PHOTOS: The Changing Face of Barbie

1959

Barbie debuted at New York's American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. First year sales topped 300,000 for the original $3 doll. Today, a mint condition 1959 Barbie is worth $27,450. Barbie was originally modeled on a German doll marketed as an adult sex toy. Still, Mattel made a risky, unprecedented bet by heavily advertising on television shows like "The Mickey Mouse Club."

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1961

Two years later, Barbie got a male companion to pal around with, Ken. Barbie and Ken stayed together 43 years. The boyfriend's name was inspired by the son of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler. Ken Handler, the son for whom the doll was named, was a closeted gay man who hated the Ken doll and later died of AIDS.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1962

Flare red Barbie, like all the dolls, came with the same complete backstory: Her full name was Barbie Millicent Robert, of Willows, Wisc. She attended Willows High School.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1963

Career Girl was part of a line of goal-focused Barbies, beginning with 1960's Fashion Designer. The next year, Mattel released four more career-oriented dolls: a ballerina, flight attendant, registered nurse, and singer. By 2009, Barbie has logged more than 108 career titles.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1965

Astronaut Barbie encouraged young girls to shoot for the stars.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1965

The 1965 version of Barbie included swivel hips, perfect for the go-go generation.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1967

Twist N Turn Barbie featured a resculpted face with lighter makeup and rooted eyelashes.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1968

The Barbie franchise branched out in 1968, introducing Christie, Barbie's first African-American friend.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1968

The same year also saw Barbie get a voice, with the release of Talking Barbie.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1969

Twist Barbie showed off another look of the times.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1971

Live Action Barbie brought flower power to the now-classic doll with bell bottoms and maxi skirts. Once again, the doll's face was adjusted: This time, the eyes were made to look forward.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1975

Barbie's kid sister, Skipper, turned 13. Skipper is the oldest of Barbie's four sisters: Stacie was introduced in 1992, with Kelly and Krissy following in 1995.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1980

With the turn of the decade, Barbie diversified, adding African-American and Hispanic models.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1980

The same year, Mattel released the Royal UK Barbie, the first of a long line of Barbies highlighting other nationalities and culture. Soon after, they released Scottish Barbie, India Barbie, Spanish Barbie, Swedish Barbie, and Irish Barbie. By 2009, she has represented 50 nationalities.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1981

Golden Dream Barbie heralded the end of the disco era.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1986

Barbie went "material girl," as part of her musician persona with Barbie & The Rockers.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1992

Six years later, Barbie's tune changed, and Rapper Barbie debuted.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1992

The same year, Mattel made some changes to the classic figure. In addition to releasing Totally Hair Barbie (pictured), which wound up being the best-selling Barbie of all-time, they also widened the doll's waist and created Teen Talk Barbie. However, the doll was roundly criticized for uttering phrases like, "I love shopping!" and "Math is tough!"

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

1997

A little toughness was added to Barbie with this Harley-Davidson model. That year, Barbie was omnipresent, thanks to a hit song by pop-dance band Aqua, entitled "Barbie Girl." Mattel wasn't thankful, however, and sued the band. MCA Records prevailed on First Amendment grounds.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

2004

The Barbie of the new millenium came with controversy. In 2003, the doll was banned in Saudi Arabia for not conforming to the ideals of Islam.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

2004

Barbie for President? For the 2004 election, Mattel released Presidential Candidate Barbie, which came in both black and white models. Four candidate dolls have been released to date, all running as an Independent. Mattel stresses on its website that "she is non-partisan."

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

2004

On Valentine's Day, Mattel announced that Barbie and Ken had broken up, but "remained friends." Two years later, the couple reunited, with the introduction of a new, more muscular Ken doll.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

2008

Badgley Mischka put some fashion into Red Carpet Barbie. Barbie has donned outfits designed by more than 70 famous couturiers.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

2009

Fabulous at 50: 2009's Golden Anniversary Barbie. As of this year, 90 percent of girls in the United States ages 3 to 10 own at least one Barbie doll. The average number of dolls owned by American girls ages 3 to 6 is 12 Barbies.

(Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.)

In 2011, Barbie was all about gloss, lighter hair and another heavy display of her signature blue eye shadow.

Photo: Tumblr

Today's Barbie is vastly different from the original!

Photo: Tumblr