Barbie – 50 and Fabulous!
Barbie’s been in the news recently because, supposedly, Jessica Simpson wanted to throw a “Ken and Barbie” party for her 29th party, but, since Tony Romo dumped her (“Wha!?! A grown man said ‘no’ to a Barbie party?!?”), she called the whole thing off. (Cue background music: “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to. . . cry if I want to. . .”) However, Barbie, the Real Deal, can never be kept down, and in fact, is said to be planning a fantastic comeback.
Comeback? Yes, it seems Barbie hasn’t been faring so well in the sales figures recently. According to CNN and Fortune magazine,
“The $3 billion Barbie brand has suffered in the last decade, with sales plunging 28% from their peak of $1.52 billion in 2002.”
They speculate this is because they’ve watered down the brand too much. “We were like Burger King,” said Richard Dickson — who became general manager and senior vice president for the Barbie brand in September 2008 – and has been tasked with reviving the flagging brand.
“If [Walmart or Target] wanted their Barbie in a purple dress or gold lamé, Mattel made it their way.”
No more! Barbie has gotten a makeover and she’s super-fab! This 50th anniversary “Generation of Dreams” edition shows Barbie with a fresh, revamped look: sassy, slanted eyes; smokey, come-hither lids, and a brazen, “take no prisoners” attitude. Her gown is festooned with illustrations of the various iconic manifestations of Barbie throughout the last half-century.
But would you expect anything less from an iconic doll that has broken glass ceilings throughout her long illustrious career? Heck no! From her introduction in 1959, to “Astronaut Barbie” in the 1960s, “Olympic Downhill Skier” in the ‘70s, and “UNICEF Ambassador Barbie” in the ‘90s, Barbie has always not only kept up with current events, but also looked damn good while doing it.
So, look out, ladies! Barbie’s back, she’s 50, and she’s fabulous!
P.S. Like most special ladies, “Generation of Dreams” Barbie will cost you, though: about 65 smackers before tax. YIKES!
Read on:
CNNMoney.com – Barbie gets a makeover
(image above also taken from above link)
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