complement Barbie's outfit called ABOARD SHIP, which is modelled by the next doll....
9. The 'MIDGE HADLEY' #860 doll is Barbie's best friend. She is 11 1/2" tall and was introduced in 1963 (though this one was released a year later in 1964), Midge is the same size and shape as Barbie so she could share her extensive wardrobe but . . . not her man, as the Allan doll is her boyfriend. She ran for only four years and was discontinued in 1967. She didn't last long due to a number of factors - Barbie remained the star of the show, and Midge, with her more modest appearance and freckles, didn't resonate as strongly with the fashion-focused consumers of the late 1960s. This time period saw a rise in youth counterculture, fashion revolution, and more emphasis on bold, mod styles. Midge's wholesome, girl-next-door image didn’t align well with the edgier, more modern aesthetic of the time. Poor Midge!Though, she did make a comeback in various forms in later decades - especially in the 1980s and 2000s - as a friend and eventually as a mother in the controversial "Happy Family" line.
10. Although she has never officially married, Mattel released a number of wedding fashions to allow young girls to fulfil Barbie's bridal dreams. This is one such fashion from 1966 called 'HERE COMES THE BRIDE' #1665.
Shelf #2: 1967 - 1976
​11. The 1967 'TWIST 'n TURN' #1160 Barbie Doll release, also called TNT by collectors, was the beginning of the Mod Barbie Era. Barbie received a total makeover - a new face, a new hair style and a new body. The TNT Barbie has rooted eyelashes, bendable legs and a twist and turn waist that allows for better poses. This doll is wearing a 1963 fashion called 'SENIOR PROM' #951.
12. This doll is a 1968 'GO GO CO CO' #1160 doll (referring to her hair colour) in her original swimsuit. She was available in Sun Kissed (light blonde), Summer Sand (ash blond), Chocolate Bon Bon (dark brown) Go Go Co Co (light brown) hair colors.
13. In 1968 'STACEY', Barbie’s British friend from England, was introduced. She was intended to bring a mod, international flair to the Barbie lineup, in line with the swinging London fashion scene that was hugely influential at the time. However, there were only two versions of this doll ever made - the Twist 'n Turn #1165 (1968-1971) and the Talking Stacey (1968-1970) #1125. It is suggested that Stacey didn’t resonate as strongly with kids as Barbie or the new additions like Christie and Francie. She may have been overshadowed by other characters who had more distinctive personalities and appeal. This Stacey doll (a talking version) is wearing a 1969 fashion set called 'ROMANTIC RUFFLES' #1871.
14. The Barbie 'GROWING HAIR FRANCIE' #1129 doll was released in 1970 and was part of the larger trend of dolls with innovative features during that time. This "Growing Hair" version features a retractable ponytail so you can control the length of her hair and style it in many different ways. Francie was marketed as Barbie’s modern, teenage cousin and served as a bridge between the classic Barbie image and the evolving youth culture of the Swinging Sixties. Francie has a slimmer and more teenage-like body than Barbie's adult figure. Her wardrobe featured miniskirts, go-go boots, bright patterns, and space-age designs and was designed to appeal to a younger demographic than Barbie’s more glamorous, adult look.
15. Barbie got a new look from 1969 - 1971 with a new hairstyle. The trendy shoulder length flip was arguably inspired by the hit TV show 'That Girl', which ran from 1966 to 1971 and starred Marlo Thomas with a similar hairstyle. This Barbie is often referred to as the 'MARLO FLIP' #1160 doll, though the official name of this doll is the Twist 'n Turn Barbie (never officially called “Marlo Flip” by Mattel). This Marlo Flip doll is wearing a 1972 outfit called 'FUN SHINE' #3480.
16. The 'LIVE ACTION' #1152 Barbie was a doll designed for moving and shaking. With one tap of her clear Touch 'n Go stand, she could dance to your favorite music dressed in authentic seventies attire. The Live Action doll was sold in 1971 and 1972.
17. The 1973 'MOD HAIR KEN' #4224 marked a shift in how Mattel approached their male dolls. Before this, Ken was typically represented with molded plastic hair that didn’t allow for much styling. The Mod Hair version was a response to the popularity of Barbie's hair play dolls, such as the "Growing Hair" Barbie and "Growing Hair" Francie, which allowed girls to experiment with different looks.
18. Released in 1974, 'MALIBU BARBIE' #1067 was part of a new wave of Barbie dolls that emphasized a more relaxed, beachy, and sun-kissed lifestyle. Malibu Barbie was a direct response to the rising popularity of surf culture, beach lifestyles, and California-based leisure culture in the 1970s. This is one of but a few Barbie dolls that re-used the Stacey face mold (but left her name behind).
19. The 1975 'BARBIE GOLD MEDAL' #7233 doll was released in 1975 to honor the U.S. women's Olympic athletes and their successes in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Barbie was released a year ahead of time (common practise for toy manufacturers), but which became a significant problem for Mattel when Covid struck in 2019. They had already made and released a huge number of dolls and fashions for the 2020 Olympics, which were then cancelled due to the pandemic.
20. The 1976 Barbie 'BALLERINA DOLL' #9093 is part of Barbie's long history of themed dolls. Although ballerina outfits were released in fashion packs in previous years, this was the first ever Barbie doll sold as a ballerina.
Shelf #3: 1977 - 1984
​21. In 1977 Barbie got a new face and the 'SUPERSTAR' #9720 era began. Up until the late 1990s the SuperStar facemold was THAT Barbie face and it was used for over 600 dolls (which can make it very difficult to identify them).
22. The 1978 'PRETTY CHANGES' #2598 Barbie doll can go from disco to dressy! She has lots of different looks that she can change and rearrange. Not many Barbie dolls were released with short hair and this one came with two hair pieces so you could change her look.
23. Released in 1979 'BEAUTY BARBIE DOLL’s DOG' #1018 is an Afghan Hound that has more articulation than previous canine pets. With legs and a head that can move it allowed for more realistic play (unfortunately this also meant the joints loosen over time and this dog wants to lie down permanently).
24. In 1980, 'BLACK BARBIE' #1293 made her debut, marking a significant moment in the history of Barbie dolls. Black Barbie was the first Barbie doll to directly represent an African-American woman. Before 1980 there had been a handful of Black dolls that were designed to be Barbie’s sidekick. This was the first time Mattel marketed a Black doll as “Barbie” herself, not just as a friend or side character. Previous Black dolls like Christie (1968) were marketed as Barbie’s friend — but this 1980 doll was Barbie. The Black Barbie doll is such a pivotal doll release there has even been a Netflix series dedicated to her - The Black Barbie Documentary of 2023.
25. Barbie evolved her fashion trends along with the style of the time. Here we have a dress from the 1981 'FASHION COLLECTIBLES' #3680.
26. Following the groundbreaking Black Barbie doll, Mattel released the 'DOLLS OF THE WORLD' collection. This line was fundamental in pushing the brand toward inclusivity and expanding the range of cultures Barbie could represent. It set the stage for future releases, continuing with even more countries and international themes in the decades that followed. This is Miko dressed as an Eskimo from 1982.
27. Barbie started to give double the fun with the 'TWICE AS NICE' range of fashions that were reversible, allowing two styles for the price of one. This one is called 'DOUBLE DAZZLE' #4824 and was available in 1983.
28. 1984 was notable for the beautiful 'CRYSTAL BARBIE' #4598, created with the Superstar face sculpt. She also had a matching 'CRYSTAL KEN' #4898 doll to join her. Released at the peak of Barbie’s glitzy fashion era, she’s remembered for her sparkling, elegant look and high collectible value today. Crystal Barbie was the bestselling Barbie doll at that time.
