Different Styles of Barbie Doll Clothes
Barbie dolls are known as the most popular dolls in the world!
Barbie dolls were designed by a woman named Ruth Marianna Handler to entertain children in America in 1959. At that time, there were no dolls like a real adult woman, only doll babies. Many girls, including daughter Ruth, played with dolls drawn on paper and invented and created outfits for them.
After a trip to Switzerland and getting acquainted with Bild Lilli, Ruth decided that it was a good idea to make a doll with adult features and the body of a young adult woman. It was thought that Barbie would have many outfits and doll furniture.
That’s how it happened. The kids instantly fell in love with this doll. The concept was outstanding in teaching the kids important things such as fashion, style, and design.
In movies of that period, there were many very bright and elegant women, and their lives were chic—outfits, furniture, cars, houses. The screens showed the Hollywood dream.
Barbie also relied on all these attributes of a chic life, and the doll got them. Girls all over America could have a classy experience with their toys.
In 1994, Ruth wrote in her autobiography:
“My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through this doll, a little girl could try out any role she wants. Barbie always reflected the fact that a woman has a choice”.
However, when they first introduced this toy, it did not like the parents of girls. They did not meet Barbie very warmly.
Ruth had a massive advertising campaign, and she spent a lot of money on advertising. The children noticed the doll, which was sold very cheaply, almost at cost. The kids were thrilled!
As the doll became popular, it was Ruth and the designers who invented the concept with lots of dresses, outfits, and accessories. They felt that Barbie dolls would sell even better if there were other versions to buy.
They gave a choice of hairstyles, hair colors, and clothing styles. For example, the talented puppet designer Carol Spencer has created many iconic and beautiful Barbie doll outfits from 1963 to 1998.
Barbie Doll Clothes
Later, Barbie started to come out with different skin colors, and Barbie’s friends were from different ethnic backgrounds. A series of dolls of the world was even launched – Dolls of the World (DOTW).
This is one of the most extended sets of toys at the moment. Thus, the management of the Mattel company made an even better choice for collecting – creating a Barbie doll for each country, taking into account the ethnic and stylistic characteristics. So many states have their own Barbie.
Also, the launch of the guy’s doll—a friend of Barbie—revolutionized the toy industry. Many kids asked for a boy doll, so the market expanded to include dolls of both sexes. Barbie’s sisters, her friends, and her girlfriend’s boyfriends were added. Now, the doll world is full of people, animals, houses, cars, outfits, and accessories.
Today, Barbie is very popular, and game series are readily available. In some cases, collectible outfits are hard to buy. There are some rare vintage costumes for Barbie dolls, which have become mega-popular in the Barbie Fan Club, making them even more expensive. So it’s not unusual to see your favorite Barbie doll on the news, on TV, or in the cinema.
Another type of costume is Barbie’s designer outfits, which are designed for adult clothes. The masters create them themselves and tailor their outfits to individual orders.
Now, these clothes are trendy, are made of high-quality, expensive fabrics, and sell out quickly. Such clothes can be bought, for example, on eBay or Etsy. These outfits are designed so that Barbie looks like a really elegant woman.
Many collectors dress like their favorite dolls. This movement is capturing more and more people. There are even whole competitions where people present themselves and their favorite Barbie doll. When you wear a Barbie outfit, you will be turned into the most beautiful doll you could ever imagine.
Over the years, many dolls and outfits have been released for them. Everyone will find a period that suits them. You need to understand what you want to have the most!
About Author
Victoria Movichi
Fashion doll clothes designer and stylist. 15 years experience in sewing and design. 7 years of collecting Integrity Toys and Barbie dolls.