The Evolution of Fashion Dolls Through the Decades
From Barbie to Bratz, the fashion doll industry has been a major player in the toy market for generations. Fashion dolls have been a staple in children’s toy collections since their inception in the early 20th century. Over the years, these dolls have changed both in style and functionality. In this article, we will explore the evolution of fashion dolls through the decades.
1920s to 1950s
The first fashion dolls were introduced in the 1920s. They were made out of porcelain and were not meant to be played with by children. Instead, they were meant to be collected by adults. These dolls were dressed in the latest fashion of the time and were considered to be a status symbol.
In the 1950s, Mattel introduced Barbie. Barbie was a revolutionary fashion doll that was marketed to children. Barbie was designed to be a teenage fashion model, and her clothes and accessories were initial replicas of the latest trends in women’s fashion.
1960s to 1970s
During the 1960s and 1970s, fashion dolls continued to evolve. Barbie became more popular and began to take on more careers and personalities. Barbie had her own Dream House and car, and her fashion choices became more sophisticated.
In 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie. This Barbie was dressed in a bikini and reflected the casual dress and beach culture that had become a significant part of American life.
The 1970s also saw the introduction of African American dolls such as Christie, Barbie’s friend, along with a variety of dolls with different hair colors and styles.
1980s to 1990s
The 1980s saw the introduction of Cabbage Patch Kids. These dolls became incredibly popular and were known for their unique features and individual personalities. These dolls were not fashion dolls but were instead meant to be playmates for children.
The 1980s also saw the introduction of Jem dolls. Jem was a fashion doll that came with her own rock band. Jem was marketed to girls who were interested in music and fashion.
The 1990s saw the introduction of Bratz dolls. Bratz dolls were designed to be more edgy and trendy than Barbie. Bratz dolls were known for their oversized heads and big eyes, which made them stand out on toy shelves.
2000s to Present Day
In recent years, fashion dolls have continued to evolve. Barbie has had a makeover, and now comes in a more diverse range of skin tones and body types. The L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls have also become extremely popular. These dolls come with a range of accessories, and children do not know what they have until they open the packaging.
Conclusion
The evolution of fashion dolls has been fascinating to see. From the porcelain dolls of the 1920s to the high-tech L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls of today, fashion dolls have come a long way. With every decade, fashion dolls have continued to adapt to the changing times, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for this beloved toy.
