Barbie became popular as I became a tween. My doll was Shirley Temple, which had some beautiful handmade clothes from a beloved aunt. She even made me a matching outfit. My younger sister, however, was born into the phenomenon, that is Barbie. I remember her getting a special Barbie birthday cake one year, the doll in the center of the angel food cake and her colorful decorated dress as the frosting. I know my sister was enthralled, but it was her thing. I didn’t relate. I do wonder how she would embrace this now. Watching all the buzz about it is a bit perplexing, since I didn’t relate. My play was putting on plays with neighbor friends or board games or my bike where I explored neighborhoods nearby.
HGTV is doing a “Barbie Dream House” recreation by a dozen of their talented designers. Episode one was epic and over the top. Kelly Clarkson had the main players on her show prior to the premier and she and her band dressed up in the 60’s era and colors. A good friend’s neighbor is one of the “Barbiette’s” and scored tickets to the local premier at SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival). They dressed up to walk the PINK carpet, gloves and all. She really enjoyed the movie, thought it clever. Although there is a reason for the PG13 rating, she recommended it.
An actual AirB&B to rent in Malibu!
The best thing about Barbara Millicent Roberts is her storied careers. If you can “see her, you can be her” I’ve heard from the many interviews given by celebrities. So maybe just because I “didn’t relate,” Barbie may have influenced me and many young girls as they found their way in life choices.
From her early days as a teenage fashion model, Barbie has appeared as an astronaut, surgeon, Olympic athlete, downhill skier, aerobics instructor, TV news reporter, vet, rock star, doctor, army officer, air force pilot, summit diplomat, rap musician, presidential candidate (party undefined), baseball player, scuba diver, lifeguard, fire-fighter, engineer, dentist, and many more. […] When Barbie first burst into the toy shops, just as the 1960s were breaking, the doll market consisted mostly of babies, designed for girls to cradle, rock and feed. By creating a doll with adult features, Mattel enabled girls to become anything they want.
A walk down memory lane has certainly found its audience with this movie. Regardless of your experience with the “Barbie phenom” it does bring many fascinating conversations and lots of elders reliving their distant pasts. If you want to learn more, click on the link below. It’s where I found her full name, Barbara Millicent Roberts, and other interesting tidbits.
Barbie Now and Then!
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