29. 1984 also gave us 'LOVING YOU' #7072 Barbie doll, whose box description stated "She's Everyone's Sweetheart". Designed to tie into Valentine’s Day and the idea of expressing love and friendship, she is meant to be sweet, gentle, and sentimental, in contrast to the glitzy fashion dolls of the same era.
30. 'DREAM GLOW' #2248 Barbie set a new standard in visibility with her clothing and a series of fashions that actually glow in the dark. She was a favorite among kids who enjoyed turning off the lights to see her dress glow — like a fairy-tale come to life! 'DREAM GLOW' Ken's waistcoat has this feature too.
Shelf #4: 1960s - 1980s
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from the 1960s through to the 1980s.
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Shelf #5: 1985 - 1992
31. The fashion doll for 1985 was the irresistible 'PEACHES N CREAM' #7926 Barbie. This is another very popular example of the Superstar face. Peaches n’ Cream Barbie is always smiling, wearing unforgettable 80s fashions in her peach chiffon gown. The original box said "She's as pretty as a peach blossom!" This doll was so popular she was re-released in November 2009 as part of the “My Favorite Barbie” series.
32. 'JEWEL SECRETS' #1737 Barbie doll was one of the most coveted dolls from 1986, wearing a silver mini-skirt that doubled as a child’s purse. Jewel Secrets™ Barbie® still continues to gain new fans due to the fashion’s ability to appeal with lots of sparkle and a colour‑changing “jewel” necklace, featuring a dial on the back that swaps the central gem between pink, white, and turquoise.
33. The 'JEWEL SECRETS' #3179 Whitney doll was introduced as “Barbie doll’s glamorous best friend”. This doll uses the ‘Steffie’ face sculpt from 1972. The sculpt was created for a brand new Barbie friend at the time known as Steffie, who didn't last long as only three dolls were issued before the character was discontinued. Despite that, the Steffie face would live on in numerous incarnations such as P.J., Christie, Teresa, Midge, Summer and Whitney. This sculpt is very popular with collectors, even today.
34. The 'JEANS LOOK' fashions took centre stage in 1987 with a mix n match set of denim look pieces. The 'Jeans Look' fashions were a fun collection of denim-themed clothing packs for Barbie (and in some cases, Ken). These sets—specifically numbered #4329, #4330, #4333, #4334, and #4335—emphasized casual, hard-wearing denim pieces styled after real-life trends of the era.
35. As yet another of the 'Superstar' face dolls that swamped the market, this 1988 'SUPERSTAR' #1604 Barbie doll is notable for continuing the ultra-glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic that defined Barbie during this time. She was sold as an "award-winning movie star" who could change her gown into many glamorous looks. She even came with a little silver movie award.
36. We first saw the Oriental face mold in the 'Dolls of The World' series from 1981. This mold was further used for Barbie's friends Miko, Dana, Becky, Marina and here in 'WESTERN FUN NIA' #9933 doll from 1989. All these friends disappeared in the early 1990s and were solely replaced with Kira as Barbie's Asian friend.
37. The 1990 Barbie 'DINNER DATE' fashions were part of a popular series released by Mattel during that time. Barbie’s Dinner Date collection typically featured elegant outfits that were designed for formal or semi-formal occasions, like a night out at a fancy restaurant or a social gathering. What's more, Ken could match his date with a co-ordinated outfit himself.
38. 'SPARKLE EYES' #2482 Barbie doll of 1991 is still one of a kind and has a unique feature that made her stand out from other dolls of the time—her sparkling eyes! The eyes are not painted on and they have a special mechanism inside her head that allows her eyes to "twinkle" or "glitter" when she is tilted or when you turn her head in different directions.
39. It wasn't until the 1990s that Mattel branched out to collaborate with other popular brands of the time. The Russ Troll craze was hitting the early 1990s and Barbie jumped on for the ride with the release of the 1992 'TROLL' #10257 Barbie. The Troll Barbie was a limited-edition doll that combined the glamorous world of Barbie with the fun, quirky aesthetic of the troll doll craze. She even came with mini doll-sized Troll figures.
Shelf #6: 1992 - 1999
40. The 1990s were very much about the hair for Barbie, which started with the 1992 'TOTALLY HAIR' Series of dolls. The Totally Hair Barbie doll still holds the title of the best selling Barbie of all time with over ten million of these dolls being sold worldwide. Here you can see Barbie #1112, Ken #1117 and a brunette #1117 Barbie doll (the brunette version is significant here as this was the first time in 20 years that a brunette Barbie was produced). For many people, Totally Hair Barbie represents the height of '90s pop culture, and she’s often seen as a nostalgic piece for collectors today.
41. 1993 gave us 'GLITTER HAIR' #10966 Barbie, and here we have the brunette version with again very very long hair that becomes a tangled mess in the hands of younger children - made so much worse by the hair glitter that came with these specific dolls.
42. Continuing the hair theme in 1994 is the 'CUT N STYLE' #12644 dolls, with the red head version on display here. The most exciting feature was the special hair design—Barbie’s hair could be "cut" shorter thanks to clip-on hair extensions. These extensions were attached with Velcro, allowing kids to "cut" them off and then reattach or switch them up.
43. In 1995 Mattel surpassed the previous hair lengths with the 'JEWEL HAIR' #14589 mermaid line of dolls. This line brought together the best of fantasy, fashion, and hair play, featuring Barbie and her friends as glamorous mermaids with extraordinarily long, jewel-studded hair and sparkling tails. This is the Jewel Hair Midge doll which re-uses the 1985 Midge face. This face is not a common mold for Barbie's friends but is linked to one of the most controversial dolls released - The Pregnant Midge doll of 2002.
44. Barbie took her long hair to the beach with the 'HULA HAIR' #17049 Teresa doll in 1996. The Hula Hair dolls were a standout with color-change hair streaks and a Hawaiian hula vibe, combining the magic of hair transformation with beachy fun. Always keen to stay on trend Mattel made it so these streaks changed color with warm or cold water, a huge craze in the mid-'90s.
45. Not one to miss a celebratory-themed chance for sales, Mattel has released numerous 'BIRTHDAY' Barbie dolls. The first was released in 1980 (and can be seen on the bottom shelf). This is the 1997 Birthday doll #18224.
46. The 1998 'EVENING SOPHISTICATE' #19361 doll was one of the specific collector dolls that uses the Bob Mackie face mold. The Bob Mackie sculpt was the first face specially designed for Collector Edition Barbie dolls. The Neptune Fantasy Barbie of 1992, designed by Bob Mackie was the first doll with this face so it was named after Bob Mackie. The face can also be found in the play-line selection of dolls but predominantly features for collector dolls, even today.
47. 1999 bought a pet for Barbie and an extra hair styling toy for the child. The 'GLAM N GROOM' #27271 doll with her Afghan Hound was marketed with the tagline “The girls are out for a walk with their glamorous dogs! Style ’n groom their matching hair!”
Shelf #7: 2000 - 2008
49. The first ever Millenial Barbie of 2000 was the 'HOLLYWOOD NAILS' #17857 doll. Known for her glamorous "disco-diva" look inspired by a Vegas-style Studio 54 vibe. Girls could create the trendiest nail styles by decorating colorful nails with stampers and stickers. This Barbie doll came with single-use adhesive false nails and many a messy way to decorate them.
