Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured
by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American
businesswoman Ruth Handler is credited with the creation
of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as
her inspiration.
Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and
accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has
been an important part of the toyfashion doll market for over fifty years, and has been
the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits,
often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.
