Barbie is the star of the Mattel doll line that began in 1959, she was created by founder Ruth Handler who had a vision when she saw the miniature adult Bild Lilli doll when traveling in Germany. At that time, full sized baby and child dolls were the playthings available for children. Ruth Handler changed all that when her Barbie doll was introduced.
In addition to Barbie are family and friend dolls each with a story line, all of whom have fabulous clothing wardrobes reflecting the era which are meticulously made with tiny accessories. Barbie and her friends need a place to live, so there are cardboard houses, shops and rooms. Transportation for Barbie yes please, convertible sports cars, roadsters and more.
The Mattel Barbie doll line grew into an entire world in miniature for a child to play with, to dream and imagine what their own world might be like someday. In the 2023 Barbie movie by director Greta Gerwig showcases Barbie’s imaginary world. So lets identify the vintage dolls where this all began . . . the gangs all here and has been since September 1999.
Barbie Vintage Dolls, Friends and Family Identified
Bild Lilli doll 11 1/2″
1952 Bild Lilli history
Bild Lilli clone dolls
Ken doll 12″
Barbie’s boyfriend
1961-1976
Midge doll 11 1/2″
Barbie’s best friend
1963-1967
Skipper doll 9 1/4″
Barbie’s teenage sister
1964-1976
All vintage Barbie doll clothing fashions 1959-1976
All the above dolls have fully tagged fashion wardrobes that they share with other same sized dolls
Barbie vintage clothing labels & tags
Shop for vintage Barbie, family & friends dolls, clothes & accessories
Buffy, the three Pretty Pairs dolls, Carla doll 6 1/4″, all Tutti’s friends are here
Vintage Barbie & Family Clone, Look a Like Dolls and Clothing
| Bild Lilli doll history | Bild Lilli doll clones | Barbie doll clones |
| Skipper doll clones | Francie doll clones | Ken doll clones |
| Littlechap dolls | Tammy doll | Tressy doll |
More vintage Barbie doll Information
Barbie dolls also had houses, rooms, furniture, shops, transportation of bicycles, boats, sports cars, planes, vinyl doll cases with great graphics that hold dolls, clothing and all those tiny little accessories that are easily lost and other products. Many early vintage Barbie doll clothing fashions have been reproduced by Mattel.