50. 'SPOT SCENE CHRISTIE' #53965 from 2001 uses the Asha face sculpt orginally released in 1991 and then reused for many of the Christie dolls of the early 2000s. This doll had another interactive element in the form of 'spot' stickers to decorate the puppy toy that came with these dolls.
51. Barbie's family structure has certainly changed over the years. In the 2002 'STROLL n PLAY' #50964 set Barbie is looking after her baby sister Krissy and friend. Krissy was introduced in 1999 and discontinued in 2003 with only a few releases as Barbie's baby sister. Mattel gradually moved Barbie’s focus toward slightly older “big sister” companions (like Kelly/Chelsea and Stacie). Krissy, being an infant, didn’t fit the trend toward tween/young child roles and there is some speculation she was removed due to confusion as to whether she was Barbie's own baby.
52. In 2002 Barbie got two new friends in Lea and Kayla. Both share the same facemold with different skin colouring and face painting. Here we have 2002 'PALM BEACH - LEA' #53485 and 2003 'REALLY ROSY - KAYLA' #B5820. Kayla has nearly vanished since 2006, but Lea still exists as Barbie's friend. According to fans, Kayla was never a consistent “character” but rather a multicultural facemold used across various dolls: Kayla is a multi‑ethnic doll according to Mattel… they didn’t want her to have a defined skin color. She has appeared as Latina, Black, Asian, or white, depending on the line - unlike other named friends who maintained a steady racial identity. By around 2006, the Barbie brand streamlined its lines, reducing the number of supporting characters, and where Kayla lacked a distinct storyline or media presence (e.g., movies, books), she was easier to drop during line reductions. Lea has remained of Asian descent and is still an active doll line.
53. In 2004 Mattel released the 'FASHION FEVER' series of dolls. These were introduced when Barbie sales began to slide in the early 2000's, and the Fashion Fever concept was a modern and fashion-centric vision for the main Barbie line. This playline doll series featured Barbie and her friends in trendy, fashion-forward outfits that reflected contemporary styles and streetwear. This doll is the first release of a Barbie friend called 'DREW' #H0654, and one of the first Fashion Fever dolls released.
54. Other playline dolls were still released alongside the Fashion Fever dolls and here is the 2004 'FASHION SHOW- CHRISTIE' #G3674. This doll uses the Ahsa face mold from 1991.
55. The 'FASHION FEVER' dolls increased the number of face molds that were available for play line dolls and this is the 2005 'KURT' #H0919 doll. However, the increase in characters soon contributed to this line's demise and this is the only male Barbie doll released under the name Kurt.
56. Barbie loves to reuse a good face mold and this 2006 'FASHION FEVER - ANIMAL PRINT TERESA' #J4180 doll is adapted from the early 1990 facemold.
57. This 2007 'FASHION FEVER' doll is one of the first to use the 2003 Summer face for a completely different character - 'RAQUELLE' #L3332 as a movie star. The fact that the same facemold could be used for different characters can confuse identification of dolls and possibly contributed to Mattel's decision to reduce the number of characters they were to release as dolls.
58. This 'FASHION FEVER ROCK STAR BARBIE' #M9321 is from 2008 and uses a new face mold again (though this one has also been used for a few Teresa dolls too). These are but a few of the many different faces and characters Mattel created for the Fashion Fever series. However, the diversity of characters and the complexity of the outfits they wore meant production was not cost effective. Combined with high competition from other fashion dolls, such as Bratz, Mattel decided to simplify and unify the next range of dolls and focus on fewer core characters in the FASHIONISTAS line of dolls....
Shelf #8: 1980s-1990s
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from the 1980s through to the 1990s.
Shelf #9: 2009-2014
59. By 2009 Mattel were phasing out the Fashion Fever dolls to replace them with a smaller line-up of core charaters, but with a completely new body design. This one was articulated in nearly every joint which allowed a multitude of posing and play opportunities. This type of body was first released in the original line-up of 'FASHIONISTAS' dolls. Here we have a first release 'ARTSY' #R9883 doll. Of the six new characters Wild, Cutie, Glam and Girly all have the same "Generation Girl" face mold of 1998. This more uniform approach was adopted due to the criticism Barbie had recieved due to the numerous changes that her face had undergone during the past years.
60. Mattel even revamped the Ken doll in this line and here is the first release 'HOTTIE' #T3188 Ken doll. The name of this doll was short-lived after some complaints, and Ken is later known as Sporty or Cutie.
61. The popularity of these new articulated dolls meant a second wave was released in 2010. The doll on disply here is called 'CUTIE' #T3324. You may notice a change in the nee joints from the Wave 1 Artsy to this doll. The hinge-style knees of Wave 1 have been described as “bulky” but more durable in long-term play. However, switching from interior click mechanisms to simpler pivots (as we see from Wave 2 onwards) likely reduced manufacturing cost and assembly complexity.
62. 2010 bought even more possibilities with the release of the 'SWAPPIN STYLES' Fashionistas dolls. Still with full articulation, these dolls now came with the ability to head swap. Here we have 'SPORTY' #T7412. The extra heads that were available usually had quite different hair colours and styles so you could have two completely different dolls while using only one body.
63. This is how the body and seperate heads look.
64. In 2011 the Fashionistas could now light-up and play music with the press of a button. This is the 'DIVAS IN THE SPOTLIGHT' Cutie doll #W1596.
65. Barbie had all the versatilaty in the form of wigs, adjustable hair, and even changing heads over the years (Ken had been without this feature). However, in 2012 the 'DATING FUN KEN' #X2344 was released. Ken is the perfect date for every occasion! And to be ready for any occasion, this Ken doll can change his look in an instant. Just snap one hairpiece off and another on! Ken can look suave as a brunette, adorably cute as a blond or fabulously hip with a pink do.
66. 2013 saw the TV release of 'BARBIE LIFE IN THE DREAMHOUSE' and the accompanying merchadise, including numerous dolls. Life in the Dreamhouse is a CGI-animated web series that depicts Barbie and her crew living in a lavish Malibu “Dreamhouse” while self‑aware of their doll identity. It was structured like a reality TV mockumentary—with confessionals to camera and the humour stems from references to being dolls: oversized props, plastic quirks, and playful jabs at Barbie’s history. Adults can appreciate its clever writing, with jokes beyond kids’ scope, while still delivering family‑friendly fun - honestly it's one of the shows my kids watch that I can sit to watch with them. This doll is the Barbie character from the show.
67. Barbie has many friends (and frienemies) in the Life In The Dreamhouse Show, with one of her best friends here called 'SUMMER' #Y7438.
68. This doll is called 'CHANDRA' and comes from the 'S.I.S / SO IN STYLE' doll range that ran from 2009 to 2015. The S.I.S. line was primarily focused on representing African-American girls through a number of dolls that reflected the diverse personalities and aspirations of young women. The dolls were designed to be fashionable, aspirational, and relatable to a wider audience, particularly African-American children, who often felt underrepresented in mainstream toy lines - for example, in the highly popular TV show Life In The Dreamhouse there is only one African-American character called Nikki.
Shelf #10: 2015-2024
69. In 2015 Mattel changed their design plans with the Fashionistas range of dolls stating that they wanted to be more inclusive of the different body types that were representative of the wider population. This shift was part of a broader effort by Mattel to address concerns about Barbie's unrealistic proportions. In the new numbered Fashionistas dolls, they released the new body types, including curvy, petite, and tall. Though the #1 doll 'STATEMENT STRIPES' #CLN59 was clearly within the original doll schematics...
70. It wasn't actually until #22 'CHAMBRAY CHIC' #DMF24 in 2016 that a curvy body shape was produced. This doll is the first ever curvy Barbie doll released.
