Design Museum, based in London, has opened a new Barbie exhibition- exploring the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls.
The exhibition showcases over 250 remarkable objects with rare, exclusive dolls dation from 1959- present.
Opened to the public, on the day of the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand in 2024- this exhibition explores the story of Barbie, including fashion, architecture, furniture and vehicle design.
Highlights of the dolls shown, includes the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959- Number 1 Barbie, the Day to Night Barbie from 1985, and the best selling Barbie- Totally Hair Barbie from 1992.
Other dolls highlight the diversity of the Barbie range, as well as dolls that will reflect today’s diverse, multicultural society.
Also showcased, the friends of Barbie, including her first friend (Midge), the much loved Christie and Teresa, and also the younger sister of Barbie, Skipper.
A section of the exhibition is dedicated to Ken, displaying 6 decades worth of Ken dolls, showing his development from 1961.
Other objects from this iconic brand such as dreamhouses, vehicles and furniture are on show, including the first ever Barbie Dreamhouse from 1962. Together these products reflect the universe in which Barbie exists and the trends of the day, engaging with modernised design.
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