1959+ Mattel Barbie, Family, Friends Vintage Dolls Identified

Barbie is the star of the Mattel doll line that began in 1959, she was created by founder Ruth Handler who had a vision when she saw the miniature adult Bild Lilli doll when traveling in Germany. At that time, full sized baby and child dolls were the playthings available for children. Ruth Handler changed all that when her Barbie doll was introduced.

In addition to Barbie are family and friend dolls each with a story line, all of whom have fabulous clothing wardrobes reflecting the era which are meticulously made with tiny accessories. Barbie and her friends need a place to live, so there are cardboard houses, shops and rooms. Transportation for Barbie yes please, convertible sports cars, roadsters and more.

The Mattel Barbie doll line grew into an entire world in miniature for a child to play with, to dream and imagine what their own world might be like someday. The 2023 Barbie movie by director Greta Gerwig showcases Barbie’s imaginary world – lets identify the vintage dolls where it all began . . . the vintage Barbie doll gangs all here since June 1999.