71. 2016 bought an upgrade to the articulation of the Barbie doll in the 'MADE TO MOVE' series. These dolls have 22 points of articulation and are advertised as being "the most flexible Barbies yet." They are able to move and pose in much more realistic ways than previous dolls.
72. Because these dolls were so much more flexible with realistic posing potentials, they were further released in a number of different sports and professions - here is the 'MARTIAL ARTIST' #DWN39 doll of 2017. Young athletes will love exploring the world of martial arts with this Barbie doll. The expert black belt is dressed in a career-themed outfit and comes with accessories that add to the storytelling and posing fun!
73. Ken got the curvy treatment in 2018 (though interestingly the doll body type is defined as "broad" for the Ken dolls as opposed to "curvy" for the Barbie dolls). This doll is the #18 'SUPER STRIPES' #FNT86 Fashionistas Ken doll (for some reason this doll is actually quite rare).
74. In the epitome of inclusion Barbie released a black Made-To-Move doll in a wheelchair for the 'FASHIONISTAS' #133 in 2019.
75. In 2020 came the 'EXTRA' series of numbered dolls. The Barbie Extra doll line was designed to reflect current fashion trends, diverse aesthetics, and bold self-expression. Mattel were trying to hook the 'Generation Z' who value individuality, inclusivity, and creativity. Barbie Extra dolls aimed to mirror that by: Featuring diverse skin tones, body types, and hair textures, emphasizing fashion-forward, over-the-top styles and including fun accessories and pets to encourage imaginative play. This doll is the Barbie extra doll #1 #GVR04.
76. The 2021 'BARBIE LOVES THE OCEAN' series is a line of Mattel dolls and playsets made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. The dolls, fabrics, and accessories are crafted using materials reclaimed from the oceans. This initiative highlights Mattel's commitment to sustainability and its goal to use more recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in its products, aiming for 100% by 2030. They've already increased recycled PET in blister and window packaging from 25% to 30% by 2021.
77. In trying to compete with the surprise element of their competitors Mattel released the 'CUTIE REVEAL' series in 2022. Barbie Cutie Reveal is a series of dolls featuring a surprise unboxing experience. These dolls come in a plush animal costume that is removed to reveal a posable Barbie doll and her mini pet. This is the Husky variant.
78. The first Barbie doll with Down syndrome was launched in April 2023, and was designed in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). This doll is part of the Barbie Fashionista line at #208 'DOWN SYNDROME' Barbie, and aims to increase diversity and representation in the toy aisle. The doll features characteristics often associated with Down syndrome, like a rounder face, smaller ears, and a single line on the palms. She is also accessorized with a necklace of three arrows, representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome in individuals with Down syndrome.
79. In 2024 Barbie released a series within the Fashionistas range that celebrated 65 years of Mattel's iconic fashion and signature style. The Anniversary Fashionistas dolls are inspired by some of the most famous dolls from their history, and this one 'FASHIONISTAS #221' commemorates the look from the 1980 Black Barbie.
Shelf #11: BARBIE'S SIBLINGS
Barbie's family has had quite a lot of restructuring over the years but there are some key names and relationships that have stayed the course, even if the physical appearance of these characters have changed.
Skipper, one of Barbie’s sisters, was first introduced back in 1964, making her one of the longest-standing characters in the Barbie lineup.
80. This 'SKIPPER' from 1964 was the first character added to Barbie's family as the second child of the Roberts Family. Skipper, was a sweet girl with a more childish figure, and was originally developed to help restore Barbie’s image, and make her appear less controversial. At this time she is thought to be around 10 years old and had her own wardrobe. The original vintage Skipper face was used for many years through the 60s, 70s and even 80s. The one in pink is the 1984 'GREAT SHAPE' Skipper.
81. In 1984 it was time for a facelift, so Hot Stuff Skipper got her third facemold (I don't have the previous one to display). The new face has an open smile but was not the most popular Skipper face and was only used for a few (maybe only four) Skipper dolls. This is the 1986 'TROPICAL SKIPPER' #1021.
82. 1987 brought us a new face for Skipper and the this was used for many dolls. The face has huge eyes that some collectors call cute and the others horrible. The doll also got taller and this change reflected a shift in the character's design to represent a more teenage appearance with a more mature face. The goal was to make Skipper look closer in age to Barbie, marking a transition from a child-like doll to a teenage one. Her age is guessed to be 13-15 years old. This doll is the 1993 'MAJORETTE SKIPPER' #3931.
83. It’s 1995 and Skipper has become a bit older again with a new face and taller body. In fact she is marketed now as 'TEEN SKIPPER'. Skipper’s new face mold meant she no longer looked like a child, appearing to be about 16 years of age.
84. Mattel temporarily halted production of Skipper dolls between 2003 and 2009. When Skipper returned in 2010, she was redesigned to have brown hair with a purple, blue or pink colored streak. She has a new younger facemold with closed mouth and she has turned from a blonde into a brunette teen. She might be back to around 14 to 15 years old. This is the 'PERFECT CHRISTMAS SKIPPER' from 2011.
85. In 2018 Skipper returned with a new face. The new face mold has an open smile and looks a bit younger again. Skipper also got four new girlfriends who use the same facemold except the afro-american one. The five friends run a babysitting agency together and the series of dolls are called 'THE BABYSITTERS INC'. Some sets include a babysitter and a toddler, others bring essential accessories for the babysitting job.
In 1966 two more siblings were added to the family in the twins Tutti and Todd. Unfortunately I don't have either to display. They are known for their bendable bodies with internal wires, allowing for various poses. While they were discontinued in the US after 1971, they remained available in Europe for a longer period. The name “Todd” was inspired by real life: he was named after Mattel founder Elliot Handler’s grandson.
86. 'TODD' was later reintroduced in 1991 with a very different look and body. He was reinstated as part of Midge's wedding party. This version of Todd was again Barbie's younger brother and twin to Stacie (formerly known as Tutti). However a brother for Barbie was not long lived and Todd was discontinued in 1995.
87. 'STACIE' (1990–present): Introduced as Kelly in the 1990 Wedding Day Midge gift set as the flower girl, this doll was renamed and re-introduced as Stacie shortly thereafter in 1991, and the Kelly name was instead used for her younger sister. Stacie represents a pre-teen girl (around 8–12 years old), making her more relatable for children in that developmental stage. These are the 1993 'SHARIN' SISTERS' and the 2000 'HOLIDAY' Stacie dolls. Stacie remained this way for over ten years from 1990-2001. Then she virtually disappeared, popping up in only two further sets, until the whole Roberts family became a cohesive brand in 2011.
88. This initiated a new face and body type for the Stacie doll. This new facemold is still the one used for all current (as of 2025) Stacie dolls. Stacie is approximately 11 years old and is shown to be a competitive, skilled athlete. This doll is the 'PERFECT CHRISTMAS STACIE' from 2011.
89. To complete the family Mattel introduced a toddler called Kelly (in Europe she was also called Shelly) into the Roberts Family in 1995. Todd's demise was possibly due to the fact that Mattel decided a much younger sister of Barbie was more attractive to the consumer and they introduced the Kelly / Shelley doll instead. Mattel patented 3 different faces for her in 1994. Here we have the 1995 'STROLLIN FUN' and the 1998 'EATING FUN' Kelly dolls.
90. In true Mattel style the Roberts family had yet another upheaval which resulted in the discontinuation of the Kelly character. She was replaced in 2010 by the Chelsea doll, who is older than her predecessor. The Chelsea doll was issued with two different faces and here we have the 2011 'PERFECT CHRISTMAS CHELSEA' and the 2012 'EASTER' Chelesea dolls.
