Ken No.1 Archives - Barbie Treasure Chest

August 15, 2023January 4, 2024

The Evolution of Barbie and Her Family: A Nostalgic Journey Back to the 1960s

Introduction of the evolution of Barbie and her family:

In the world of dolls, Barbie has undeniably left an indelible mark. Since her creation in 1959, Barbie has captivated the hearts of countless children and collectors alike. However, Barbie’s journey was not a solitary one. Throughout the 1960s, Barbie’s family grew, introducing a diverse cast of characters that added depth to her imaginative world. Let’s take a look back at the evolution of Barbie’s family during this iconic era and have a look at the evolution of Barbie and her family with a nostalgic journey back to the 1960s.

1959: Barbie, the Trailblazing Fashionista

Barbie made her debut in 1959, breaking the mold with her stylish fashion choices and glamorous lifestyle. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie was named after Handler’s daughter, Barbara. With her chic attire and sophisticated demeanor, Barbie quickly became a role model for young girls everywhere.

Picture with Barbie in Bridal dress, Barbie is from 1960 and has a blonde pony and ponytail — First Barbie from 1959

1961: Ken, Barbie’s Dashing Companion

Two years after Barbie’s introduction, Ken stepped into the spotlight. Named after Handler’s son, Kenneth, Ken became Barbie’s dashing companion. With his charm and impeccable fashion sense, Ken perfectly complemented Barbie’s elegance. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, capturing the imagination of children across the globe. I wrote an article about the early Kens last year which you can read here https://barbie.final-memory.org/ken-ken-or-ken

Photos of Barbie and Ken, Barbie wears a bridal dress, ken a casual t shirt and a pair of trousers — Barbie and Ken in 1961, the first evolution of Barbie and her family

1963: Midge, Barbie’s Best Friend

In 1963, Barbie welcomed her best friend, Midge, into her ever-growing circle. Midge was known for her vibrant personality and her infectious laughter. With her cheerful demeanor, Midge added an element of fun and camaraderie to Barbie’s world. The bond between Barbie and Midge showcased the importance of friendship and support.

The picture shows how the Barbie family grows, in 1963 Barbie gets a new best friend called Midge — Barbie got a best female friend, another evolution of Barbie and her family

1964: Skipper, Barbie’s Adorable Sister and Ken’s best friend Alan

The following year, Barbie’s family expanded further with the arrival of Skipper and Ken’s best friend Alan, who is also regarded as the boyfriend of Midge. As Barbie’s younger sister, Skipper brought a youthful energy to the mix. With her playful spirit and trendy outfits, Skipper became a beloved character among young Barbie enthusiasts. Together, Barbie and Skipper embarked on countless sisterly adventures, fostering the importance of sibling bonds.

You can see all family members until 1964, starting with Barbie, to Ken, Midge, Skipper and Alan

Like Barbie, Skipper and Midge go out to the city, Alan and Ken also spend their free time together going hunting or for a Saturday night dance. Alan has the same size like Ken. They are designed to share their clothes. Alan is also the secret hero of Barbie – the movie, the one with his striped beach shirt that probably nobody outside the Barbie community can identify without problems. Alan is easy to identify by his red hair. After being introduced in 1963 he disappears in 1967 and re-appears in 1990 to marry Midge after a friendship of almost 30 years. Isn’t that incredible?

1965: Francie, Barbie’s Fashion-Forward Cousin

Barbie’s cousin, Francie, made her debut in 1965. Known for her impeccable fashion taste and avant-garde style, Francie pushed the boundaries of fashion and became an inspiration for young trendsetters. Her presence in Barbie’s world highlighted the importance of individuality and self-expression.

Barbie family and friends in 1965 starting with Barbie & Ken to Midge and Alan to Skipper, Francie

1966: Tutti, Barbie’s Cherished Baby Sister and her twin brother Todd

Barbie’s family was completed in 1966 with the arrival of Tutti and Todd, Barbie’s adorable baby sister and baby brother twins. With their innocent charm and tiny stature, Tutti and Todd captured the hearts of both children and adults alike. Tutti’s and Todd’s inclusion in Barbie’s world emphasized the importance of family and the joy that younger siblings bring.

