akgoemans's blog

Barbie
Photo Source: Migraine Chick via Flickr

Life goes on as usual for the Barbie franchise. People are still donning party hats and toasting to her 50th birthday. The latest celebratory move was nabbing Bollywood star Katrina Kaif. Apparently the Indian versions of the Barbie will be modeled after her face.

Contrary to what most of us would have expected, March wasn't all about the financial sector. Rather, there was also a concerted effort to highlight the evils of one famous little doll. That's right. I am referring to Delegate Jeff Eldridge's, by now famous, effort to ban Barbie from West Virginia.

All eyes turn to Barbie as she turns 50. Some celebrate her life, in all its fashionable glory while others continue to grumble and mutter. Amidst all this attention, I noticed that people have been increasingly pointing to Barbie's “dubious” origins. And no, I am not talking about the tantalizing Oppenheimer expose. Rather I refer to the muse that sparked Ruth Handler's imagination.

There has been a lot of talk about two Barbie related books. One is called Barbie and Ruth and covers, as the name suggests, the role of Ruth Handler within Mattel. Written by Robin Gerber, this book is an interesting account of Ruth's contribution to the birth of Barbie.

The second one, Jerry Oppenheimer's Toy Monster: The Big, Bad World of Mattel, focuses on a more controversial topic. And that contentious topic would be designer Jack Ryan who might have been the genius behind the best loved doll. Well, this is what Oppenheimer claims.

For Barbie fans all over, this will be a rather nostalgic video. If you have not already seen it, it will prove to be an interesting insight into Barbie's television debut.

Photo Source: atxbil @ flickr, (License: Attrib & Non-Commercial)

So what do you think about the new Barbie venture in China? Story goes that Mattel is opening a Barbie flagship in Shanghai! Yes, Shanghai, that wonderfully bustling fashion spot, not to mention its status as a bit of a consumer heaven. From what I gathered, this is Mattel's first major expansion attempt in Asia.

First, a little bit about the store. It looks to be a Barbie bonanza; the store is 3400-square-meters and boasts a spa, a do-it-yourself design center, delightful café and of course, all Barbie related goodies will be sold here. Other events that are linked to the grand opening are the introduction of Vera Wang Barbie Shanghai wedding dress as well as the launching of an Asian doll (one of two new Shanghai Barbie dolls; the other is a Caucasian doll). Check out the Barbie Shanghai website if you want a glimpse into the up-and-coming event.

Photo Source: jikamajoja @Flickr

Allure recently had a rather fascinating article about Barbie. Have you read it yet? Sure, it covers some information that most of us are familiar with and yes, it is once again a celebratory summary of Barbie's 'life'. But here's where it gets to the aforementioned fascinating bit. When I read the details of how Mattel, throughout time, has developed, promoted and marketed Barbie, I could not help but admire their dedication to this popular doll. Admittedly there was a gasp or two, perhaps a wishful sigh even.

Trekkie Barbie is getting a makeover! This sentence will sound a tad strange if you are unfamiliar with the 30th Anniversary giftset. This is an early set that came out as a tribute to the original Trek series. I know what the trekkie fans are wondering and so let me say it outright; Yep, there was a Captain Kirk doll and good old Spock was also there.
Photo Source: unloveable@flickr
But now Barbie is moving with the times and ushering in a new look for Star Trek. Is this in time for that much-awaited Trekkie movie? The J. J. Abrams number due in Spring 2009? Oooh you guessed it!

These new dolls by Mattel will boast the fresh-faced look of the younger generation, as depicted by the eagerly awaited movie. Hence, in this case, Young Capt. Kirk will bear a charming resemblance to Chris Pine. And of course Spock will be there; it's hard to imagine a collection without Spock, isn't it? Yes, yes, Lieutenant Uhura will grace the doll collection. Judging from how the latest portrayal is making waves amongst certain groups of fans, not in the least due to that rather revealing advert, I am guessing it won't just be little kids queuing up for this doll.