To date Barbie only has three current siblings - Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea. But over the years she has had a total of seven - Todd, Tutti, Kelly and Krissy. As discussed earlier, Krissy was a short-lived baby sister of Barbie but was discontinued after two years due to some confusion as to whether Barbie was her sister or mother.
Shelf #12: RANDOM
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from the 2000s through to 2025, and some sisters items.
Shelf #13: CAREERS
Barbie has had an impressively diverse and ambitious range of careers over the decades. Designed to inspire and reflect the changing roles of women in society, Barbie has held over 200 careers since her debut and frequently broken gender stereotypes by taking on traditionally male-dominated roles. Here’s an snippet of some of her career highlights:
91. Barbie's first proper career was released as a fashion pack in 1961 allowing her to become a 'REGISTERED NURSE'. The Barbie Nurse outfit represented women’s roles in healthcare, a field where women were prominent but often underappreciated. It reflected early 1960s ideals—Barbie was glamorous, but she could also be smart and professional.
92. 'MISS ASTRONAUT' of 1965 was released four years before the moon landing and a whopping 18 years before the U.S. would send a woman into space (which was Sally Ride in 1983). This made Barbie a symbolic pioneer—imagining women in roles that weren’t yet accessible in real life. The suit in front is the original 1965 version, the doll on the stand is a reproduction from 2009. This doll is so popular Mattel even released another reproduction in 2025.
93. In 1969 Mattel released a groundbreaking addition to the Barbie line - the 'JULIA' doll was one of the first Black dolls released by Mattel and a major cultural moment in toy history. This doll was modelled on Julia Baker, from the TV show "Julia" (1968–1971) which followed a black widowed nurse trying to work and raise her son.
94. In 1985 Mattel merged Barbie's glamorous asthetics with her serious work-minded persona in 'DAY TO NIGHT' Barbie. This doll mirrored the growing presence of women in professional roles - hence the carefully planned outfit transition. This was again a very popular doll and in 2017, Mattel issued an official “Collector Reproduction” of the Day‑to‑Night Barbie.
95. The 'ARMY' dolls of 1993 feature Barbie and Ken dolls in authentic desert battle uniforms of camouflage material. Both dolls wear matching camouflage jackets, pants, and vest, green over-the-shoulder bags, and maroon berets. This version of the Barbie doll was made in collaboration with and officially licensed by the U.S. Army.
96. Barbie became a 'TEACHER' first in 1965 with a fashion pack called 'Student Teacher' and has had many many teacher reiterations over the years (in fact there are over 45 dolls released with a teaching theme). A standard classroom 'TEACHER BARBIE' career was again embraked upon here in 1995 and this time she had two students to teach. Mattel used the sales from this doll to contribute to educational programs for children in need.
97. The "I Can Be..." Barbie series is a career-themed line of dolls introduced by Mattel in 2009 as part of an effort to modernize Barbie's image and show that girls can aspire to any profession. Here Barbie shows that I can be... 'A SNOWBOARDER'.
98. 'PILOT' Barbie promotes interest in aviation for young girls. Barbie has partnered with organizations like the National Aviation Hall of Fame and Virgin Atlantic to promote women in aviation. There have over 10 releases of pilot dolls across the years and this one came out in 2019.
99. In 2021 Barbie's younger sister Chelsea became part of the 'You Can Be Anything' range of dolls, encouraging an awareness of limitless career possibilities from an even younger age. Here Chelsea is a 'CHELSEA PILOT' and a 'BUILDER', further breaking down the notion that certain jobs are not for females.
Shelf #14: INSPIRING WOMEN
The Barbie Inspiring Women Series is a collectible line launched by Mattel in 2018 to celebrate trailblazing women—past and present—who have made significant impacts on history, culture, science, and social justice. Each doll is designed to honor a remarkable figure, dressed in authentic attire and equipped with meaningful accessories. The Inspiring Women Series is more than a collectible—it’s a bridge from play to purpose. Each doll showcases a story of courage, breaking norms, and shaping history—reminding children that they, too, can be anything.
100. The first dolls made their debut on International Women’s Day and included 'KATHERINE JOHNSON'. While growing up in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine Johnson displayed an intense curiosity and an extraordinary brilliance with words and numbers alike. As a child prodigy, she entered high school at 10 years old and graduated summa cum laude from college when she was just eighteen with two Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics and French. In the mid-1950s, she joined a pool of African-American women hired by NASA to work as human computers. Katherine calculated the trajectory of NASA's first American-manned flight into space. Her flawless calculations helped ensure that the Apollo astronauts landed and returned safely from their voyage to the moon. Her figures were so consistently accurate, that when NASA switched to computers, they had Katherine double-check the accuracy of the results. The Barbie Inspiring Women Katherine Johnson doll celebrates the achievements of a pioneer who broke through barriers of race and gender. Like the trajectories she calculated, Katherine's contributions inspire young people to excel in math and science, and to reach for the stars.
101. 'FRIDA KAHLO' was born in Mexico in 1907 and became an artist, activist, and feminist icon. She was and continues to be a symbol of strength, originality, and unwavering passion. Overcoming a number of obstacles to follow her dream of becoming a fine artist, Frida persevered and gained recognition for her unique style and perspective. With her vibrant palette and mix of realism and fantasy, she addressed important topics like identity, class, and race, making her voice, and the voices of girls and women alike, heard. The Barbie Inspiring Women Frida Kahlo doll celebrates the groundbreaking achievements, heroism, and long-lasting contributions Frida made in the art world and for women. Her extraordinary life and art continue to influence and inspire others to follow their dreams and paint their own realities. Includes doll, doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity.
102. When 'SALLY RIDE' was growing up in Los Angeles, her parents encouraged her interest in science by giving her a telescope and chemistry set. Sally’s love of learning and science motivated her to study physics in college. While she was finishing her Ph.D., Sally responded to an article in the student newspaper announcing that, for the first time, NASA was recruiting women into the astronaut corps. Out of more than 8,000 applicants, she was one of six women accepted into the program. On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride blasted off aboard space shuttle Challenger to become the first American woman – and the youngest American -- to fly in space. Sally’s adventurous nature, quest for discovery, and pioneering accomplishments inspire girls everywhere to boldly reach for the stars.
103. 'ROSA PARKS' led an ordinary life as a seamstress until an extraordinary moment on December 1, 1955. When she refused an order to give up her seat to a white passenger and move to the back of the bus. Mrs. Parks' act of defiance became the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rosa Parks' quiet strength played a notable role in the civil rights movement, but it would still take another nine years and more struggles before the 1964 Civil Rights Act overruled existing segregations laws. Hailed as "the Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks earned worldwide recognition and numerous awards including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.
104. 'FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE' pursued a career in nursing, a vocation she believed was her moral duty. Enrolling as a nursing student in 1850, Florence made it her mission to improve hospital efficiency and standards in patient care. Carrying a lamp during her rounds in the Crimean War, Florence earned the title “The Lady with the Lamp”, providing comfort and compassion to gravely wounded soldiers. Eventually bed-ridden with a chronic illness, Nightingale refused to give up and used her training as a statistician to write books that launched reforms in healthcare. In 1860, she established the Nightingale Training School, continuing to further nursing education while changing the negative attitudes towards women entering the field. Throughout her life, Florence Nightingale continued to use her drive and intelligence to become the pioneer of modern nursing.
