Table of Contents
Introduction
Barbie, the iconic fashion doll, is turning 65 years old this year! To commemorate this milestone, two new books have recently been released that delve into the world of pink and provide some fascinating insights into her history, influence, and collector appeal.
Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy
The first book, titled “Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy,” offers a comprehensive overview of the life and legacy of our favorite doll. From her humble beginnings as a Mattel toy in 1959 to her diverse range of career aspirations and evolving fashion sense, this book explores the profound impact she has had on popular culture and society. Even the movie from 2023 is mentioned in the book and got its own chapter. My experience with the movie can be read here Barbie – the movie and tickets for a pre-premiere and here Barbie: A Journey From Perfect World to Real Emotions.
Having not read it yet it seems that this book is an updated version of the Barbie Forever – Her inspiration, history and legacy. So if you have the Forever version I’m not sure if this book is really interesting for you but I will check and read and let you know.
The History Of Barbie Doll Collecting And Other Barbie Intrigue
The second book, “The History Of Barbie Doll Collecting And Other Barbie Intrigue,” dives into the world of Barbie collectibles. From rare vintage dolls to limited editions and designer collaborations, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into the fascinating world of fashion doll collectors. It also delves into the various controversies and controversies surrounding this cult doll, including body image and feminism. For a better overview you can see my latest video where I tell you more about my thoughts about this book.
The Evolution of Barbie
Both books shed light on the evolution of our she-ro, from her early days as a stylish teenage doll to the diverse range of characters she has become today. From princesses to veterinarians, our favorite doll has captivated the imaginations of children and adult collectors alike.
Impact on Society
Beyond her fashion sense and collector appeal, she has also had a significant impact on society. Both books explore her role in promoting diversity and inclusivity, as well as her influence on girls’ self-esteem and aspirations.
Doll Couture: Creating Custom Clothes Featuring the Story of Lola
Recently, a new book was released that, while not directly about the iconic fashion doll with six letters, focuses on the design of vintage fashion doll clothes for 11 1/2 inch dolls. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sewing and creating their own doll clothes. It fits thematically with fashion doll enthusiasts and is a fantastic addition to your collection if you love crafting and learning new techniques for doll clothing design. Don’t miss out on this excellent guide to vintage doll fashion! If you want to see a short review, you are welcome to check out this video
The History of Barbie Doll Collecting and other Barbie Intrigue
A third book, maybe not in the most conventional style written was published by Bob Young several months ago. This book is very interesting since you learn a lot about the women who started the whole hobby of Barbie collecting. It’s a very thick book with a lot of photos. I’ve started to read the book but I have not completely finished it yet. It’s a very thick book and my goal is to read at least 3 pages every day.
What I liked about this book is that you got an insight about the many names of the women who started the magazines, the early newsletters and Barbie conventions in the USA. For me as a European it’s very expensive to fly and take part in any convention overseas but the book gives you the chance to get to know the important people. One thing I can say even if I have not finished it yet, it’s very entertaining and I have to read only 250 pages from 350 pages to finish it but really appreciate it.
Conclusion
As our favorite doll celebrates her 65th birthday this year, these two new books offer a fascinating glimpse into the history, influence, and collector appeal of the iconic fashion doll. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious about the cultural phenomenon that this doll is , these books provide an entertaining and informative read.