A
plastic doll, made popular in the 1920s inspired by the creator's daughter, in the form of a human female made of vinyl and hard plastic and other synthetic fibers. They have soft vinyl heads that one can squeeze, smush in or bend back making difficult hair brushing easy. And they have legs that can be bent and pliable for sitting. The doll's arms can be
straight, bent or L-shaped, or movable by screwed elbows.
Her appearance is all American: Blond hair, big blue eyes and pink lips. Her body proportions are irregular and has caused controversy with eating disorders among girls and young women. She also has
friends:
Midge: Ugly redhead with freckles (discontinued; came back in 2004)
Teresa: Hispanic, brown hair
Christie: African-American, black hair
Kira: (no longer sold) Asian-American or Hawaiian, black hair and bangs
Skipper: Blond hair,
teenager,
Barbie's sister
Stacy: Blond hair, little,
Barbie's middle sister
Kelly: Baby sister, blond and sometimes brunette
Ken: Boyfriend, blond (discontinued)
Steven: African-American version of Ken (discontinued)
