Barbie is a popular and iconic fashion doll across the world. Introduced to the toy market initially in 1959, Barbie was a favorite among children from the start. The first Barbie doll was clad in a black and white striped swimsuit, with pulled-back blonde hair and curly bangs. Her look has changed dramatically over the decades (though her blonde hair stays consistent), as has the market for sales. Today, not only do kids enjoy playing with the doll, but there is also a significant market for adult collectors. Several dolls are designed and sold with adult consumers in mind, including the Wizard of Oz Barbie collection, Gone With the Wind Barbie collection, and a series of Holiday Barbies.http://www.41vogue.com/Barbie.htm

On March 9, 2009, in commemoration of Barbie's 50-year anniversary, Mattel released 'Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie. Each doll was packaged with 40 stick-on tattoos.The Seattle Times: Barbie turns 50: She gets tattoos, new China store (March 9, 2009)

Ruth Handler knew young girls wanted to play with dolls that looked like adult women. On a trip to Germany, she found a toy named "Bild Lilli", a doll based on a popular comic strip character. Although that toy was designed for adults (Bild Lili was a prostitute), it had become popular with children, who liked to dress up Bild Lilli. Handler retooled the doll, and named it after her daughter, Barbara. Barbie had her debut on March 9, 1959 at New York's Toy Fair, and became an iconic doll for children.

Since the Bratz doll, manufactured by MGA Entertainment and designed by a former Mattel employee, premiered in 2001, they have become wildly popular and cut significantly into Barbie's market share. Mattel released a line of Barbies called My Scene, which were very similar to Bratz. Mattel sued Bratz creator Carter Bryant in 2004, alleging he developed the designs at Mattel and then stole them. MGA sued Mattel for copying Bratz with My Scene. Both suits are still in process.