Barbie

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy company Mattel, Inc. and launched on March 9, 1959. The doll was created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, who was inspired by the German Bild Lilli doll. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over six decades and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parodies of the doll and her lifestyle.

The doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. The first Barbie doll wore a black-and-white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, and was available as either a blonde or brunette. The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model," with her clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson. Since her debut, Barbie has become a global icon and a major brand, expanding into a vast media franchise including video games, animated films, and a live-action movie.

Over the years, Barbie's physical appearance and career options have evolved to reflect changing societal norms and to address criticism regarding unrealistic body proportions and a lack of diversity. Mattel has introduced numerous friends and family members for Barbie, including her long-term boyfriend Ken, her little sister Skipper, and a diverse range of dolls with different body types, skin tones, and abilities.