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Come on Barbie, Let’s go Party!

by Charles Snider, Ruby Lane
rom being one of the most popular dolls and toys in the world in their age, condition, and availa-
the 1950s, to being the star of a feature film in July 2023 starring bility as little accessories are so
FMargot Robbie, to having her own collection of NFTs, Barbie easily lost. One hopes however
remains one of the icons of Pop Culture, popular media, fashion, toys, that if you ever had the 1999
and games. The value of Barbie collectibles is determined by most of Barbie doll (celebrating 40 years of
the same market factors, influences, trends, and elements that Barbie) with her jewelry accessories
contribute to the value of other fine and pop culture collectibles. by the most famous diamond
Age – The Barbie doll made her debut in 1959 in New York at the business in the world, De Beers,
American International Toy Fair, the premiere and finest toy you’d have kept Barbie and her
convention open to the companies in the toy industry such as retailers, jewels in a safe as the tiny jewelry
manufacturers, distributors, investors, and other toy industry insiders. accessories were genuine diamonds!
Incidentally, the American International Toy Fair has been an annual Barbie’s Friends – In the
event since 1903, having changed names a few times, and while it was 1960s Mattel expanded the Barbie
closed for COVID, it is expected to return this fall to New York City. family by introducing, also at the
Some of the most valuable and desirable Barbie dolls are from the early American International Toy Fair,
days when the famous toy company Mattel brought to market a doll her friend Ken. While at first
that looked like an adult or teenager, in contrast to the traditional dolls Ken’s relationship with Barbie
and dollies that were modeled after infants, babies, and children. was not made evident, with specu-
Condition – Similar to the market for action figure collectibles, a lation he was her brother or her
Barbie doll in unopened, original packaging, com- boyfriend, later
mands much higher prices than the vast majority of pop culture stories
Barbie dolls, without the original packaging. For most established Barbie
collectibles produced in the 1960s and later, their Holy and Ken as an
Grail is the example discovered in someone’s attic, or item. Later in
storage locker, collecting dust from when it was stored the 1960s Mattel Vintage Brunette Barbie
in its original packaging. Vintage Barbies still in their also introduced
original packaging have sold at auction in the four fig- Barbie’s sister named Skipper, and other friends
ures. Keep in mind that Barbie dolls were invented, followed. The value of Barbie’s friends is not on the
designed, and sold to be actual toys, and a girl’s new same scale as Barbie dolls, however, like all collectibles,
best friend, vintage enthusiasts, and collectors appreciate Ken, Skipper, and
Barbie dolls in other Barbie friends in their original packaging.
their original pack- Barbie has been the queen and the main character in
aging, never played Vintage Blonde Midge Barbie Doll several comic books, cartoons, TV specials, children’s
with, is quite books, and non-fiction books about self-confidence,
uncommon. running a business, and fashion and style. Perhaps the only remaining
Limited Edition and Designer media that has not yet elevated and spotlighted Barbie is Broadway.
Barbies – Barbie’s popularity July 2023 brings us the comedy film of the summer, Barbie. With a cast
and global appeal have attracted including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Will Ferrell, Barbie will
many different collaborations and have another spotlight on her this year, as will the Barbie dolls and all
partnerships with designer fashion Barbie collectibles, historic and new. In fact, this year Barbie has arrived
brands, sports teams, celebrities, in the future, into the metaverse as Mattel has recently launched and
and luxury jewelry houses. For offered Barbie digital art NFT collectibles. Now collectors will be able
instance, fashion designer Calvin to assemble a first generation of Barbie NFTs from Mattel, making
Klein partnered with Mattel for a Barbie one of the longest-running toys in the world.
Barbie in haute couture fashion. Remember that rarity and condition, and the popularity of
As well, fashion designer Karl Barbie in the collectibles market, contribute to her value. A collector
Lagerfeld also lent his talents and cannot control the rarity or the market, but they can control the
vision to design clothes for and condition! A Barbie collector recently shared her biggest regret with
dress a limited edition Barbie. me – she said when she started collecting Barbie dolls, her plan with
While these are more recent the collection in the 1980s was not the same as they are today with
editions of Barbie, they are highly her collection. She had a limited-edition Barbie, and much to her
sought after by collectors. regret today, she cut her Barbie’s hair in order to make her Barbie
Accessories for Barbie are also look like the late actress Markie Post from the popular show at that
Vintage Redhead Barbie
highly collectible and desirable for time, Night Court!

14 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles