History of Barbie: Vintage Era 1959 Documentary

 

History of Barbie Vintage Era 1959

Hi guys welcome back today we are going to start a new series about the history of Barbie starting from 1959 up to present, so join me down the pink brick road as we go head over heels about everything Barbie. 

Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie had been inspired by the German Bild Lilli doll in 1956 and soon created the Barbie doll which was named after her daughter. The Ponytail Barbie #1 was launched on March 9, 1959 at the american International Toy Fair in New York City and then just 6 months later ponytail Barbie #2 was launched. Although barbie was not a hit at the toy fair because she was not the typical babydoll that was available on the market at the time. She quickly grew to popularity and even more so  after barbie was advertised on tv on the then new and popular Mickey mouse club tv show. 

Barbies full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts and the original Barbie was 11.5  inches tall and she was originally available with either blonde or brunette hair, although the blondes outnumbered the brunettes 2:1 .  Both Ponytail Barbies 1 and 2 came with what is known as the 850 zebra swimsuit which came with white sunglasses with blue lenses, gold hoop earrings, black open toe heels and a sleeveless black and white zebra striped swimsuit. The gold hoop earrings are considered rare. Although make sure to store your earrings separately from your doll because otherwise your barbie can catch whats known as green ear syndrome. A chemical reaction occurs between the metal earrings and the plastic of the barbie doll which causes the plastic to turn green. This is fixable however its better to avoid it if you can. The open toe heels are also better to store separately because the strap across the foot is prone to break. 

 The first Barbie originally cost $3 and her outfits cost anywhere from $1 to $5 dollars. In that first year, over 350,000 were made. Ponytail Barbie #1 and #2 were launched and were more or less the same model, with the only difference being variations in the design of the legs.The first Barbie had copper tubes in her legs and holes in her feet to fit her stand. The second version didn't have the tubes/holes and had a wire stand. They were both made of a flesh tone vinyl plastic however they can in some cases turn white over the years and have a strong crayon smell. Their hair was made of saran fiber and put into a tight ponytail with flocking underneath and the end of the ponytail was curled and heat pressed into a neat roll. They also had curly bangs. The torso of these dolls is heavy and solid. The facial features for ponytail barbie #1 and #2 were both hand painted and included arched brows which were either light or dark brown,  heavy black eye liner with blue eyeshadow, colorless pupils, blush and bright red lips which in some cases can fade to a reddish orange. They also had red nail polish on their hands and feet. Also special shoes were made for the ponytail barbie #1 which had holes in the bottom of them to accommodate the stand. Both the dolls, the clothes and accessories were made in Japan from 1959 through to 1972 as a result all of the shoes made in these years have Japan stamped on the left shoe. 

Charlotte Johnson was the head of Mattel’s fashion department at the time. She was a former women’s wear designer and as a result Barbie´s clothes were true miniatures which followed the trends of the era. Of course the design, fabrics and details are of the highest quality with tiny accessories to complete each one. The outfits were #911 Golden girl , #912 Cotton Casual, 915 Peachy Fleecy Coat, 916 Commuter Set, 917 Apple Print Sheath,  918 Cruise Stripes, 919 Fashion Undergarments,  921 Floral Petticoat, 961 Evening Splendour, 962 Barbie-Q, 963 Resort Set, 964 Gay Parisienne, 965 Nighty Negligee Set, 966 Plantation Belle, 967 Picnic Set, 968 Roman Holiday, 969 Suburban Shopper,  971 Easter Parade, 972 Wedding Day Set, 973 Sweet Dreams in pink and yellow, 975 Winter Holiday and 976 Sweater Girl. The tags in the clothing made in 1959 have ™ after the Barbie name and clothes from 1960 to 1972 they have                             the ® symbol for Registered Trademark. Clothing with the ™ tag is generally considered more desirable and therefore is more valuable. 

