Jezebel: Barbie

Iran Sends Bart Simpson to the Same Dark Prison Cell as Barbie

Cassie Murdoch — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST

First they came for Barbie, and now they're coming for Bart Simpson. Iran has apparently had it with American toys that promote (admittedly crappy) values. It is now banning dolls based on Bart and the rest of his famous family. Mohammad Hossein Farjoo, who runs the agency that oversees what toys Iranian children can play with, didn't exactly specify why, but he did say it was because some episodes of The Simpsons were already banned. It could have something to do with the fact that Lisa wears a strapless dress, and Homer isn't exactly a model citizen—but Maggie too? What could she possibly have done to offend the authorities? More »

The Campaign to Make Barbie Bald

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:40:00 EST

Plenty of Barbie dolls have ended up bald after falling into the clutches of a nasty little brother, but now there's an online movement to have Mattel release a Barbie who's intentionally hairless. The hope is that the doll could make girls who've suffered hair loss due to cancer treatments, Alopecia or Trichotillomania feel less self-conscious, and teach other children that there's no reason to gawk at people who've lost their hair. There doesn't seem to be a down side to making the doll, but for some reason Mattel is resisting. More »

See What It Looks Like When Barbie Becomes A Hoarder

Cassie Murdoch — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

Now that Barbie is working about 16 jobs at once (everything from princess to zoo doctor!), her life has gotten a little out of control. As a modern woman, it's hard for her to keep things neat and tidy on the home front—and who can blame her? That Malibu Dreamhouse is not gonna clean itself. As a result, it looks like Barbie has developed a little bit of a hoarding problem—at least if you believe artist Carrie M. Becker's vision of how Barbie is living at the moment. More »

How To Give Barbie An Afro (And Call It A Halo Instead)

Kristl Smith Tyler — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST

People who were part of the Black Pride movement of the 1960s also took pride in wearing their hair natural instead of using straightening combs or chemical relaxers. Their pride in African culture was an Afro-centric view that really shook (read: terrified) most middle-class Americans. The way they wore their hair was soon dubbed an "Afro," which was shorthand for Afro-centric. More »

Barbie Ditches Ken For New Girlfriend Ellen DeGeneres

Margaret Hartmann — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:48:00 EST

Barbie has a "Fairy Secret," though it won't come as a surprise to any girl who's noticed that no matter how you contort Barbie and Ken, all of their sexual positions are extremely stiff and awkward. According to the cover of this sticker book, America's Favorite Doll has run off with Ellen DeGeneres. We'd like to celebrate Barbie finally coming out of the closet, but we can't support what these two are doing to Ellen's lovely wife Portia. More »

The Night Belongs To Ruth Handler

Anna North — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:15:00 EDT

Who was Ruth Handler? Why, the inventor of the Barbie doll, who happened to be born on this day in 1916. More »

Barbie's Surprising Resemblance To The Playboy Bunnies Of Her Time

Whitney Jefferson — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EDT

Some parents are up in arms about the latest, tattooed hipster Barbie that's sure to be a hit this Christmas, but maybe they should channel their anger into this, instead: a chart that makes a pretty interesting case for Barbie's looks mirroring those of Playboy's Playmate of the Year. Oh yes.

Parents Worry Tattooed, Pink-Haired Barbie Will Turn Girls Into Inked-Up Harlots

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EDT

Once again, Barbie is being criticized for damaging little girls, but not because of her unrealistic proportions. The new tokidoki Barbie has pink hair and huge neck and arm tattoos, and parents are concerned that the doll will send their precious pre-teen angel straight into the arms of some bad boy known for riding bikes and breaking girls' hearts. More »

Barbie Will Save Us From Whooping Cough

Erin Gloria Ryan — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EDT

Remember when it used to be funny to make jokes about getting the whooping cough? Well, it's not anymore — thanks to Jenny McCarthy, scientist, and thousands of other parents who have opted not to vaccinate their kids, this country's experiencing a retro disease craze more powerful than 1,000 lava lamps. One columnist thinks that only Barbie can save us now. Wait, what? More »

See Barbie And Ken's Dream Wedding Album

Whitney Jefferson — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:40:00 EDT

"I'm laughing alone looking these photos, so I hope it's the same for people looking at them," says wedding photographer Béatrice de Guigne, "Or I think I'm totally crazy!" We don't think these photos of Barbie and Ken having a stereotypical fantasy wedding are crazy per se, but we can think of some of our friends who strive to have similar wedding day pictures. The photos resulted from the combination of photography practice and poking a little bit of fun at same wedding album clichés she sees so often. Béatrice spoke to Rock N Roll Bride on how it all got started: More »

JCPenney's 'Too Pretty For Homework' Shirt Is A Steal At $9.99 [UPDATED]