Barbie family and friends in 1966 starting with Barbie & Ken to Midge and Alan to Skipper, Francie and Tutti

Conclusion:

Barbie’s journey through the 1960s was not just a personal one. It was a journey of growth, friendship, and familial love. As Barbie’s family expanded, so did the opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling. The evolution of Barbie and her family is not always easy to understand because a lot of member come and suddenly disappear again. For a deeper look at all friends I wrote an article many years ago Barbie doll wiki: What to know about Ken, Alan and the other male friends

Through the introduction of Ken, Midge, Skipper, Francie, and Tutti, Barbie’s world became more diverse and inclusive, reflecting the changing times of the 1960s. These iconic characters left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of children, ensuring that Barbie’s legacy would endure for generations to come. In the late 60s the first black friends of Barbie were available. They are maybe worth another blog post since some friends are new in the Barbie world while others disappear again without any trace. Let’s hope that the evolution of Barbie and her family will continue in the future.

December 29, 2022November 13, 2023

Ken, Ken or another Ken?

Introduction of Ken

I’d like to update one of my older blog posts in which I wrote about Vintage Kens. The post was from two years ago and I think it’s time for an update. I want to include new information about the types of vintage Kens that are available and popular today. As far as I am concerned, Vintage Kens were only produced for one year, followed by the replacement of a new Ken and an update to the dolls.

I learned in the last days that this is not true. I learned for example that the flocked hair Ken was sold from 1961 until 1966. In the toy industry, it’s common for manufacturers to produce a large quantity of a particular toy, hoping that it will sell out quickly. However, this is not always the case. For example, not all the stocked dolls sold immediately, as it depended on various factors, such as the part of the world where you were living. The flocked haired Kens could have been for example in Germany or Japan. In a way this makes sense because the dolls were marketed there later that in the US. It also seems that there’s a bigger variety in hair colors than I thought. I only thought there would be blonde and brown, but nope. It seems that there are more.

First Ken with flocked hair in brown ( 1961 due to thick eyebrows)

First Ken with flocked hair in blonde ( also 1961)

The eyebrows make the difference

The differences can be seen in their eyebrows. Earlier dolls have thicker eyebrows while the later versions have thinner ones but this is just one example. I will check my collection and see if there’s really a difference. I never had the idea that there might be so many differences. The boxes also show variances but I only have one box, so this is hard for me to show you.

Shortie Ken

Nevertheless I also learned that especially the so called “Shortie Kens” were produced in the US. I always thought that these Kens were only produced & painted in Japan but this was another misbelief. Their brothers from the same year produced in Japan were not “Shorty Kens”, their size was normal and their limbs don’t fall off the body. At least I can say I have one of these “Shortie Kens” produced in the US. So Ken, Ken and Ken are not the same dolls. You would also see a difference in their box but it’s hard to show you due to my lack of boxes.

What I noticed when I got more than one of these Vintage Ken is that they are all looking very different. There are no two Kens looking the same way. We have a big variety. Each of the boys has it’s own personality. Every Ken has kind of it’s own charme.

Painted hair for Ken

Painted hair Kens were not available before 1963. I thought they would have already been available in 1962. I think I have one of these 1963 Japan Kens but I want to look him up when I’m back home. I think I also have the last version from 1963 with the new arm mold but from his eyes he’s rather looking like the 1964 edition because the black in his eyes that all other versions had, is missing here. His hands are different thant the very first issues. Shortie Ken also has this arm type ( see above)

See here the different hands that the first Kens had

High Color Ken from 1966?

It was very interesting to learn that the high color Kens were only available first in 1966. I recently bought one of them. I realized it when I bought him. Some collectors consider them as a variation. It’s also possible to see among the Color Magic Barbie dolls. There are also high color variations.

!961 Ken stamped foot ( left foot), Shortie Ken without any marking

I think there’s more to discover among the Kens and I hope will do it in the next weeks and months to come. Watch more about my discoveries from the past months in these videos …

May 5, 2018June 8, 2018

The only Vintage Kens resources you will ever need

When I started to collect Vintage Barbies I had no idea how to distinguish all the different Ken dolls. Now I have one from each year (1961- 1964). When you have a look at the pics you can see differences. The make up differs each year. These pics show only the straight leg Kens.

December 23, 2015September 18, 2017

My first reflocked Ken

Last week I tried something new. Last summer I got a Nr.1 Ken. He was bold and had lost all his hair. I felt sorry for him and decided to reflock his head. Here’s the result. I think it’s not bad for the first time.