The Golden girl sets stock number was #911 and it  was manufactured from 1959 to 1962. It had a slim sheath dress which was made of a gold and white brocade fabric. The dress had a zipper in the back and there was an aqua colored clutch in wide corduroy fabric with white satin lining with a gold bead with a loop closure. There was also a single strand of graduated fue "pearl" necklace with a matching snake bracelet, and short white tricot gloves with brown open-toe heels. These brown heels can be difficult to find for collectors because they were only used  in 6 outfits between 1959 to 1965, make sure to be subscribed to see those outfits as we continue through the years. The pattern for the slim sheath dress was used for Evening Splendour #961 which I will show you later on in this video and Golden Elegance #992 as well as for the fashion paks in 1963. The quality of the brocade fabric used in this dress was great and so this dress has held up well over the years and its fairly easy to find in mint to near mint condition however the clutch and shoes can be difficult to find. On this set the tag is in the skirt part of the dress and the original price was $2. I really like the dress in this set its so pretty and sparkly even after all these years.  

The cotton casual sets stock number was #912 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1962. There was a  white and navy striped cotton sunback dress with a full skirt and a front pleat with two accent bows which were orange and yellow on the bodice and the set had white open-toe heels. The back of the bodice has a snap closure. Unfortunately the dress is typically found wrinkled and with the accent bows either untied or missing. The dress has the Barbie tag. I like the dress in this set though I do wish it had come with more accessories but for the original price of $1 makes sense. What do you think of it? 

The Peachy Fleecy Coat set stock number was 915 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1961. It had a wool fleece coat with matching lining in a soft beige color. The coat had a buckled half belt in the back and two patch pockets in the front. The set included a brown felt cloche hat with a single feather and a faux pearl accent, white vinyl gloves, mustard yellow vinyl clutch, and brown open-toe heels. These heels are the same ones found in the golden girl set. The gloves and purse are difficult to find and the brown hat is typically found without the feather and pearl. The coat has the barbie tag. This set was originally $2.50. I really like the hat in this set, but the coat seems a little plain to me but what do you think? 

The Commuter set´s stock number was 916 and it  was manufactured from 1959 to 1960. It had a two-piece navy blue cotton jersey suit. The sheath skirt had a side zipper and snap button closure. There was also a navy jacket with two blouses. One was a nylon blue collared shirt with a single white button and the other was a white satin sleeveless top. There was also a silk hat with three flowers which came in red or a bright rose (deep fuchsia). The cardboard hatbox was red with a black cord handle. There was also a long double strand "crystal" necklace, a matching crystal coil bracelet and a pair of navy blue open toe heels. The crystal jewelry was unique to this set and as a result are considered rare. Something interesting to note is that some unopened sets have been found with white vinyl gloves like the ones in the Peachy Fleecy Coat set and others have the tricot gloves. The hatbox in this set is considered rare and this set is one of the most sought after ones for collectors. The heels from this set are considered rare because they were only manufactured for four sets between 1959 and 1963. Both the red cardboard hatbox and the jacket of this set have the Barbie tag. This set originally sold for $3.50. I really like this set because it gives you so many options and because its a really cute timeless style. I could easily see this set with some alterations being sold today. What do you think? Which hat do you like better the bright rose (deep fuchsia) or the red one? Tell me down below. 

The Apple Print Sheath dress set's stock number was 917 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1960. It had a  black cotton figure-hugging dress with colorful red, blue, and green apples printed on it. It also had a rolled collar and a metal zipper in the back.  There was also a pair of black open-toe heels. There were two versions of the fabric of the dress and one was brighter than the other. The dress in this set was used in the Easter Parade set which I will show you later. The apple print sheath dress had the tag in the dress when it was sold alone and with the Easter Parade set, the tag was in the coat and the dress didnt have a tag. It was originally sold for $1.50 and although I wish it had come with more accessories I really like it but what do you think? 

