Barbie's History

Barbie Millicent Roberts debuted in a zebra-striped bathing suit.

Barbie, who made her debut in 1959, is one of the longest living toys in America. Her creators, Ruth and Elliot Handler (co-founders of Mattel) got the idea for her after watching their daughter, Barbara, play with paper dolls. Ruth wanted a 3-D rendition of an adult doll that was affordable and came with her own clothes and accessories.