Black Barbie 30th Anniversary
BArbie 30th Anniversary
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1969: Julia - “Julia” debuted on TV in September of 1968, changing television history forever.<br><br>Played magnificently by Diahann Carroll, Julia challenged stereotypes and changed perceptions.<br><br>Mattel’s 1969 Julia doll is directly inspired by the popular ‘60s TV show and Carroll served as the model.
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1969: Talking Christie - Barbie’s friend Christie arrived on the scene in 1969. She was the first doll of color to have the gift of speech in the Barbie family.
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1971: Live Action Christie - The 1970s were groovy and so is this unique doll.<br><br>Her outfit is way groovy with wide bell bottoms and a midriff top in shades of melon and violet.
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1971: Malibu Christie - Mattel introduced the Malibu line, which showcased dolls in bathing suits, sunglasses and their very own bottles of sun-tan lotion.<br><br>Barbie's friend Christie was part of the crew.
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1980: Black Barbie - 1980 was a big year for Barbie – that year, the first Black Barbie hit the shelves.<br><br>Up until 1980, the others were Barbie’s friends… Christie and Julia to name a few.<br><br>For the first time, Barbie was really Black. Her pink box boasted the tagline, “She’s Black. She’s Beautiful. She’s Dynamite.”
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2000: Brandy - This R&B diva was in such high demand that more than 500,000 dolls were made.<br><br>“We picked Brandy because she shows girls that they can do anything," said a Mattel spokesperson. "As a successful singer and actress, she is inspirational."
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2001: Moja - From the Treasures of Africa Collection by Byron Lars comes a series of dolls each named in Swahili and each perfectly reflecting the grandeur of the African continent.<br><br>Moja (which means ‘one’ in Swahili), proudly wears multiple strands of ceremonial beads, signifying the African treasures with African designs printed on her hands and forearms. Finally, her extraordinary braids majestically celebrate her African heritage.
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2002: Mbili - The magnificence of Africa is artfully reinvented in the innovative Treasures of Africa Collection, the impressive fashion series created by New York designer Byron Lars.<br><br>The second doll in this collection was Mbili, which means ‘two’ in Swahali.
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2003: Tatu - Tatu, meaning ‘three’ in Swahili, is just as beautiful. Her intricate hair and detailed face command attention.
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2003: Princess of South Africa - Princess of South Africa Barbie proudly wears a traditional Ndebele-inspired dress. Its black-and-white patterning is topped with a colorful ngurara (intricately decorated blanket) cape.<br><br>In Ndebele culture, tight-fitting neck rings are considered the most attractive and essential accessories. She wears golden-colored leg and neck rings called izixolwana. Finally, she carries her own dancing mace to carry on her heritage.
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2004: Nne - Named for the Swahili word for ‘four,’ this fantastic doll is richly drawn from African motifs, but completely defined by fine couture. She is inspired by the range and diversity of today's Africa - from towering modern cities to snowy mountaintops.
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2004: Diana Ross - Who’s the boss?<br>Of course, Diana Ross.<br><br>Wearing a Bob Mackie designer gown from her most memorable era in the 1970s, Ms. Ross shines as the true superstar she is.
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2004: Presidential Candidate Barbie - From astronaut to ballerina, Barbie can be anything, including the President of the United States; and hopefully girls everywhere are paying attention.<br><br>Thousands of votes at Barbie.com helped finalize a platform that included three issues relevant to girls: creating world peace, helping the homeless and poor, and taking care of animals.
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2005: Tano - Tano is the fifth and final doll in the Treasures of Africa Collection and named for the Swahili number 'five.' A fabulous fantasy, Tano is equal parts ethnic princess and couture queen.
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2005: Destiny's Child - Mattel immortalized the popular girl group, Destiny’s Child by featuring Beyoncé Knowles (Pink), Michelle Williams (Blue) and Kelly Rowland (Gold) in the same year they were recognized at the World Music Awards as the world's best-selling female group of all time.<br><br>Their infectious popularity and killer wardrobes seemed a perfect match for the iconic doll.
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2006: Milan - This jet-setting model is named after Milan, the fabulous Italian metropolitan center for fashion and finance and a prestigious destination for every major model.
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2006: Pink Ribbon - Barbie joins the fight against breast cancer in this wonderful tribute to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Complete with a pink ribbon, Barbie proudly shows her support.
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2006: Kwanzaa - Look what Barbie is celebrating….Kwanzaa!<br><br>Kwanzaa is a uniquely African-American holiday that celebrates African values of family and community. Kwanzaa means the “first fruits of the harvest” and the festival is rapidly spreading throughout the world.
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2007: Coco - Byron Lars' Chapeaux Collection takes another chic turn with the striking Coco Barbie doll. This supremely stylish siren is dressed in bold, statement-making pieces that look like they belong in the pages of the latest fashion magazines.
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2007: Go Red For Women - In support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red Women Movement, Barbie gives a new meaning to the lady in red. Go Red For Women Barbie shows solidarity and support for this vibrant movement, inviting women of all ages and walks of life to Go Red — in style!
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2008: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders - Barbie celebrates professional football dressed in a fabulous re-creation of the internationally recognized Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ uniform.
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2008: Pepper - Look out! This fierce fashionista, part of the Chapeaux Collection by Byron Lars, is a force to be reckoned with.<br><br>From the couture coat, to the high-fashion necklace, every detail on this doll captures her exquisite essence.
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2008: Kimora Lee Simmons - Created under the direction of Kimora Lee Simmons, a former model turned fashion/lifestyle entrepreneur, this doll epitomizes the Baby Phat founder and designer’s hip, street-glam flair!
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2008:AKA Centennial Barbie - Alpha Kappa Alpha made history in 1908 when it was founded as the first sorority for Black women. In commemoration of a 100-year legacy of sisterhood and service, the AKA Centennial Barbie doll celebrates all the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., wearing a gown in the sorority’s official colors of salmon pink and apple green.
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2009: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - In celebration of the 50th anniversary of one of the world's premiere modern dance companies, the first-ever Barbie to be inspired by a dance company was born.<br><br>Designed by Artistic Director Judith Jamison, this doll reflects the famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and is dressed in a white lace costume worn in "Wade in the Water" from Alvin Ailey's masterpiece, Revelations.
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2009: Lt. Uhura - Star Trek has been spinning its mythology for 40 years, spanning 6 television series and 10 feature films. Lt. Uhura makes a bold statement in her red uniform, black boots, and confident stance.
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2009: So In Style (S.I.S.) Stylin’ Hair - Mattel’s new playline, “So In Style” is the brainchild of Mattel Project Designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, and is said to be the first of its kind.<br><br>McBride saw a need in the marketplace for more dolls of color that celebrate diversity while encouraging positive role models.
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2009: Debut - The best of both worlds — vintage and modern — come together to celebrate Barbie’s 50th anniversary! When this doll was first available in 1959, there was no African American Barbie. Times sure have changed!
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2009: 2009: 50th Anniversary - 50 years never looked so good!<br><br>To celebrate the big 5-0, Barbie represents in gold, showcasing the epitome of glamour.