 The Cruise Stripes set stock number was 918 and it  was manufactured from 1959 to 1962. It had a red and white striped cotton sleeveless top with a connected navy skirt and it has a zipper in the back. It also has a white plastic belt with a buckle and although this set was advertised as coming with red shoes it actually came with black open-toe heels. The dress in this set is fairly easy to find however the vinyl belt is difficult  to find in good condition. The dress is the same one that was included in Roman Holiday which I will show you later on in this video. Dresses with a Barbie tag will be from Cruise Stripes and dresses without the tag will be from Roman Holiday.  This set was originally sold for $1.50 and I really like it this set is also one of those that I feel could easily be launched today. I love how Barbies outfits even from the beginning are so interchangeable and some items are just classic items which stayed fashionable no matter the year. 

The Fashion Undergarments set's stock number was 919 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1962. It had a blue sheer tricot lingerie outfit. Which included a girdle, a slim half-slip with a wide double ruffle, matching bloomers and strapless bra. The pieces in this set are pretty easy to find, but it can be hard to find them with the elastic intact as it tends to be stretched out. The tag is found in the straight half slip. This was the first of many variations of lingerie and the half slip and bra was later done in other colors. Make sure to subscribe and hit the bell to see the other variations as we move through the years with Barbie. This set originally was just 1 dollar and that really surprised me because its such a beautiful set but you tell me what do you think?  

The Floral Petticoat set stock number was 921 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1963. It had a lingerie set made of sheer white nylon with a floral design. It included a full half slip petticoat, panties and bra. As well as a pastel pink plastic comb, brush and mirror. The bra in this set is the same as the one in the #919 fashion undergarments set. The petticoat held up well, except for the elastic which is typically stretched out. The bra, panties, comb, brush and hand mirror can be difficult to find in good condition. This set was repeated without the brush, comb and mirror in 1962 and the white bra in this set was also seen again. This set was originally sold for $1.25. I really like this set especially the petticoat its just so pretty with all the embroidered flowers on it but what do you think? 

The Evening Splendour sets stock number was 961 and it was manufactured in 1959 and was later reissued in 1964 with the stock  number  #0961 .It had the slim brocade dress found in the Golden Girl set and it also had a matching gold and white brocade coat which had three-quarter length sleeves trimmed in brown fur and was lined in a pale blue satin fabric. There was a  fuex "pearl" trimmed fur headband hat which matched the brown fur cuffs of the coat and a fux "pearl" necklace with matching earrings, a turquoise wide wale corduroy clutch with white satin lining and a gold bead closure, and a white hankie, brown open-toe heels and short white tricot gloves. However, the dress and coat are fairly easy to find, as this ensemble was produced for five years and the brocade fabric has held up very well over the years. The area most likely to show wear is the fur trim on the coat. This tag was attached to the pale blue lining in the center of the back of the coat.This set was originally sold for $4. I love the dress in this set and I even like the coat however, I dont like the coat with the dress it just seems like too much but what do you think?    

The Barbie-Q sets stock number was 962 was manufactured from 1959 to 1962 and it included a dusty rose sundress made of broadcloth with a full circle skirt and fitted bodice which had white crocheted looking edging on the neckline and armholes and on the pocket of the skirt. The dress had two snaps on the back. There were also real metal utensils which could be held in the three pockets on her white apron. The utensils included a spoon, knife, and a spatula which all had red plastic handle tips. It also had a wooden rolling pin with red painted handles, a red and white checkered potholder and a billowy white chef's hat. There were also white open-toe high heels. The clothing pieces held up very well and are easy to find. However the tiny accessories are harder to find than the clothing. The vintage utensils typically have dark spots and other signs of age.The tag for this set is in the skirt part of the dress. This set was originally sold for $2. I love the little cooking utensils and the dress is precious and I just love the idea of Barbie cooking in the kitchen making something delicious but we will have to wait until 1962 with the release of the first Barbie Dreamhouse to see that so make sure to be subscribed to see that coming soon. 

