Barbie doll: from the heroine of erotic comics to toys

March 9, 1960 Barbie doll turned 60 years old. On this day, she was presented to the public at a toy fair in New York.

“A strange doll with the face and body of an adult woman” saw Ruth Hunter while on vacation in Switzerland. She reminded her of the heroine of erotic comics in the German newspaper Bild Zeitung - Lily's fashion model.

Later, Ruth decided to adapt the doll to the needs of American buyers. The woman noticed how willingly her daughter played with a gift from Sweden. Especially in comparison with ordinary pups. It was in honor of her daughter Ruth named the doll Barbara. Soon the novelty of the American market began to gain popularity: its models and clothes were updated with enviable periodicity.

A year later, Barbie “met” her friend, Ken. They have been together for almost 40 years. Although at one time they still had to part. This was due to the suspension of the production of the guy-doll.

The first Barbie doll cost only $ 3 and was dressed in a black and white swimsuit. Dresses for her were sold separately.

She had blonde hair gathered in a ponytail and black eyes. Barbie's standard height is 29 cm. Her proportions in relation to human growth were 1: 6. According to experts, if Barbie became a man, then with a height of about 170 cm her weight would be a little less than 50 kg, breast volume - 99 cm, waist - 45 cm, hips - 84 cm.

In the 1960s, there was a legend that Barbie came from the city of Willows in Wisconsin. A little later, this story changed: with the release of the new "urban" series of Generation Girls, Barbie was declared a native of New York.

For 50 years, the Mattel manufacturer changed the proportions of the doll several times: the bust was reduced, the press was “pumped up”, the hips, neck and legs were increased. In general, the toy has undergone significant changes almost 20 times.