Barbie – The Most Famous Doll in the World
In 1959, a doll named Barbie Millicent Roberts first appeared in the world of toys. Soon, everyone started to her Barbie. The doll, made by the American toy-company Mattel, has become the most successful doll in history. In fact, 90% of all American girls between 3 and 10 years have at least one Barbie doll .
At present, Barbie is going through hard times because many rivals on the market. For example, Bratz dolls, came to life seven years ago, present a great challenge for Barbie. These dolls more like today’s pop stars or actresses with miniskirts and make-up. The Bratz company even offers a wide variety of fashionable clothing. What is more, it seems that Barbie attract American teenage girls anymore.
sales have gone down in recent years, Barbie still has many fans. More and more doll lovers all the world have become collectors and they spend their time buying and selling Barbies. They don’t mind travelling to the very end of the earth just to get special and rare Barbie dolls, like Scarlett O’Hara from the famous book Gone with the Wind.
Since her birth, Barbie her image many times. Originally she decent length skirts or dresses and had bright red lips. In the 80’s, Mattel decided Barbie a more colourful neon look.
Nowadays in the United States, Mattel isn’t selling as many Barbies before, but on the international scene, the Barbie doll remains number one. In January, for example, Mattel opened Barbie store in Shanghai where girls can even their own fashion designs.
How long will Barbie stay on as a celebrity in the world of toy dolls? Hard to say, but 57 is definitely not the age to retire.