The Resort Set stock number was 963 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1962 and it included a red sailcloth jacket with a big collar and two front pockets, and a knit navy and white horizontal striped sleeveless shirt. There were also white cuffed sailcloth shorts and a white sailcloth hat, white wedges and a gold charm bracelet with three sawtooth circle charms. The white sailcloth hat was open in the back to show off Barbie's ponytail. The striped shirt had a snap in the back and the shorts have a small zipper and a snap closure. This outfit is pretty easy to find but the charm bracelet, the cork wedges and hat are somewhat difficult to find in good condition.The shirt and shorts were repeated again in a pak set from 1962. So, stay tuned to see those in the upcoming videos. The Barbie tag is in the jacket in this set. This set was originally sold for $2.50. This isnt my favorite but I think the hat and bracelet are cute. What do you think?    

The Gay Parisienne Set is considered rare because it was only manufactured in 1959. Its stock number is 964. It has a deep blue and white polka dot rayon taffeta bubble dress with accent bows made of the same fabric with white behind.These bows adorned the hem in the front and the top of the zipper in the back. It also included a veiled headband hat in a matching blue tulle and a faux fur stole with a white satin lining and it had long white tricot gloves, and dark blue open-toe heels. There was also a graduated strand of faux pearls and matching earrings as well as a small gold velvet clutch with a gold bead closure, lined in white satin.  The white faux fur stole is identical to the ones seen in later sets, however its lined in white satin while later ones are lined in pink. The tag in this set is on both the stole and on the skirt part of the bubble dress. This set originally sold for $4. I really like the dress and hat but you tell me what you think.  

The Nighty Negligee Sets stock number was 965 and it  was manufactured from 1959 to 1964. It includes a sheer pink, tricot gown with Grecian bodice tie and a bead rosebud bodice accent and a matching tricot robe with sheer sleeves which has one left pocket with a matching bead rosebud accent and a big bow tie at the neck. There were also pink open toe heels with pink small pompons and as a bonus had a stuffed dog which was made of pink felt with navy ears and tail, black nose, black and white eyes, and red collar. The fragile sheer tricot nightgown doesn’t hold up well and is prone to picks and snags and the long ties, meant to be tied in a Grecian style are frequently missing. The robe is made of a sturdier fabric and is easier to find in good condition.  The pink shoes are often missing one or both pompons but the stuffed dog is easier to find. The Barbie tag should be in the neck of the robe. This set originally sold for $3. I really love this its my favorite of the pijama or negligee sets. I especially love the robe and the dog plushie. The robe is just gorgeous I love the big bow closure and the embroidered rose. The dog is just too cute. I think i need him. But what do you think of this set? 

The Plantation Belle sets stock number was 966 was manufactured from 1959 to 1961. It included an ankle length party dress in pink sheer dot fabric with lace and braided edging between the bottom two tiers of the dress and around the neck and a white nylon petticoat with tulle ruffles and single ribbon accent.  The dress was made with two different types of lace fabric both designs were very intricate and delicate and simply breathtaking.  The variation which is more see through is the most common one but the one on the less see through one is rare. Which one do you like better?  There was a zipper in the back for the dress and there was a big hat with a straw crown, woven brim, and flower bud accents as well as a matching straw purse with sequin and bead accents, and a graduated pink  faux pearl necklace with a matching snake bracelet and earrings, short white tricot gloves, and light pink open-toe heels. The  fabric of this dress is extremely delicate so sadly its difficult to find in good condition and the accessories of this set are considered rare and can also be hard to find.The Barbie tag is in the dress. This set was originally sold for $4. This is my absolute favorite set of this year. Just the accessories and the dress are just so lovely its just a shame that this set is so hard to find. But what do you think? Do you agree with me? Dont you just love this set?    

The Picnic Sets stock number was was 967 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1961. It included a red and white check body shirt with single button and capri jeans. There was also a straw hat which was decorated with a green frog and flower accents with a red-banded edge and ribbon ties. It also included a bamboo pole with woven grip  and a nylon line with metal sinker and a gray and green fish on it. There was also a woven picnic basket, and beige wedges with red insoles and the shoes had a white woven strap. The Picnic Set clothing, the jeans and body blouse, are made of sturdy fabric and hold up well and are easier to find in good condition. The accessories are all unique to this ensemble and are difficult to find. The hat and fishing pole are especially rare. The same jeans were seen in later years. The tag for this set is found in the blouse. This set was originally sold for $2.50. I like this set but its not in my top 5 though I love Barbie in jeans. But what do you think? 

