Here’s what Barbie looked like the year you were born
August 14, 20240
Barbie’s Fashionista doll collection is more diverse than ever.
Mattel
The first Barbie doll hit shelves in 1959, making the iconic toy 65 years old in 2024.
Barbies have offered broader representations of race, body type, and careers over the years.
The “Barbie” movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, sparked the “Barbiecore” trend in 2023.
Barbies have offered broader representations of race, body type, and careers since the first doll debuted 65 years ago in 1959.
Greta Gerwig’s 2023 Oscar-winning “Barbie” movie also sparked a renaissance of the doll-inspired Barbiecore aesthetic, which included vibrant shades of pink, chunky heels, and kitschy accessories.
Here’s a look at how Barbie dolls have evolved through the years.
1959
Barbie in 1960.
Mattel, Inc.
Barbie got a job! Fashion designer Barbie sported a matching jacket and skirt set with a blouse and sketchbook in 1960.
1961
Red Flare Barbie in 1962.
Barbie Media
This “Red Flare” Barbie from 1962 features a voluminous red coat and matching hat, said to be inspired by ’60s style icon Jackie Kennedy.
1963
Barbie in 1964.
eBay
In 1964, Barbie’s “swirl ponytail” hairstyle replaced what until then had been her trademark bangs.
1965
Color Magic Barbie in 1966.
Barbie Media
“Color Magic Barbie” featured yellow hair and an equally vibrant outfit.
1967
Talking Barbie in 1968.
Barbie Media
In 1968, “Talking Barbie” said things like “Let’s go shopping!”
1969
Cher Barbie in the 1970s.
eBay
The Cher Barbie doll was peak ’70s, wearing a miniature version of the outfit the singer herself wore in the music video for “Half Breed.”
1971
Barbie Beauty Center in 1972.
eBay
The “Barbie Beauty Center” allowed aspiring hairdressers to practice on Barbie’s blonde locks.
1973
Barbie’s Town House in 1974
Barbie Media
Barbie’s Town House in 1974 featured three stories and some retro decor.
1975
Barbie in 1976.
Mattel, Inc.
Barbie stole the show as a ballerina in 1976.
1977
Barbie and Ken in 1978.
Barbie Media
“Superstar” Barbie teamed up with a fabulously ’70s Ken in 1978.
1979
Teresa Barbie in 1980.
Barbie Media
Teresa, the first Hispanic doll in the line, added more representation to Barbie doll collections.
1981
Barbie in 1982.
Etsy
Barbie served burgers and fries at McDonald’s in 1982.
1983
Barbie and Ken in 1984.
Barbie Media
Barbie wore a sparkly dress resembling flower petals in 1984, with a dark-haired Ken by her side.
1985
Barbie in 1986.
Mattel, Inc.
Barbie landed on the moon as an astronaut in 1986.
1987
Fashion Barbie in 1988.
Barbie Media
“Fashion Barbie” in 1988 rocked ’80s styles from head to toe.
1989
Barbie’s Dreamhouse in 1990.
Barbie Media
Barbie’s Dreamhouse in 1990 was pink. Very, very pink.
1991
Totally Hair Barbie in 1992.
Barbie Media
“Totally Hair Barbie” came with hair down to her ankles in 1992.
1993
Kenyan Barbie in 1994.
Barbie Media
Barbie’s “Dolls of the World” collection included “Kenyan Barbie” in 1994.
1995
Holiday Princess Cinderella Barbie in 1996.
eBay
The 1996 Holiday Princess Cinderella Barbie was based on the character from Disney’s 1950 cartoon movie.
1997
Barbie’s Deluxe Dream House in 1998.
Barbie Media
Barbie’s Deluxe Dream House in 1998 featured flowery wallpaper with pink and green accents.
1999
Jewel Girl Barbie in 2000.
Barbie Media
“Jewel Girl” Barbie in 2000 sported a crop top and pink skirt with a grey jacket.
2001
Barbie in 2002.
Barbie Media
Barbie worked as an art teacher in 2002.
2003
Presidential Candidate Barbie in 2004.
Mattel, Inc.
“Presidential Candidate” Barbie debuted in an election year, 2004.
2005
Barbie in 2006.
Barbie Media
Barbie donned ballet shoes and a pink tutu as a ballerina in 2006.
2007
Barbie in 2008.
Barbie Media
Barbie hosted her own cooking show in 2008.
2009
Barbie in 2010.
Mattel, Inc.
Barbie learned to code and became a computer engineer in 2010.
Actress and LGBTQ activist Laverne Cox, the first transgender actor to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy Award, became the face of a Tribute Collection Barbie in 2022.
2023
The 2024 Barbie Lunar New Year Doll.
Mattel, Inc.
Mattel released a limited-edition 2024 Lunar New Year doll wearing a traditional Chinese opera costume called a xifu.
