And I'm Bad Like The Barbie
About Barbie
Barbie was founded in 1959 by Ruth Handler (above, left), a mother and visionary entrepreneur, whose inspiration for Barbie came from watching her daughter project her dreams and aspirations onto paper dolls.
Barbie’s first job was as a fashion model. Since then the doll has had more than 250 careers. And true to Ruth Handler’s desire to inspire young girls, Barbie has often been way ahead of her times.
Publicity still of actress Margot Robbie in the title roll of the new 2023 film - Barbie - directed by Greta Gerwig. Margot Robbie in Barbie © 2023 Mattel Films/Warner Brothers/LuckyChap Entertainment/Heyday Films A staple of pop culture, Barbie has long inspired designers, filmmakers, and other artists.
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Half Nelson”) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (“End of Watch,” the “How to Train Your Dragon” films), Kate McKinnon (“Bombshell,” “Yesterday”), Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Juno”), Ariana Greenblatt (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “65”), Issa Rae (“The Photograph,” “Insecure”), Rhea Perlman (“I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Matilda”), and Will Ferrell (the “Anchorman” films, “Talladega Nights”). The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne (“Little Women”), Emma Mackey (“Emily,” “Sex Education”), Hari Nef (“Assassination Nation,” “Transparent”), Alexandra Shipp (the “X-Men” films), Kingsley Ben-Adir (“One Night in Miami,” “Peaky Blinders”), Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), Scott Evans (“Grace and Frankie”), Jamie Demetriou (“Cruella”), Connor Swindells (“Sex Education,” “Emma.”), Sharon Rooney (“Dumbo,” “Jerk”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton,” “Derry Girls”), Ritu Arya (“The Umbrella Academy”), Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Dua Lipa and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”).
In the mid-1980s, "Day-to-Night Barbie" captured the spirit of the career-driven woman. This Barbie came with a stylish day outfit suitable for the office, which could transform into a glamorous evening gown with a quick change of accessories. She represented the idea that women can seamlessly balance work and play, setting an empowering example for young girls.
In recent years, Barbie has embraced diversity and inclusivity through its "Fashionistas" line. These dolls feature various body types, skin tones, and hairstyles, reflecting a more realistic representation of beauty and fashion.
The Fashionistas line celebrates individuality and encourages self-acceptance, sending a message of inclusivity to Barbie fans of all backgrounds. These three Barbies represent different eras and themes, showcasing Barbie's evolution over time and her continued relevance in empowering and inspiring generations of children and collectors worldwide.