The Birth of Barbie's Ken: Living in the Shadows

No expertise in the Barbie doll is absolute without thinking about her boyfriend Ken, who's gone through some changes himself through the years. Developed to live in Barbie’s shadow, Ken has kept up with changes which have covered everything from ordinary style improvements to significant cosmetic surgery, all to reflect contemporary styles and keep Barbie happy. Starting with the Surfer 60’s into the Disco 70’s, Ken has developed a large following and is the subject of adulation from people across the internet. Considered a collectible in his own right, let’s take a brief look at a collector’s early history of the Ken doll (1960s - 1970s). Born for a Lonely Barbie Doll The Ken Doll came to life in 1961 as Barbie Dolls companion and he was an instant smash hit as Barbie fans wanted her to get a companion. The first Ken Doll had flocked hair in either blonde or brunette, blue eyes and he was 12 inches tall. Ken came with red swimming trunks, slide sandals and had a yellow beach towel. With time his hair became thin and fell out, so finding an original new Ken doll with a full head of hair is a great victory. In the years immediately following Ken’s initial release, the Ken doll was made with molded hair (blonde or brown), and sported a classic wardrobe of garments that would carry him thru many years. Through 1964, modest enhancements were made including the release of a special limited edition of King Arthur. The Mid 60s: Ken Goes Through Changes After Ken’s initial years, the Ken doll saw considerable alterations. 1965 would be a watershed year for Ken; Bendable Leg Ken was a great enhancement in the Ken doll which made him far more lifelike. Before that point, life-like play with Ken and Barbie dolls was very stiff and the improvements made in the mobility and bendability of dolls during the time really improved the dolls’ popularity. Regrettably, Ken’s entrance into the Mod era did not start well; 1966 saw Ken being discontinued but later returned in 1968 as the Talking Ken Doll and in 1969 as Talking Ken. Talking Ken appeared with a entirely new, grown-up look with a buff build and fashionable outfit. Naturally, his original wardrobe didn’t fit “man-Ken,” much to the dismay of collectors. Ken Gets Groovy in the 70s The 1970s contributed significant changes to Ken that incorporated wardrobe, characteristics and appearance. Mirroring the huge cultural and fashion changes of the day, 1971’s Action Ken Doll entered the Barbie doll world wearing a groovy gold, psychedelic shirt with vest. While he still had molded brown hair, Ken absolutely stood out in the crowd! That year, Malibu Ken was released and later years saw big adjustments to fashion and functionality like real rooted hair (1973’s Mod Hair Ken). The disco era 70’s produced an entirely fresh look driven by the disco fashions of the day with the introduction of Superstar Ken showcasing a new face, body and wardrobe. The Ken Doll: Barbie’s Muse Just like the Barbie doll, the creation of the Ken doll has advanced in stages; starting simply as a young accomplice for his girlfriend Barbie and then changing into more of a reflection of the “perfect boyfriend.” All through Ken’s early years, the influence of pop culture can be seen with the dramatic stylistic adjustments echoing the signs and styles of the times. Subsequently, the Ken doll has grown to be a popular collectible in his own right and has gained the sympathy of many who view him as the adoring boyfriend that's overshadowed by the beauty, personality and ambitions of his girlfriend Barbie.

Emma B. Wills is a celebrity Barbie doll enthusiast concentrating on the new Farrah Fawcett Barbie doll. Find out more about collectible Barbie dolls at her blog: The Farrah Fawcett Barbie Blog.