Barbie Is Older Than You Can Imagine—Here’s What’s Behind the Secret!

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:07:59 +0000

Barbie Is Older Than You Can Imagine—Here’s What’s Behind the Secret When you think of Barbie, you probably picture a young doll with a sparkly pink wardrobe and a adolescence-themed lifestyle. But here’s something most people don’t know: Barbie is older than you can imagine—centuries older, really. While the iconic doll first graced stores in 1959, the story behind her brand extends far beyond plastic and fashion, rooted in cultural evolution, innovation, and decades of secret strategies that shaped a global icon. ### How Old Is Barbie, Really? Though Barbie launched in the late 1950s, the idea of a “Barbie” began long before. The foundation was laid by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who envisioned a doll representing teenage girls’ dreams and aspirations. Since 1959, Barbie has evolved through hundreds of careers, careers inspired by real historical moments and future visions—all managed with meticulous attention to detail and timing.