BarbieFrom ToyReview
[edit] Introduction to Barbie     Barbie is by far the most well-known, best selling doll across the globe. She has been around since the fifties and is still found in thousands of toy cupboards and loved by millions of children today. New products to hit the shelves such as Bratz Dolls have threatened Barbie's top spot by offering something a little different to Barbie. Although they have managed to gain some of the market, her sales figures remain high and we are sure she will be around for many years to come. Many believe the reason Barbie has been so popular is because girls are able to look to her as a role model. They can dream about wearing her clothes and having her long blond hair or dream about being the beautiful Princess who always meets her Prince. She also enables young girls to realise how their bodies will look as they get older (although this is an unrealistic portrayal of a womans figure). She keeps up to the demands of fashion and constantly appears in new outfits, from swimming costumes to beautiful ball gowns and delicate sparkly shoes. [edit] Brand and Manufacturer HistoryA lady called Ruth Handler created Barbie in the early 20th century. She says her influence came from her daughter Barbara; this is also where her name derived from. Barbara wasn't keen on playing with her dolls that looked like babies but rather paper dolls that resembled adult women, and so Ruth set to work on bringing Barbie to the shops and was taken on by the manufacturers Mattel. Barbie was launched in 1959 after a long research and development process, she appeared in a black and white swimming costume and was available in blond or brunette with her hair tied back in a ponytail. Barbie immediately became a must have by all young girls and began her reign as queen of the dolls. During the sixties, a number a new Barbie's were brought to the market; each with their own unique style and personality, which is what made them so appealing. New dolls consisted of exiting additional features, such as coloured hair, wigs, bendy legs and trendy outfits. New characters were also introduced, such as her best friend Midge, brothers, sisters, cousins and most importantly, Ken. During the seventies Barbie's features continued to develop; she was given elbows, ankles etc. and bendy everything! This made her look a little more realistic and easier to dress up. The best selling Barbie doll of all time was the Totally Hair Barbie, released in 1992. She had extra long hair that went down to her toes and for some reason girls absolutely loved her. Over the years, Barbie merchandise has been sold all over the world; she has been the theme of many books, video games and films such as Barbie in the Nutcracker and Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus. She has starred in the hit film Toy Story 2 and stationary items can also be bought, such as pens, pencils and notepads etc. Thousands of people collect Barbie dolls and merchandise as a hobby, spending hundreds of pounds every year. Barbie has remained a popular children's toy until this day but sales have started to fall a little since the release of new fashion-led dolls such as Bratz. Barbie is however an old favourite and kept her top spot for an impressive number of years. [edit] Classic AppearanceThe actual figure of Barbie is very unrealistic; she is taller and thinner than humanly possible, with even more emphasis on features such as her neck and legs. Her facial features are well in proportion when you compare her to similar products, such as a Bratz doll; whose lips and eyes dominate the face. She has a pretty yet plain face with sparkling white teeth and pink lips that is complimented by her long golden hair. Barbie's hair is every girls dream; it makes her look so feminine and allows young girls to practice their hairdressing skills! Dolls have been produced of different nationalities, such as African Barbie, Hispanic Barbie and Asian Barbie who are also popular dolls and can be bought in their countries traditional clothing. You probably couldn't count the number of Barbie outfits that have been manufactured over the years; she has appeared in so many. One of her most popular ranges is thought to be her ball-gown wear. [edit] Barbie Toy Reviews
[edit] External LinksUser ReviewsComment by natalie, Thursday 12th February 2009
Rating:  I love barbie because she is way prettier than bratz. She is natural they are not. Comment by rae, Tuesday 18th December 2007
Rating: i used to love BARBIE BUT NOW I DON'T! i agree with girly! Bratz forever!!!!! Comment by girly, Wednesday 15th August 2007
Rating: i hate barbie because they look trashe to me but i love bratz Comment by Laura, Wednesday 18th July 2007
Rating: Thanks for this - very useful in the research of Barbie for my A-Level coursework! Comment by Lauren, Thursday 31st May 2007
Rating:  Hahahahahahaha thats cool. I love Barbie.
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