105. On November 5, 1872 while protesting and leading the charge for women’s voting rights, 'SUSAN B. ANTHONY' made a defiant move. She voted in the presidential election and was arrested at her home in Rochester, NY. This bold act, coupled with Susan’s determined spirit, helped pave the way for passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which prevents a woman from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex.
106. Despite being born into slavery in 1862, 'IDA B. WELLS' became a pioneering journalist and outspoken activist for civil rights and women’s suffrage. She co-owned and edited a Memphis newspaper where she courageously wrote about inequality affecting African-Americans. In addition, Wells (later known as Wells-Barnett) co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Sculpted to her likeness and wearing a traditional blue dress with lace details, this collectible Barbie doll honors Ida B. Wells’ courageous activism and remarkable accomplishments.
107. Although not technically part of the Inspiring Women series, 'TESSA VIRTUE' is honoured as a Barbie "Shero"; a woman who has broken boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls. Tessa Virtue skated into the hearts of audiences around the world when she and her ice dance partner became the most decorated figure skaters in history. With three gold medals, two silver medals, three World Championship titles, and eight National Championship titles, Tessa Virtue has left her mark on the skating world, encouraging girls to dream big and follow their passions. Tessa Virtue Barbie doll is fully posable and dressed in her Feeling ice dancing costume, inspired by her 2018 Winter Games look.
Shelf #15: FAMOUS FACES
​Barbie has celebrated other sheroes of our time. Barbie dolls with famous faces are special edition Barbies modeled after real-life celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons - some of these are women who were not afraid to stand out and push the female boundaries well into a male-dominated world. These dolls are often released as part of collectible series and have become popular among fans and collectors.
108. In 2022 Barbie celebrated the longest ruling monarch in British history, Her Majesty 'QUEEN ELIZABETH II', whose extraordinary reign saw her lead with an immeasurable devotion to duty and a life of service. Reaching 70 years of service, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Unfortunately the Queen died in September of that year and the price of these dolls sky-rocketed. From an initial sale price of £55 some of these dolls sold for over £1000 shortly after her death.
109. Barbie has commemorated some famous names by styling a Barbie doll to reflect their unique persona. One such doll is seen here in the 'ELVIS PRESLEY' doll. When Elvis Presley emerged on the music scene, he introduced the world to his unique sound and signature moves. Barbie® honors the legendary “King of Rock 'N' Roll” with an Elvis Presley Barbie® doll featuring a slick pompadour ponytail and wearing an outfit inspired by his iconic “American Eagle” jumpsuit. Like the original he wore during concerts, the outfit is emblazoned with red, gold and blue sparkling eagles, has an attached cape, red scarf, belt and bell-bottoms.
110. Barbie celebrates the iconic “Queen of Rock and Roll,” 'STEVIE NICKS', with a Barbie doll in her likeness. Nicks achieved worldwide success with the band Fleetwood Mac before embarking on a critically acclaimed, chart-topping solo career. Known for her captivating stage presence and signature style, she has left an indelible imprint on artists and fans around the world. This doll wears a beguiling black dress inspired by the legendary Rumours album cover and holds Stevie Nicks' iconic tambourine.
111. Released in 2003, Mattel celebrated women authors with a flair of humour (I feel). These dolls are based on the 'JUDE DEVERAUX' 1988 historical romance, 'THE RAIDER'. It features Barbie as Jessica Taggert and Ken as Alexander Montgomery. The set is a crossover between romance literature and doll collecting, merging storytelling and design.
112. Mattel released a series of dolls called 'Ladies of the 80s' in 2010 which was a calculated collector-focused tribute to legendary women of pop culture. The platinum, punk goddess of a decade, 'DEBBIE HARRY' is a singer, songwriter, and front woman for Blondie. She took her band from the Bowery to superstardom with her tough and pretty persona, beautiful voice, and witty, ironic music. Mixing new wave, reggae, rap, and disco, Debbie created an unforgettable landmark of pop culture. .
113. The second of these dolls was 'CYNDI LAUPER', the quintessential independent spirit who inspired girls to have fun. Cyndi Lauper leaped into the '80s music scene with a thrift store aesthetic, brilliant candy-colored hair, and unforgettable music that she delivered with all her heart and soul. Her music videos, a staple of the decade, showcased her extraordinary creativity.
114. The third doll of the series was 'JOAN JETT'. Originator, innovator, leader, and visionary, Joan Jett is the epitome of hardcore rock & roll. A force in pop culture since she was 15 years old, Joan is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist with 8 platinum and gold albums and 9 top 40 singles. Smart and savvy, she has her own independent label, Blackheart Records.
115. 'SAMANTHA CRISTOFERETTI' is honoured as a Barbie role model. As an aviator, engineer and astronaut of ESA (the European Space Agency), Samantha is proof that hard work can lead to great heights. Mattel partnered with ESA to craft two exclusive dolls in her likeness for Barbie’s 60th anniversary, debuting them at the International Day of the Girl event in October 2018. The collaboration was part of the Dream Gap Project, an initiative aimed at challenging early cultural barriers that discourage girls from pursuing STEM careers.
Shelf #16: RANDOM
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from Barbie's careers, some other Inspiring Women and Famous Faces.
Shelf #17: BARBIE FROM FILMS & TELEVISION
Barbie dolls based on movie characters are a major part of Mattel’s collector and licensing strategy, spanning decades. These dolls capture iconic film roles, outfits, and actors in plastic form and are typically part of collector-label lines. They include classic Hollywood icons from the more glamorous eras to modern pop-culture films.
116. The 'LORD OF THE RINGS' trilogy of films hit in 2001-2003 and Mattel eagerly rode the success of these films by producing a number of dolls based on certain characters from each film. These were specifically released as collectors dolls aimed at both fans of Barbie and of the LOTR franchise. Mattel used high-quality fabric, movie-accurate costumes, and authentic detailing (e.g. braided hair, elven ears). Here Barbie and Ken portray Arwen and Aragorn in the 3rd movie of this epic trilogy, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Ken as Aragorn wears an elaborate costume featuring a cloak and body armor, crown and sword. Barbie as Arwen looks serenely beautiful in a light green gown with long sleeves lined in white chiffon and silver loop trim on the bodice and sleeves. Her long flowing hair is adorned with a beaded butterfly patterned hair ornament.
117. The Barbie 'STAR TREK' collaboration is not the most obvious merge of two distinct franchises, but Mattel has released more than one set of these dolls. The first was released in 1996, then again in 2009, and then a special 50th Anniversary selection in 2017. Here we have the 50th anniversary edition. Boldly go with the Mr. Spock Star Trek™ doll. Sculpted in the likeness of the original actor, Leonard Nimoy, the doll includes the infamous Vulcan Salute" on one hand and holds a "communicator" in the other. Also includes an authentic replication of the classic costume and fully articulated body."
118. The 'DIVERGENT' film series, based on the novels by Veronica Roth, were released between 2014 and 2016. The Divergent Barbie® dolls were part of Mattel's 2014–15 collector-focused Black Label line, created in collaboration with Summit Entertainment to celebrate the release of the Divergent films. These dolls are 12″ collector Barbies, not toys—crafted with high articulation and movie-accurate detailing including tattoos.
119. As royalty of the classic Hollywood movie era, it should come as no surprise that Mattel have released a Barbie doll in the likeness of 'ELIZABETH TAYLOR'. The Elizabeth Taylor doll is stunning in a semi-sheer sleeveless chiffon violet gown, fitted through the bodice with a long skirt that is accented with ruffled edges. The hues of purple perfectly complement Taylor's luminous violet eyes. This very sophisticated gown is complemented by stunning jewelry, featuring a real Swarovski® crystal drop necklace. Elizabeth Taylor's distinctly beautiful features are precisely captured with great clarity and detail in the doll's sculpting.
