Barbie collectibles

When Barbie, the most famous and coveted doll in the world, recently turned 50, India too joined in the celebrations. In fact, the party will continue throughout the year.

The adorable doll (though some dislike it for its unreal proportions) was introduced in 1959 and remains the most popular icon in the world. From being a fashionista, Barbie’s been a career woman, a princess, a dance diva and what have you. Her creator Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Inc, wanted this doll to be the young girl’s best friend, and that’s what Barbie has been. Perhaps.

Development psychologists have studied and debated whether Barbie advocates a sexual image and a highly consumerist lifestyle that has an adverse impact on children. The doll has been blamed for promoting eating disorders, what with its unnaturally skinny appearance, as compared to other dolls available in the market.

But love Barbie or hate her, there’s no way she will escape your attention: Take a look at Vera Wang’s “bridal” Barbie, who looks adorable in a white gown with a black border and a gorgeous long veil, holding bright red flowers. She costs Rs 8,000 (plus shipping charges).

50 forever

To commemorate five decades of Barbie’s existence, Roger Best was commissioned to design a Barbie specially for the occasion. Dressed in an evening gown, in shimmering gold with pretty sequins, long earnings and a special bracelet, inscribed on which is “50”, this Barbie is available for Rs 2,600.

And though it will be a couple of months before she arrives in India, it just might be a wise move for even adults to purchase and keep her in the closet. Why? Because, a mint condition 1959 Barbie auctioned in May 2006, in Sandy’s Doll Attic, fetched $27,450. The same year, at Christie’s, another Barbie sold for £9,000.

Icy beauty

Celebrating Barbie’s 50th year in business is a new “ice skater” Barbie, available in India. Graceful and glamorous in her sparkling outfit and ice skates, this doll, with a special remote control that allows the owners (or real friends of Barbie, as Mattel would have us believe) to make her glide, spin, turn, raise her arms and do an arabesque jump too. Along with the doll, you can also buy a skating platform and accessories. Dressed in purple-blue hues, and complete with long, blue boots and a cute, silver-coloured trophy, this Barbie is available for Rs 2,999.

Dressed by Versace, Ralph Lauren...

If Barbie’s empire is worth $3 billion, it’s more than obvious that the doll has been dressed by leading designers. Versace, DKNY, MAC, Burberry, Ralph Lauren and 50 other designer brands dressed her for the special occasion, even as Barbie’s makers had her walk down a pink carpet in New York. And though none of these designs are available for sale, a Versace Barbie (in a sassy, beige-coloured corset gown with frills) is available on eBay for Rs 20,000 (plus shipping charges).