Since its creation 65 years ago, Barbie sold millions of unitsbecoming much more than just a doll. Her story began with rejection, but resounding success and her ability to reinvent herself kept her at the top, becoming a global icon. After a journey full of ups and downs, today he has a blockbuster film that reaffirms his cultural influence.
Over more than six decades, Barbie went from a simple plastic figure to a global phenomenon. She was born in an adverse context and, nevertheless, she established herself as a symbol of fashion and evolution, a doll that has reflected and challenged social ideals. But How did Barbie become a universal reference?
The story of Barbie, the best-selling doll in the world
It all started in 1959 when Ruth Handlera woman with an entrepreneurial vision, created Barbie inspired by a German doll called Lili, a toy intended for adult entertainment. Ruth noticed that her daughter Barbara played with a paper doll, whose appearance often changed. Furthermore, as the girl grew, she sought to imitate adult conversations and behaviors while playing with the toy.
The lack of adult-looking dolls in USA made Handler think that girls should also be able to imagine themselves in adult female roles through play. By taking your idea to Mattela male-led company, faced its first hurdle: executives believed production costs would be too high and the selling price unaffordable for many consumers.
Despite initial skepticism, Ruth managed to convince Mattel, who bought the rights to Lili and adapted the idea for the children’s market. Barbie debuted at the New York Toy Fair and was an immediate sales success. During its first year, they sold more than 300,000 unitssurprising everyone with its popularity. The doll’s figure, tall, thin and always stylized, quickly became associated with ideals of beauty and success, although it also sparked debates about the stereotype it promoted.
Over time, the brand began to expand globally, leading Barbie to become an international phenomenon. However, its perfect image also generated controversy over the messages it conveyed, leading Mattel to implement changes. In recent decades, diversity has become essential for the brand, which now offers dolls of different ethnicities, body types and abilities, better reflecting social reality.
Barbie’s impact didn’t stop at toys. The film released in 2023 inspired by her life was a true success at the box office, consolidating the doll in a new cultural space and reinforcing its relevance in the entertainment industry.
Barbie earnings in record year
Barbie is not only a cultural icon but also a finance giant. In its record year, sales reached extraordinary figures, proving that its popularity has not diminished over time. As Mattel executives mentioned, “Barbie continues to break barriers, showing that her essence transcends generations.”
In his latest blockbuster 2023, with the premiere of the film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, The company accumulated $1,445 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The doll thus demonstrated that it can reach diverse audiences and maintain itself over the years. With continued growth in profits and an impact that goes beyond the commercial, Barbie’s influence on popular culture remains unquestionable.
Source: Ambito
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