Jenna Sauers — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EDT

Just in time for back-to-school, JCPenney is selling a girls' shirt emblazoned with the slogan, "I'm too pretty to do HOMEWORK, so my brother has to do it for me." Isn't that a nice, positive message to send to girls aged 7-16? (And on sale, no less — destroying your daughter's self-esteem previously set you back $16.99!) In case your little lady-brain can't quite fathom the point, the page itself is titled "Girls 7-16 Too Pretty to do Homework" and the product description asks, "Who has time for homework when there's a new Justin Bieber album out?" More »

It's OK to Admit You Want to Live in Architect Barbie's Mansion

Kat Hannaford — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:24:22 EDT

Did you know Barbie's had over 120 careers since 1959? Along with dabbling in computer engineering, she's also planning a big move into architecture this fall—but obviously she'll need an eco-friendly cantilever mansion to call her own. More »

Ken's "Buddy" Named Allan Is A Real Doll

Dodai Stewart — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EDT

Who needs Barbie when you have your own homoerotic pal? Ken and Allan look really close. And really happy. Full image below. More »

Barbie And Ken Break Up, And It's All Greenpeace's Fault

Whitney Jefferson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:20:00 EDT

Greenpeace just totally broke up Barbie and Ken. When a surprisingly flamboyant Ken learns the truth about his plastic soulmate's cruel ways, he kinda flips and — according to facebook (below) — dumps Barbie. More »

Barbie Doll With Life-Sized Proportions Is Ridiculous, Scary

Whitney Jefferson — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:50:00 EDT

When Hamilton College announced its first-ever National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, student and anorexia survivor Galia Slayen created a life-sized Barbie that was recreated based on the doll's measurements. More »

New Architect Barbie Designs Her Own Dream House

Margaret Hartmann — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:25:00 EST

This fall Mattel will release Barbie Architect as part of its "Barbie I Can Be" line. The doll comes with a pink blueprint holder, hardhat, and black glasses. (How else would you know she's smart?) It's great to see Barbie's entering another brainy field, but we fear her insistance on using pink plastic as a building material might not go over well with clients. More »

Ken's Nefarious Plot To Win Barbie Back

Margaret Hartmann — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:45:00 EST

Ken and Barbie split in 2004, but now he's mounting a campaign to win her back by Valentine's Day. While some hope they'll give love another chance, insiders suggest their relationship is just a sham designed to sell dolls. More »

"Bad Barbie" Stars In Bloody Photoshoot

Sadie Stein — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST

We've seen Barbie used as a medium of social critique before, of course. But never has she been this violently, alarmingly psychopathic. Note: if seeing Ken killed, mutilated and dismembered in creative ways disturbs you, you've been warned. More »

Zoolander Sequel Really, Really, Really Happening

Jenna Sauers — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:10:00 EST

Zoolander II news! Owen Wilson says he and Ben Stiller are at work on the the long-awaited sequel, which should be released in 2012. Wilson also says he wants Lady Gaga to make a cameo. [Monsters&Critics]

Venezuelan Dudes Take Barbie Fashion Show Seriously

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:50:00 EST

Dear Bravo execs: Please turn this event into a Project Runway/Fashion Show type competition and reality program called Fantastic Plastic (or something) ASAP. I will watch the crap out of it. Thanks! More »

What To Buy A Pop Culture Junkie

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:50:00 EST

Let's make Christmas all about vampires and '50s ad agencies! We've got gifts for Mad Men enthusiasts, True Blood fangbangers and anyone goo goo for Lady Gaga. Caution: You're gonna want most of this stuff for yourself. More »

Ladies in Red

Lauri Apple — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:00:16 EST

[Havana, Cuba, December 4: A woman holds a doll representing St. Barbara during a procession in her honor. According to syncretism, St. Barbara is associated with Chango, the god of war. Image via AP.]

FBI Warns New Barbie Could Film Child Porn

Anna North — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:16:47 EST

The FBI is warning that Mattel's new Video Girl Barbie is a "possible child pornography production method." Might they be overreacting just a little? More »

Barbie Goes Gaga

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:20:00 EST

Entertainment Weekly's "2010 Entertainers Of The Year" issue may have Taylor Swift on the cover, but the best part is inside: Lady Gaga gets honored with a Barbie photo shoot. Meat dress, middle finger, melting piano! Additional images below. More »

Lindsay Poses For Teen Oligarch Fashion Line

Jenna Sauers — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST

Lindsay Lohan is leaving rehab today for a very special reason: to shoot a campaign for Kira Plastinina, the bankrupt-but-now-revived fashion label designed by a Russian orange juice oligarch's teen daughter. Remember when Lindsay did campaigns for Miu Miu? [TMZ]

Ken Gets An Online Reality Series

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:23:00 EDT

In Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend, which will air on Hulu, eight dudes will compete to prove that they possess Ken's qualities in order to be "the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion." So: Smooth crotches, yes? More »

Video: Most Expensive Barbie Ever Auctions For $300,000

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:03:00 EDT

Yesterday a Barbie doll designed by Stefano Canturi was auctioned for $302,500, with the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Christie's billed the doll as an "investment" because she's wearing a choker featuring a one-carat pink diamond. More »

The Hot Newsanchor, A Cultural Institution?

