
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who wanted to create a teenage fashion doll that could serve as a role model for young girls. The first Barbie was introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York City and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Over the decades, Barbie has evolved to reflect the changing times, with numerous iterations and adaptations in response to societal trends, including diverse representations in terms of ethnicity, body types, and careers.