The Roman Holiday Sets stock number was 968 and it was only manufactured in 1959 and as a result is considered rare. The outfit included the dress and belt from Cruise Stripes #918 with a matching red and white ribbed coat with red chiffon half lining and gold-buttoned front. The hat included in the set is a red straw cord half-hat with cord bow in back.  Other accessories included a white plastic purse with a gold bead closure, black-rimmed glasses in a white and clear plastic case, pink plastic comb, handkerchief, and a "pearl" on chain necklace, white short tricot gloves, and black open-toe shoes.and it includes one of the rarest accessory of all the tiny brass compact. No more than 3/8" in diameter, it was hinged and opened to reveal a mirror and a tiny pink puff! Snapped closed, the famous Barbie "B" was engraved on top. The Barbie tag was in the coat.This set was originally $4 and although I know this set is rare Im not a fan of it though I do like the compact with the pink powder puff that is just too precious. What do you think? Tell me down below.    

The Suburban Shopper sets stock number was 969 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1964. It had a light blue and white striped cotton sundress with a woven design and zipper in the back. There was also a big beige straw cartwheel hat with a blue ribbon hat band and a straw tote filled with fruit that came with in two different fabric basket weaves which was filled with the fruit. There was also a single "pearl" drop on chain necklace, a pink rotary phone and white open-toe heels. This dress is easy to find because it was made of a very sturdy fabric and it was produced for many years. The accessories  too are also fairly easy to get, but it is hard to find a hat in mint condition because they are prone to unravel around the edges. This set originally cost $2.50. I really like this set I love the big full skirt in the dress and the rotary phone is perfect. But what do you think?  

The Easter Parade sets stock number is 971 and it was only produced in 1959 and as with the others which were only manufactured in this year it is considered rare. This set had the apple print sheath dress from the Apple Print Sheath Set and it was paired with a black faille coat. The coat has a gathered yoke in the back with two big front pockets with bow accents made in the same fabric. The headband hat was a simple bow fashioned from silk organza. The other accessories included a black patent clutch bag, graduated "pearl" necklace, matching earrings, short white tricot gloves, and black open-toe heels. The black coat should have a cloth tag and the Apple Print Sheath Dress would be untagged. This set was originally $4. I really like this set. The coat doesn't overpower the dress and I could see how this set could be launched today with some slight alterations. I absolutely love the coat its just too cute. You tell me what you think do you love this set too? Or not let me know down below.  

The Wedding Day Sets stock number is 972 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1962. It included a white satin gown which had silver glitter accented tulle. The gown had a satin lining with a long sleeved bodice and double tiered skirt with a cathedral train.The dress closes with two snaps on the back of the bodice.The veil was made out of plain white tulle caught by a ring of simulated pearls. The accessories were a garter made of blue tulle sewn to elastic accented with two flowers with yellow centers, white open-toe heels, a string of graduated "pearls"; and short white tricot gloves. Her bouquet had fabric flowers with a lace base and ribbon streamers. It is difficult to find with the sheer long-sleeve tulle bodice intact mainly because the tulle tears and the glitter wears off. If you do manage to get this dress, be extremely careful when putting it on a doll because the doll’s thumbs are prone to go through the tulle and tear the sleeve. The plain white veil with a ring of pearls was used again in 1964 for Bride’s Dream.but we´ll see that when we get to it. The Barbie tag was found in the skirt part of the dress. This set was originally sold for $5. This set was the most expensive one launched in this year and its easy to see why its a gorgeous set the dress is just breathtaking. Lets take just a moment if you guys dont mind to admire this gorgeous dress ok fangirling done but seriously this dress is just wow. I also really like the bouquet simply stunning. What do you think? 