120. As one of the first Latina women to break into global superstardom in music and film 'JENNIFER LOPEZ / J.LO' has successfully built multiple careers simultaneously. She is a singer, an actress, a dancer and business woman. Her drive for success opened doors for Latinx representation in Hollywood and pop culture. Sprinkled with silvery sparkle and ready to command the stage, this portrait doll is beautifully sculpted in JLo’s likeness. Her sheer, sleeveless jumpsuit is a re-creation of a Zuhair Murad original with shimmering stripes radiating from clear crystals.
121. You could not have a shelf dedicated to Movie and TV without paying hommage to the wonder of the 'GREASE' movies. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the beloved movie Grease, Barbie portrays the character Sandy Olsson. She wears a sassy re-creation of the outfit from the memorable final scene of the movie. Ready to re-capture Danny's attention and his heart, the once prim and proper Sandy is dressed for maximum effect! A black faux leather jacket tops her sleek jumpsuit, cinched by a matching belt with silvery buckle. She tops off her ensemble with curly sandy blond hair, kicky red heels, and silvery hoop earrings. Twenty-five years later, Grease is still the word! So much so, even Tommy and Kelly were transformed into Sandy and Danny.
122. When you think of smart, sexy and perfectly capable women in movies, one of the first that springs to mind are 'THE BOND GIRLS'. Gorgeous, smart, and intriguingly named, the Bond Girls made each 007 movie more exciting. Some were fellow agents or allies, others a villainess. Forever alluring, each Bond Girl joined an exclusive club of extraordinary women. Die Another Day finds James Bond joining forces with 'JINX', an NSA spy. Brave, bold, and beautiful, she is Bond's perfect match. Together, they save the world from North Korean terrorists and an orbiting space laser. Barbie pays tribute to a favorite Bond Girl, dressed in a blindingly hot orange bikini, an homage to original Bond girl Honey Ryder's iconic white bikini. Mattel have actually released six of the Bond Girls and a Ken as the man himself.
123. The 'TWILIGHT' films were a globally popular series of romantic fantasy movies based on the bestselling novels by Stephenie Meyer. The saga follows the intense, supernatural romance between a teenage girl and a vampire, and it became a defining pop culture phenomenon of the late 2000s and early 2010s. With Mattel's release of the main characters as Barbie dolls you could actually decide who won in your own reality - Team Edward or Team Jacob.
Shelf #18: DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS
Barbie has a rich history of collaborations with high-end, avant-garde fashion designers, and popular named brands, dating back decades. These partnerships have elevated Barbie from a children's toy to a cultural fashion icon, and turned her from simply a toy into a covetable collectors item.
Here we have a small sample of some of these collaborative dolls...
'UNITED COLOURS OF BENETTON' - the Italian fashion brand known for its colorful, inclusive, and youthful aesthetic - collaborated with Barbie in the 1990s. While not as high-profile as haute couture partnerships, the Benetton Barbie dolls are a memorable part of Barbie's fashion collaboration history, particularly because they reflected the casual, multicultural street style of the time. Barbie reinstated this link in a series of Fashion Fever dolls from 2004-2005, bringing Barbie’s fashion sense closer to contemporary teen and tween streetwear.
'GAP' - The Barbie x Gap collaboration is a relatively recent and notable fashion crossover, blending two iconic American brands: Barbie, the ultimate fashion doll, and Gap, the casualwear powerhouse known for denim, basics, and all-American style.
'HARLEY DAVIDSON' - The Barbie x Harley-Davidson collaboration is one of the most iconic and unexpected partnerships in Barbie's history. It blended Barbie’s glamorous femininity with Harley-Davidson’s rugged, rebellious biker culture—creating a collectible doll line that broke stereotypes and gained a cult following among collectors of both dolls and motorcycles.
'MAEVE REILLY' - A more recent collaboration was released in 2024 in the 'STYLED BY...' series. Maeve Reilly is a celebrated NYC‑born LA‑based stylist known for dressing high-profile clients like Megan Fox and Hailey Bieber. This doll celebrates Maeve’s signature aesthetic—a mix of tomboy-meets-girlie street style—blending laid-back denim with polished accessories. This doll also caused some upset among collectors as it was originally priced at $35, then raised to $45 just before or at launch. This last‑minute increase sparked collector backlash, though Mattel later issued a $10 coupon to affected buyers (though I can speak from personal experience that this coupon didn't actually work).
'COCA-COLA' - Barbie even teamed up with drink manufacter COCA-COLA. Dressed in an adorable 1950s soda fountain ensemble, Barbie is the all-American girl. She wears a fitted red sweater over a black circle skirt with nostalgic COCA-COLA graphics. Authentic in every detail, Barbie even comes with her own soda fountain treat COKE ice cream float, complete with a straw and a cherry on top.
'JUICY COUTURE' - Juicy Couture has become an international sensation synonymous with style. The designing duo responsible for the fashion revolution which lets women dress up while dressing down is the inspiration for the Juicy Couture Barbie dolls.This doll wears the signature tracksuit pieces and lots of other very "juicy" accessories!
'CALVIN KLEIN' - The Calvin Klein Barbie Doll is a sought-after limited edition collector doll, designed by Calvin Klein and released in 1996 as a Bloomingdale’s exclusive by Mattel. Sold only at Bloomingdale’s and select retailers in limited quantities, making it rarer than typical store-Barbie dolls. This was one of the first major fashion-house collaborations in the mid-'90s, combining Barbie’s mainstream appeal with Calvin Klein’s minimalist lifestyle branding. It reflected the grunge-meets-chic aesthetic of the era and appealed to both Barbie collectors and fashion aficionados.
'DIANE VON FURSTENBERG' - The Diane von Furstenberg Barbie doll is a standout Gold Label release from 2006, celebrating the legendary designer known for her iconic wrap dress. Diane von Furstenberg’s Barbie release coincided with a full‑size version of the dress sold in her boutiques (~£150/US$100), showcasing the seamless bridge between doll fashion and real‑world couture.
Shelf #19: DOLLS OF THE WORLD
The Barbie “Dolls of the World” series (also known as DOTW) is one of Mattel’s most iconic collectible lines—celebrating global cultures, festivals, landmarks, and diverse heritage.
First introduced in 1980, the Dolls of the World series ran for about 20 years (1980–2000), then evolved into variants before resurging again from around 2008. In total, there are 91 dolls spanning multiple sub-collections.
Major Sub-Collections
Main DOTW (1980 onwards): Traditional costumes from around the world representing regions in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
We have a 1987 'BARBIE IN INDIA' doll, dressed in the traditional Indian Sari.
Then a 1988 'RUSSIAN' Barbie doll who is dressed for the cold Russian winter in this floor-length pink dress with faux fur accents.
Next is a 1995 'KENYAN' Barbie. Kenyan Barbie doll is dressed in a traditional Masai moran (warrior) costume. Her dress, called a shuka, is red and white checked. Draped over her dress is a gorgeous kanga red cape with patterned white designs, accented by an elaborate multi-colored collar.
From a beautiful land of many forests and rivers comes the 1996 'POLISH' Barbie doll. She's ready to dance a polka in her traditional folk costume. Although each region of the country has its own style, almost all feature a decorated vest like this one, with a striped skirt and lacy apron. Barbie doll's blonde hair is worn in two thick braids and is adorned with a crown of flowers and colorful ribbon.
