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| Barbie Bedroom |
A young fan's shrine to the world's favourite doll.
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Our House celebrates Barbie's 40th anniversary by making over a young girl's bedroom. Since her debut in 1959, she has appealed to children all over the world, and has taken on a multitude of guises, from air hostess to nurse, teacher to corporate businesswoman.
Barbie's History
It all started when Ruth Handler noticed her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls and imagining them in grown up roles. Realising that dolls sold at the time were all "baby" dolls, Ruth saw a need for a doll that would inspire little girls into adulthood. She created the "Barbie" fashion doll, named after her daughter.
Sixties:
Barbie doll first appeared in the now-famous black and white striped swimsuit and signature ponytail, in 1959. Two other ensembles from that year, "Gay Parisian" and "Roman Holiday", were also nostalgic classics. Barbie's looks ranged from the "Camelot" period and Jackie Kennedy elegance to "Flower Power" and mod. In 1965 Barbie was given "bendy" legs. Her new hairstyle was known as the "American Girl" look. In 1967, Barbie was given a new, more youthful face and long straight hair in keeping with current pop culture. A talking Barbie was introduced in 1968.
Seventies:
Barbie wore up-to-the-minute designs reflecting the prairie look, the granny dress, the "California Girl" suntan craze, and glittery Disco styles. She turned 16 in 1974. A portion of Times Square was renamed "Barbie Boulevard" for a week in her honour. In 1976, Barbie's face was again re-sculpted to encapsulate a wide smile and sun-streaked hair, reflecting the latest beauty looks.
Also in 1976, Barbie dolls were placed in time capsules and sealed during the Bicentennial celebrations, to be opened in 2076, (as the favourite doll of this century). Barbie was featured in Life Magazine in 1979, reflecting on 20 years of American fashion. During the seventies, Barbie had a constantly changing wardrobe that swung from "Live Action" Barbie, a wild, multi-coloured pants outfit, to the high-fashion designs of "City Sophisticate" and "Sleek 'n Chic".
Eighties:
The spotlight was on fitness and career variety. Barbie kept up with current trends as an aerobics instructor, a credit card-carrying executive, a rock star and a couture-inspired sophisticate (reflecting the popularity of night time soap operas).
In 1980, fans held the first annual Barbie convention. The first black and Hispanic Barbie dolls were introduced, along with the Dolls of the World Collection. In 1986, the first porcelain Barbie was introduced. The first "Happy Holidays" doll was created in 1988. Mattel celebrated Barbie's 30th Anniversary in 1989 with "Pink Jubilee" Barbie.
Nineties:
Barbie stepped into the future, allowing girls to use their computers to design and print their own fashions with new CD-ROM products. Barbie's body evolved, allowing her active pursuits, in roles as a gymnast, bicyclist and skater. In 1992 Barbie became the first female "presidential candidate" doll.
In the late nineties, the wardrobe created for Barbie reaches new heights of elegance and drama. She wears stunning originals designed for her by Christian Dior and Bob Mackie, as well as the glittering "Starlight Dance" ensemble.
Barbie facts and figures
Barbie doll has had more than 75 careers - everything from a rock star, astronaut, surgeon, soccer player, an army officer, airline pilot and a presidential candidate. She is currently available in more than 140 countries around the world. Placed head to toe, Barbie dolls would circle the earth more than 7 times! Every second, 2 Barbie dolls are sold somewhere in the world, in a US$1.7 billion a year industry. The best selling Barbie doll ever was "Totally Hair Barbie", with hair from the top of her head to her toes. Barbie's boyfriend Ken, was introduced 3 years after Barbie in 1961 and was named after Ruth Handler's son.
Bedroom Makeover
Our House enlisted the help of Jane McKay, an interior designer, whose recent credits include working with the Conran team to design the "look" for the Georges department store in Melbourne.
The walls in the girl's room were first painted a neutral colour. This helped to show off a range of Barbie accessories (mainly pink) used to transform the plain-looking bedroom. They included:
Bedlinen, inflatable furniture, cushions, lamp, summer clothing, shoes, bicycle, RollerBlades, CD Rom, digital camera, backpacks, cosmetic cases and a selection of dolls and books.
Hot pink velvet cushions, plain baskets for storage of trinkets and a pink-painted mini-chest from IKEA completed the Barbie theme.
Jane's Makeover Advice
1
Avoid fads. Kids tire of things very quickly, although Barbie seems to maintain her popularity with girls for a number of years. Design the room with a neutral colour base.
2
When your young daughter does tire of her pink Barbie world, pick another colour, like a citrus green, which goes very well with pink. Gradually introduce that colour into the room, together with a new bedcover, new curtains, etc. and then gradually fade the Barbie "mania" out.
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More Info
Barbie dolls and accessories are available from all major department stores. For more information call Mattel, Ph: 1800 800 812.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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