Barbie Ken Dolls

Sep

by admin

Barbie Ken Dolls

The Birth of Barbie's Ken: Living in the Shadows

No comprehension of the Barbie doll is perfect without considering her boyfriend Ken, who has experienced some transitions himself throughout the years. Developed to live in Barbie's shadow, Ken has kept up with changes which have comprised almost everything from routine style improvements to significant plastic surgery, all to reflect current styles and keep Barbie happy. Starting with the Surfer 60's to the Disco 70's, Ken has developed a large following and is the subject of adulation from people across the internet. Regarded a collectible in his own right, let's take a brief look at a collector's early chronology of the Ken doll (1960s - 1970s).

Born for a Lonely Barbie Doll

The Ken Doll came to life in 1961 as Barbie Dolls companion and he was an immediate hit as Barbie enthusiasts needed her to get a companion. The first Ken Doll had flocked hair in either blonde or brunette, blue eyes and he was 12 inches tall. Ken came with red swimming trunks, slide sandals together with a yellow beach towel. Eventually his hair became thin and fell out, so finding an original Ken doll with a full head of hair is a real victory. In the years immediately following Ken's first release, the Ken doll was created with molded hair (blonde or brown), and came with a collectible wardrobe of clothes that would carry him thru many years. Through 1964, minor enhancements were made such as the release of a special limited edition of King Arthur.

The Mid 60s: Ken Goes Through Changes

After Ken's first years, the Ken doll saw significant alterations. 1965 would be a watershed year for Ken; Bendable Leg Ken was a great enhancement for the Ken doll which made him far more realistic. Up until that point, life-like play with Ken and Barbie dolls was very stiff and the improvements made in the mobility and bendability of dolls during the time really increased the dolls' popularity. Regrettably, Ken's entrance into the Mod era didn't start well; 1966 saw Ken being discontinued but later returned in 1968 as the Talking Ken Doll and in 1969 as Talking Ken. Talking Ken appeared with a entirely new, adult look with a muscular build and fashionable wardrobe. Obviously, his original wardrobe didn't fit "man-Ken," much to the dismay of collectors.

Ken Gets Groovy in the 70s

The 1970s introduced major changes to Ken that incorporated clothing, features and look. Mirroring the big cultural and stylistic changes of the day, 1971's Action Ken Doll entered the Barbie doll scene wearing a groovy gold, psychedelic shirt with vest. Even though he still had molded brown hair, Ken unquestionably stood out in the crowd! That year, Malibu Ken was released and subsequent years saw big adjustments to fashion and functionality like real rooted hair (1973's Mod Hair Ken). The late 70's introduced a totally fresh look driven by the disco fashions of the day with the introduction of Superstar Ken showcasing a new face, body and wardrobe.

The Ken Doll: Barbie's Perfect Boyfriend

Just like the Barbie doll, the creation of the Ken doll has advanced in phases; beginning simply as a young friend for his girlfriend Barbie and then evolving into more of a manifestation of the "perfect boyfriend." Through Ken's early development, the influence of pop culture can be seen with the dramatic stylistic modifications echoing the signs and styles of the times. Subsequently, the Ken doll is now a popular collectible in his own right and has won the sympathy of many who view him as the adoring boyfriend who is overshadowed by the beauty, personality and ambitions of his girlfriend Barbie.

Emma B. Wills is a celebrity Barbie doll enthusiast concentrating on the new Farrah Barbie doll. Read more about collectible Barbie dolls at her blog: The Farrah Fawcett Barbie Blog.

About the Author

An Avid Fan of Doll Collecting, I Enjoy Sharing My Knowledge With Others to Help Them Enjoy This Hobby Too.