The Sweet Dreams sets stock number is 973 was manufactured from 1959 to 1963 and was available in yellow and pink. It included baby doll pajamas which were made of a sheer textured tricot fabric with embroidery on the bodice and blue ribbon straps that tie in a bow at the back. The matching bloomers had a tiny bow on both sides. The set was most commonly found in yellow however this set was also made in pink, however the pink sets are harder to find. Accessories included a blue satin hair ribbon on a gold metal loop for attaching the doll's ponytail, blue open-toe heels with blue pompons, a gold colored wax apple with painted red and green accents, a "brass" alarm clock, and a green diary made of cardboard. LThe blue satin ribbon that attached to Barbie’s ponytail and is rare and the elastic in the bloomer style panties is typically stretched out.  The shoes are usually found without the pompons. The “diary” is a piece of cardboard covered in green and its easy to find.The barbie tag was found in the back of the pajama top. This set was originally $1.25. I think this set is really cute especially the pink version. But what do you think? Which version do you like better the yellow or the pink? 

The Winter Holiday sets stock number is 975 was manufactured from 1959 to 1963. It had black pull-on stretch pants and a back zipper, a knit hoodie with a zipper in the back and the hoodie had fabric cord ties. There was a white leather-like white jacket with red fleece lining, it had a matching belt. The accessories were cork wedges with white uppers, red vinyl gloves and a red plaid vinyl bag with a zipper. The outfit is easy to find but the red gloves and the belt to the coat are difficult to find. The jacket has the Barbie tag inside it. This set originally cost 3.50. I like this set especially the hoodie though I wish mattel would have figured out how to make boots to go with it instead of the sandals. What do you think? 

The Sweater Girl sets stock number is 976 and it was manufactured from 1959 to 1962 and it included a snug orange sleeveless shell with back snap closure, a matching cardigan with gold buttons and a gray wrap flannel sheath skirt. The accessories included a "How to Knit" book, a wooden knitting bowl with three balls of Yarn in red, green, and yellow, two golden needles, a pair of silver metal scissors, and black open-toe pumps. It's difficult to find the sweaters intact, most of them have varying degrees of holes, the wool just did not hold up over the years but the skirt is easy to find, as is the yarn bowl. The tiny scissors and How to Knit book can also be hard to find. This set was later launched in blue and pink stay tuned to see those in later videos.The barbie tag for this set was in the cardigan sweater. This set is super cute and I love the idea of barbie being cozy and knitting. But what do you think? Do you like this outfit?

There were also special dressed ponytail barbie dolls they came in an outfit rather than the typical zebra swimsuit. There were three types of dressed dolls. The most rare are sample dolls. These sample dolls came in standard boxes marked "sample" on the end. They included a dressed doll for salesmen to show to prospective retail stores. Also in the very early years when Mattel was just introducing Barbie to the public, there were traveling salesmen who carried their entire line of clothing dressed on a doll in one large case to show samples to stores and the public who might be interest in their doll. These cases were specially made for this purpose. It held twenty-three dressed #1 ponytail barbie dolls. To date, there is only of these one cases left in existence. The other five were sadly returned to Mattel.

There were also dressed dolls for retailers to display their dolls in their shop that came in pink silhouette boxes and they are hard to find too. These dolls were not sold to the public and each shop owner only got one dressed doll for their store. Dressed dolls that were actually sold to the public were packaged similar to the traditional box, but it included two horizontal wide stripes on the box. On the end of the box it was marked "Dressed Doll". 

What do you think of the first Barbie dolls? What do you think of their outfits? Which one do you like the most? My favorite outfits of this year were Barbie-Q, Plantation Bell, Nighty negligee, Suburban Shopper and Wedding Day. Tell me down in the comments below which set you liked the most! If you like this video make sure to leave a like and don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell to receive notifications because soon we will be traveling to 1960 and finding out what cool things happened with Barbie that year and of course make sure to go on over and subscribe to my awesome husbands channel cosas para tener its a spanish speaking channel which does gaming how tos reviews and more and well I will see you next time have a great day bye.