~~~~~~Overview~~~~~~~~

Barbie, the single most successful doll ever produced, was the invention of Ruth Handler, one of the founders of the fledgling toy and novelty company, Mattel.

The petite plastic doll, named after her daughter, Barbara, made its debut on March 9, 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. For the occasion, Barbie wore a black and white striped bathing suit, shoes and sunglasses. Her price was $3, a modest sum even then. A handful of outfits was displayed alongside her, costing between $1 and $3.

At least half of the Toy Fair buyers wanted nothing to do...