| Since bursting onto the toy market in a black and | | | | competition from new, fresh and energetic doll brands |
| white swimsuit on March 9 1959, Barbie has certainly | | | | like Bratz which have successfully diversified into |
| made her mark and is undoubtedly queen amongst | | | | multimedia and continue to sell well. |
| dolls even after more than forty years of life. | | | | And it appears that Barbie is responding to her |
| Created by Ruth Handler and marketed by the Mattel | | | | competitors with smaller versions of the traditional doll |
| toy company, Barbie has successfully moved with the | | | | called Barbie Mini Kingdom. At just 6 inches tall this |
| times for almost five decades adopting changing | | | | gentle change of direction may be the tip of the |
| fashions to maintain her place as the top toy doll brand. | | | | iceberg as Mattel moves to strengthen it's position. |
| From nurse and olympic Barbie to president and | | | | As she approaches her 50th birthday, Barbie remains |
| married Barbie, she has an impressive resume with | | | | an international phenomenon sold in over 40 countries |
| more than eighty careers and countless costume | | | | and a sought after collectors item. As you might |
| changes along the way. | | | | expect, Barbie is the best selling doll on Ebay with |
| As the American dream personified, Barbie has led a | | | | some rare early examples fetching as much as |
| very privileged life that most celebrities would envy | | | | $10,000. So, for now, Barbie is certainly worthy of a |
| even today. With a wardrobe to die for, a fleet of cars | | | | place in any toy collectors catalog, but only time will tell |
| and even a bespoke swimming pool just some of the | | | | if Barbie dolls can continue to move with the times and |
| trappings of world wide domination and fame. But | | | | maintain their appeal with young girl's on into the 21st |
| many collectors are concerned that her days as | | | | century. Even so, I wouldn't like to bet against a Barbie |
| queen of dolls may be about to end. In 2007, Barbie is | | | | doll being at the top of many Christmas lists in twenty |
| still a big fish in a growing pond but now faces stiff | | | | years time. |