Sadie Stein — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:33:00 EDT

Last month, Mattel launched "Newsanchor Barbie," a 12" career woman in a skin-tight pink-and-black jacket, a ruffled miniskirt, and platforms. Insulting — or too accurate? More »

Video Showcases Barbie As Funky, Artsy Muse

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EDT

This video offers a glimpse of the unauthorized doll art at San Francisco's 8th Annual Altered Barbie Exhibition. Some highlights: Barbie being devoured by a spider, various Barbie skeleton dolls, and a man being transformed into a human Ken doll. More »

Rachel Zoe And Rodger Fake It For The Cameras

Tracie Egan Morrissey — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:22:00 EDT

On last nights episode of The Rachel Zoe Project, Rachel's husband Rodger gave her a custom-made Rachel Zoe Barbie for their 12th wedding anniversary. Or so it seemed. It turns out that she Tweeted about styling Barbie herself last year. More »

Christina Hendricks Took The Clothes Off Of Her Joan Holloway Barbie Doll

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:26:00 EDT

The actress says: "I kind of undressed her a little bit… She had a cool corset on. I love playing with her. Bring over your Roger doll!" More »

Contest: Win A Complete Set Of Mad Men Barbie Dolls!

Margaret Hartmann — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EDT

Mad Men Barbie Dolls!" alt="Click here to read Contest: Win A Complete Set Of Mad Men Barbie Dolls!" src="http://cache.jezebel.com/assets/images/39/2010/07/mad-men-barbie-contest-721.jpg"/>

To celebrate Sunday's season four premiere, we're giving away a set of four Mad Men Barbie dolls. To score these treasured items, you must prove that you and your Photoshop skills could cut it at Sterling Cooper. More »

What It Takes To Be The Top-Selling Barbie In China

Dodai Stewart — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:20:00 EDT

Blonde hair and blue eyes, of course. "In Chinese culture it's very important to help girls think they can aspire to be something… Barbie is a western icon and from Malibu, California." — Mattel's international president, Bryan Stockton. [Reuters] More »

Inside The Very Pink & Very Pricey Barbie Catalog

Dodai Stewart — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:00:00 EDT

The Plastic Collection is here! After the jump, enter a world as pink and frivolous as your tiny shrunken heart — from the minds who brought us the $25,000 Barbie foosball table. Bring your credit card! More »

Barbie Foosball Table Costs Only $25K

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:30:00 EDT

This week Mattel debuted "The Plastic Collection," a line of high-end Barbie art, apparel, and decor for the luxury shopper who's interested in a Commes des Garcons doll and a $25,000 Barbie foosball table (i.e. Paris Hilton). [WSJ] More »

Plume With A View

Anna Holmes — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:10:00 EDT

[Sydney, May 4. Image via Getty]

In A Barbie World...

Katy Kelleher — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EDT

Our girl Barbie held a lot of jobs - most recently, she got her degree in computer science - but she has also had some pretty uninspiring careers. Including McDonald's worker and "Bride." More here: [Huffington Post] More »

Jon Stewart Spends His Vacation Playing With Barbies

Irin Carmon — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EDT

Per an 8-year-old girl's winning script at a benefit, Stewart played a man who wins over Barbie "through his un-Ken-like attributes," including "luscious, movable brown hair." Stewart apparently "showed off his armpits, since his hair is still brown there." [NYM] More »

Mad Men Barbie Dolls: Awesome, Absurd

Dodai Stewart — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

Mad Men Barbie Dolls: Awesome, Absurd" alt="Click here to read Mad Men Barbie Dolls: Awesome, Absurd" src="http://cache.jezebel.com/assets/images/39/2011/11/small_6546da280bae8fb65087764845b12550.jpg"/>

The Mad Men dolls are not for kids. According to The New York Times, they're part of the "premium-price collectors' series" for adults. But there's a problem with the mini Don Draper, Betty Draper, Roger Sterling and Joan Holloway: More »

Dollitics: For Barbie's Birthday, A "New Look" And A Racial Scandal

Anna North — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:40:00 EST

Today is Barbie's 51st birthday, which means you can buy a made-over SuperStar Barbie for a reduced price. Also on markdown at one WalMart: black Barbies! More »