In 1997 we welcome this elegant oriental beauty in 'JAPANESE' Barbie. This doll is dressed in a traditional floral print kimono with its obi (wide belt) tied with a bow in the back. She's wearing traditional zori slippers with tabi (short white socks) and her shiny black hair is tied back with a simple pink bow.
1998 'NATIVE AMERICAN' Barbie is dressed in a festive outfit for ceremonial events, Native American Barbie doll looks authentic from head to toe. She's wearing a "buckskin" fringed top with a matching skirt. Silvery braided trim highlights her outfit. Her long black hair is adorned with a headband and turquoise-colored feather. In keeping with Native American traditions, she has soft "buckskin" moccasins on her feet.
Here we have a 2008 doll from 'FRANCE'. She celebrates the allure of French nightlife in a Can Can dancer's ensemble. The doll's pink dress features white lacy accents and black trim.
Even Barbie's youngest sister has had the world treatment. This is 'CHELSEA IN INDIA' from 2012.
Princess Collection (2001–2005): 21 dolls styled as “princesses” of ancient or modern civilizations (e.g., Princess of China, Princess of the Nile)
This is the 'PRINCESS OF HOLLAND' doll from 2005. Inspired by the fashion of 17th century Holland, this Barbie doll is an elegant princess wearing a golden gown with an elaborately printed bodice. The Princess of Holland™ Barbie® doll wears faux pearl bracelets and necklace with a golden charm and teardrop earrings. The Princess of Holland™ lived during what is known as a Golden Age for the arts in Europe, and especially the Netherlands. Many well-known artists flourished during this period.
Festivals of the World (2005–2006): 7 dolls themed around cultural celebrations like Diwali and Chinese New Year
I only have one of these dolls - the 2006 'IRISH DANCE' Barbie doll. This gorgeous red-headed lass is all set to strut her stuff at a feiseanna, a traditional Irish dance competition that's as colorful and electrifying as her costume! Designed by Sharon Zuckerman, Irish Dance™ Barbie® doll evokes all the beauty and charm of Gaelic culture. The Celtic-chic ensemble is a striking jade green, reminiscent of Ireland's lush countryside and spirited like the feiseanna itself.
Landmark Collection (2010–2011): 4 dolls whose outfits pay homage to global landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Statue of Liberty)
I only have the 'STATUE OF LIBERTY' for display here and unfortunately she is missing her headpiece.
Shelf #20: RANDOM
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from Barbie Dolls of the World, Desinger Collaborations and Films.
Shelf #21: BARBIE'S OWN MOVIES
Barbie starred in her first movie, Barbie in the 'THE NUTCRACKER', in 2001. It was a computer-animated film that reimagined the classic Nutcracker story, and it marked the beginning of Barbie’s long-running movie series. Since then, she has starred in 44 animated entries to date - from the classic ballet tales to the latest Netflix specials!
Here are some of the doll merchandise that accompanied some of the movie releases:
'BARBIE AS RAPUNZEL' is the second Barbie animated film, released in 2002. It’s a magical retelling of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale, with some unique twists and original characters. Barbie plays Rapunzel,held captive by Gothel, a bitter and controlling witch who forbids her from leaving or learning about the outside world. One day, Rapunzel discovers a secret passage and ventures out, meeting Prince Stefan and learning about a kingdom divided by a mysterious feud. She receives a magical paintbrush from a mysterious source, which allows her to paint anything into reality. When Gothel discovers Rapunzel's disobedience, she destroys her paintbrush and imprisons her. But through bravery and cleverness, Rapunzel breaks free, exposes Gothel’s lies, and uses her creativity to bring peace to the divided kingdoms.
'BARBIE AS THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER' is one of the most beloved Barbie films, released in 2004. It was the first Barbie musical, featuring original songs performed by Barbie's voice actors. The movie is a musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic tale, reimagined in a whimsical fairy-tale setting.
'BARBIE AND THE MAGIC OF PEGASUS' is a computer-animated fantasy film released in 2005, and it's the 6th installment in the Barbie movie series. It was the first Barbie movie to be released in 3D (with anaglyph-style glasses included in some DVD versions).
'BARBIE & HER SISTERS IN A PONY TALE' is a Barbie animated movie released on October 22, 2013. It’s part of the "Barbie & Her Sisters" series, which focuses on Barbie and her three younger sisters—Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea—as they go on fun, family-centered adventures. This one is especially beloved by fans of horses and nature.
'BARBIE: SPY SQUAD' is a high-energy, action-packed Barbie movie released on March 1, 2016. It blends espionage, gymnastics, and girl power, making it a fun mix of James Bond-style spy missions and Barbie’s signature friendship and teamwork themes.
And we can't forget the biggest film of 2023 - 'THE BARBIE MOVIE'.
Shelf #22: MYTHICAL & FAIRIES
Barbie as a fairy is one of the many magical and fantasy-themed versions of the iconic Barbie doll, blending the classic fashion-doll charm with whimsical elements like wings, glitter, and magical adventures. Barbie's first release as a fairy came quite late in 1994 and was conceptualised as the 'TOOTH FAIRY'. She can be seen in the box on the back of the shelf. This early Tooth Fairy Barbie was designed to: Help celebrate and ease the experience of losing a first tooth, to be a comforting, magical friend for bedtime, and to encourage the tradition of leaving a tooth under the pillow.
The Barbie 'MARIPOSA' dolls are part of a popular sub-line within Barbie's fantasy universe, especially linked to the Fairytopia series. First introduced in 2008, Mariposa is a butterfly fairy known for her bravery, kindness, and colorful wings. These dolls are fan favorites for their beautifully detailed designs and connection to the animated Barbie movies. This Marisposa doll was released in 2013 and has the function of turning her wings into the lower half of a ball gown.
'THE DRAGON EMPRESS' is part of the Gold Label collector line from the Mythical Muse series from 2020. This was released as a limited edition collectors item and not one for children's play.
Towards the front of the shelf we can see that even Chelsea has been given the magical twist to become a candy themed fairy.
'WILLA' in purple is Mariposa’s loyal best friend and a fellow butterfly fairy in the Fairytopia universe. This doll was released in 2008 with the character reference from the first Mariposa film.
'ELINA' in pink in front also belongs to the Fairytopia franchise. In fact, Elina is the first Barbie character to appear as a non-human fairy in the 2005 film Barbie: Fairytopia. Unique as a character with green eyes and no romantic storyline, she embodies courage, hope, and friendship. The wings on this doll light up.
As the years progressed, Fairytopia was ousted for the Barbie 'DREAMTOPIA' franchise and this is where the modern Fairy play dolls now belong. However, it is noted among collectors that the attention to detail and intricate designs of previous years has also been left behind and the new dolls have basic face moulds and somewhat boring attire. These last two dolls are from the 2020s so I'll let you make your own minds up.
Shelf #23: MERMAIDS
Barbie mermaid dolls have enchanted fans for over 30 years — blending mermaid magic with Barbie’s fashion-forward spirit. However, the first mermaid doll was released in 1991.
The first Barbie mermaid skirt appeared in 1990 as a fashion accessory, but the first full "Mermaid Barbie" came in 1991.
Barbie mermaid dolls come in all forms - from colourful play companions to collector showpieces, some even shifting colour with water temperature.
This shelf shows a selection of the Barbie Mermaid dolls, including the first 1991 doll in the far left back corner in blue.
Shelf #24: RANDOM
The bottom shelf is hard to get to see so it has simply a selection of different items from Barbie's mythical and adventure series.