A comprehensive and official history of Barbie, the iconic and beloved doll
Barbie: A Celebration of the Icon is a picture book that tells the story of one of the most influential trendsetters in history: Barbie Millicent Roberts. At 65 years of age, the doll continues to be an inspirational muse, true to her nature as a fashion icon, but ever more inclusive and attentive to global issues, consistent with her motto, “You can be anything,” which is increasingly contemporary. In the 2023 movie Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, she appeared for the first time in the flesh thanks to actress Margot Robbie, a true contemporary transposition of the original “Teenage Fashion Doll” presented at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959: sinuous lines and a striking face commensurate with the sophisticated aesthetics of the stars of the 1950s.
In this book, through five sections and an up-to-date timeline (1959–2024), Barbie helps us reinterpret the social and aesthetic trends that have exercised their influence from the 1950s to present day through history, fashion, society, art, and costume.
A companion book dedicated to Ken will follow in 2025.
A beautifully designed coffee table book celebrating the one and only Barbie™
This official Mattel book celebrates the life and contributions of Barbie. With hundreds of images and sections ranging from Style Icon, Barbie Evolution, and Fashion as well as a detailed timeline and a section of factoids and tidbits, this gorgeous book will please Barbie aficionados while also rewarding casual fans.
Pop icon, fashion muse, and role model Barbara Millicent Roberts—known to the world simply as “Barbie”—continues to fascinate generations worldwide. Since her introduction in 1959, she has constantly evolved to embrace the changing times, becoming increasingly inclusive and representative of women today.
Barbie: The Celebration of an Icon charmingly explores the social and aesthetic trends that Barbie has embodied from the 1950s to present day in areas including fashion, society, art, and costume.
As the introduction by author, curator, and museum director Massimiliano Capella notes: In the year she turns sixty-five (2024), Barbie continues her transformations and evolutions, progressing with the times, ever faithful to her intrinsic nature as a fashion icon, but increasingly inclusive, keenly attentive to social and global themes and issues, such as diversity and gender equality, true to her longtime motto, timelier than ever: “You can be anything.”
A companion book dedicated to Ken will follow in 2025.
