Barbie is the largest multimedia-supported fashion doll franchise created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, manufactured by American toy and entertainment company Mattel and introduced on …

Dec 17, 2025 · Barbie officially debuted on March 9, 1959, at the American International Toy Fair in New York City as a creation of Mattel, Inc. ’s Ruth Handler. Handler got her inspiration from the German …

Jul 19, 2023 · We're breaking down a timeline of Barbie history through the years including photos of the first Barbie doll and all her careers.

Jan 29, 2016 · Barbie's appearance was modeled on a doll named Lilli, based on a German comic strip character.

After redesign that was done by Handler herself and an engineer Jack Ryan, the first Barbie (named by the nickname of Handler’s daughter Barbara) doll was ready to be showcased to the public. First …

Jul 30, 2025 · Find out more below about how the original Barbie compares to newer versions of the doll. Plus, take a trip down memory lane to see Barbie through the decades! In March 1959, the very …

Ruth named the doll Barbie, after her daughter. The first model went on display in March 1959 at the annual Toy Fair in New York City. In Barbie’s first television ad, broadcast that same year,...

Created by Ruth Handler and launched by Mattel, the first Barbie doll was officially introduced on March 9, 1959 at the American Toy Fair in New York. That date is now celebrated as Barbie’s birthday.

Thus, the idea for Barbie was born, and the first Barbie doll was officially unveiled at the American International Toy Fair in New York City in March 1959. The original Barbie, dubbed the “ World’s First …

Jul 13, 2023 · The doll was first launched at the American Toy Fair in New York City. The first Barbie, often referred to as "No. 1," was a reflection of the style at the time.