Spanning 56 years, Barbie's dramatic changes reflect changing beauty standards. Photos / Tumblr
Although Barbie's disproportionate figure has hardly changed since she landed on shelves in 1959, it's a different story when it comes to her face.
Released by Mattel, the original Barbie was pale, had heavy eye lids and a curly cropped fringe.
Fast forward to the 2000s and she's undergone a complete makeover to become the glossy-haired icon we see today.
But In the decades between, her appearance has been continuously tweaked to reflect the beauty ideals of the day.
Created by Ruth Handler and produced by Mattel, Barbie was inspired by a doll from Germany.
Starting out as pale, with winged-liner and a curled fringe, by 1960 her lips became rounder, her nose was given a turned up tip and her makeup softened. She also sported a bouffant bob, very different from the long blonde locks she's now known for.
As she became a coveted item, her style also changed so that she was known as Mod Barbie during the 60s.
By the early 70s, Barbie had taken on a more Scandinavian look with lighter hair, bluer eyes, darker skin and, for the first time, a tooth-revealing grin.
Long-time Barbie designer Carol Spencer explained the evolution to the 70s tanned, casual doll was because everyone was "going to the beach and having a sun tan." 1971 saw the launch of Malibu Barbie.
Later in the decade, Superstar Barbie appeared with the 1978 edition looking noticeably like actress Farrah Fawcett, who rose to fame in the TV series Charlie's Angels.
In the 1980s, Barbie sported even bluer eyes and colourful eye shadows while her nose became much rounder and her forehead higher.
By 1985, her lips were a strong candy pink and her tan was the darkest it had ever been.
Big eyes are still a focus in the 90s for Barbie and by the middle of the decade her jaw is more square. She's still a fan of heavy, bright eye makeup.
While 1990 saw Barbie work a fringe and a shaggy bob, a selling point by the end of the decade was her long hair and accessories to style it.
In 2000, a much subtler application of makeup was seen and her face became narrower. Commentators suggest this was an attempt to reflect the waif-like icons of the late 90s such as Kate Moss.
Her eye shape changed from round to more almond, her lips were fuller and her hair went from peroxide blonde to warmer tones.
In 2011, Barble was all about gloss, lighter hair and another heavy display of her signature blue eye shadow.
But four years on, she's reverted to a natural look with a more realistic facial structure.
- nzherald.co.nz
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