Mattel has launched its first autistic Barbie. Here's how the doll has changed through history.
Briefly

Mattel has launched its first autistic Barbie. Here's how the doll has changed through history.
"The first Barbie doll hit shelves in 1959, making the iconic toy 67 years old in 2026. Barbies have offered broader representations of race, body type, and careers over the years. The "Barbie" movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, sparked the "Barbiecore" trend in 2023. Barbies have offered broader representations of race, body type, and careers since the first doll debuted 66 years ago in 1959."
"Greta Gerwig's 2023 Oscar-winning "Barbie" movie also sparked a renaissance of the doll-inspired Barbiecore aesthetic, which included vibrant shades of pink, chunky heels, and kitschy accessories. Barbie dolls have exhibited strong staying power amid shifting toy trends, with net sales of $5.3 billion in 2024, according to Mattel. Here's a look at how Barbie dolls have evolved through the years."
Barbie debuted in 1959 and reached 67 years of existence by 2026. Barbie lines expanded to represent a wider range of races, body types, and careers. The 2023 film directed by Greta Gerwig helped revive interest and popularized a Barbiecore aesthetic featuring vibrant pinks, chunky heels, and kitschy accessories. Barbie maintained strong commercial performance, reporting $5.3 billion in net sales in 2024 according to Mattel. The brand has shown sustained cultural relevance and commercial resilience while evolving its offerings and aesthetic over decades.
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