​

In 2019, Mattel celebrated 60 amazing years of the iconic, every-evolving fashion doll known to the world as Barbie. For a toy to remain so beloved for more than half a century is truly an amazing feat. Not even Barbie creator Ruth Handler could have guessed when she started with a simple paper doll prototype that Barbie would take the world by storm, unleashing the imaginations and dreams of untold millions of fans. From the catwalk runways of Paris to public school hallways Barbie provided an outlet to inspire , explore, cultivate new possibilities and create success.

 

However, the launch of Barbie in 1959 coincided with the Jim Crow era. Though a new, powerful civil rights movement was beginning to take shape, Mattel, like the whole country, struggled with the subject of race. Questions of representation were far from the company's mind. Simply put, Barbie didn't come in Black. As a result, Black girls were met at the toy store with yet another image telling them they didn't fit society's beauty ideal. Instead of inspiring young Black girls, Barbie added to their self-doubt: "If only I could be like Barbie... if only my hair was straight, if only I was lighter, if only my nose was thinner..."

 

As with society, change at Mattel came slowly.

​

As Mattel made slow progress, Black American women and girls were not waiting for  permission to enjoy high fashion. Beginning 1958, in fact, they began seeing the best that European designers had to offer right in their own communities. The annual Ebony Fashion Fair was a travelling fashion expo showcasing Black models on the runway wearing the latest and greatest haute' couture. The fair was created and curated by the legendary Eunice Johnson of the Johnson Publishing empire. Through this glamorous touring fashion show which drew thousands of fans and through the pages of Ebony Magazine, Johnson's fashion fair empowered Black women and girls with a needed boost of self-esteem through positive-  and positively stunning-  images. It would continue to do so for fifty years.  (It's also worth noting the fair raised money each year for Black-centered charities -  a total of $55 million in its five decade run...). 

​

​

 It would take Barbie almost a decade to catch up with Ebony .The introduction of Barbie's cousin “Francie” in 1966 was followed a year later by the “Colored Francie” version of the doll. In 1968, Barbie's black friend Christie was introduced to the line. And in 1969 we saw the first Black celebrity Barbie-style doll "Julia" - based on the TV character played by Diahann Carroll. . Yet, it wasn't until 1980, more than twenty years after the first Barbie was initially launched, that Mattel created an actual African American Barbie doll. "Black , Bold & Dynamite with her own style" was how she was marketed. 

​

This first Black doll ever named " Barbie" was created by Kitty Black Perkins, an innovative Fashion designer who would go on to become the first African American chief designer of Fashion & Concepts for Mattel. Forty years after Perkins blazed the trail, we are witnessing a true evolution of the Barbie brand. Barbie now comes in more than 7 body shapes, 11 skin tones and 40 hairstyles.

 

 This beautiful diversity and inclusive spirit can be attributed in large part to the woman who started it all back in 1980. And so in 2020, with gratitude and admiration, it's no surprise that Barbie lovers of all walks of life celebrate the forty year career and creative legacy of the legendary Louvenia "Kitty Black -Perkins

 

V.I.B.E   Black  Barbie & The Ebony Fashion Fair exhibition located at the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture in Mansfield, MA  offers something for everyone..

The exhibition runs  May 12 through July  2020 , and the museum will host two   Opening preview events , including an Art Week  behind the scene sneak peek on May 2nd, , and a Mother’s Day Tea   reception at Lombardo’s in Randolph on May 10th with Kitty Black Perkins .

 

A sampling of events through it run  includes “Family Fun Saturdays,”  Fashion Doll Makeovers Days re-roots to  no sew classes , Diva & Dolls  Girls Night Out doll workshops, Swap & Shop  ,  Pamper Lounge  Mani – Pedi , Make-up & massages. Paint  Nights , Photography workshop & more.

​

​