Hailed as “The most popular doll in town” by Life magazine, Mattel’s “teen-age fashion model” kicks off the 1960s as the prototypical Ponytail Barbie wearing the iconic black-and-white striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail. In 1961, she gets the first of many hairstyle changes—a chic bubble cut reflecting the elegance of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. To keep her company in the mid-century Dream House, Barbie gets a boyfriend (Ken), a best friend (Midge), younger siblings (Skipper and twins Tutti and Todd), and a MODern cousin (Francie).
By the end of the 1960s, Barbie is as groovy as the mod world swirling around her. She twists and turns, dresses in swingy fab fashions, has long hair styled straight or in a flip (just like That Girl’s Marlo Thomas), has a trio of hip new friends (Christie, Stacey and P.J.), and she talks… and WOW, this doll has a lot to say!
Barbie 1960s
All dolls are from the collection of David Mansour.
Photos are the copyright of ©David James Mansour and ©Behold the Valley of the Dolls.
"Barbie 1960s" text is an excerpt from Behold the Valley of the Dolls: A Barbie History in Portraits
by David James Mansour
Behold The Valley of the Dolls
A Barbie History in Portraits
Copyright © 2021 David's Valley of the Dolls and ©David James Mansour
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