Mumbai: ‘Barbie’ is a benchmark to the collection of dolls for all girls and brings in the importance of fashion right from your childhood. Did you know who created your Barbie doll? If you are confused and unaware of who is the person responsible to introduce the fashion concept, here is the answer.
Ruth Handler, Co-founder of Mattel Toys created your Barbie doll using her observation and imagination. One evening, Ruth Handler observed her daughter Barbara and friends play with paper dolls of grown-up women. At that very moment, she decided to make a doll with which girls could relate to and find their best friend. After three years, Ruth finally unveiled Barbie in 1959. Her historic debut took place at the New York Toy Fair.
Besides introducing the element of fashion, she even aimed in bringing out the fact that a woman also has choices. And so, that’s how the Barbie doll was introduced with different outfits and accessories.
What materials have been used in the manufacturing of Barbie doll?
Polyvinyl Chloride (Vinyl)
Barbie Dolls compose of polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC), a thermoplastic polymer that is mixed with a plasticizer to make the dolls more flexible and less brittle than PVC alone.
Water-based paints
Previously, Barbies were made using solvent-based paints that were not as environmentally friendly. But Barbie's eyes has been created using a water-based paint.
Elastomer
Around 2000, as Mattel toys company decided that Barbie's stomach needed to be more elastic and flexible, it incorporated ‘ultra-soft’ elastomer into the mix. Elastomer allows Barbie a more realistic range of motions.
Synthetic Fiber
Barbie Dolls' hair is made of rooted synthetic fibers that are dyed in lots to fit the specific dolls.
