Good ole Barbie, the iconic doll that so many of us grew up with, turned 50 years young this month!

Her metamorphasis over the years certainly embodies the notion that the platinum blonde is a woman who took her position as a “career role model” seriously. Debuting in 1959 at the New York Toy Fair (price tag– $3)  as an hour-glass shaped fashion model in a black-and-white striped bathing suit, she quickly began a series of transformations in order to stay chic.  In fact, she has had over 50,000 makeovers since her 1959 birthdate- now that’s truly re-inventing one’s self!

The Barbie line is one of the most successful children’s product lines in history, having been sold in over 140 countries worldwide. Mattel, who manufactures the doll, estimates that 90% of American girls from toddler to tween own at least one Barbie doll.  Named after the daughter of Mattel’s founder, Barbara Millicent Robert’s resume includes careers as a model, nurse, flight attendant, hair dresser, astronaut, aerobics instructor, McDonald’s cashier, Army officer – she was even a black presidential candidate four years before Barack Obama!

But how will Barbie fair in the current recession?  In previous recessions toy sales held up reasonably well, as parents cut back elsewhere. The current recession has thus far not been kind to toy companies in general, including Mattel, as Barbie sales fell 21 percent in the fourth-quarter of 2008, despite a half-price holiday sale. Globally Barbie sales fell by 9% overall in 2008, perhaps an indication that she is finally showing her age.

But really, what can we say about our Barbie? She has remained a role model of  a strong, independent woman, while her influence on our changing culture has been incredibly consistent throughout her aging process, and she’s finally reached the big 5-0 with nary a wrinkle, sag, speck of cellulite or gray hair.

Which leads me to one question: I wonder if she is still with Ken – or is she paying him alimony now???

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