Bild Lilli Doll en.wikipedia.org
This Day in History: March 9th 1959 – Barbie Debuts
The Barbie doll, what an iconic figure! Yet, amidst her beauty has definitely been her share of criticism. Comparatively speaking, with a figure of 39-21-33 if she were a real woman, it is no wonder this little beauty led to a lot of controversy. Many felt Barbie provided little girls with an unrealistic and harmful example thereby fostering a negative body image.
Do you know the real story behind the Barbie doll? The picture to the left is NOT Barbie. Who is she and what is her connection to the iconic Barbie we knew as a child and is still a favorite of young girls today?
The little ‘lady’ in the picture is “Lilli – a German post-war, sassy and ambitious cartoon character that had no reservations talking about sex.”
Find out MORE @Awakenings…
http://www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/03/barbie.html
catnipoflife 
European dolls are very different than American dolls. I collect dolls and even among antiques, you can always see tell whether it’s European or American. A lot of Euro dolls are adult-oriented. Some are X-rated. I assume they are not intended for children. You really wouldn’t believe the equipment you can buy for them and it’s EXPENSIVE. Cheaper buying human gear.
All my girls had barbie dolls and so did my grand daughters. None of them had issues with becoming a “Barbie”. I think we look for things not always there while ignoring the serious problems that are–and they are legion.
Very intersting Sharla. I don’t knew this story
The first clothes I ever designed were for my Barbie! Being as that I was skinny and gangly, I never bothered thinking or aspiring to be like Barbie. I was happy being me.
As a designer, I like all figure types.
Also, I think the opposite of Barbie, the extreme bones and anorexia look, that exists on today’s fashion runways is another unhealthy example.
It makes me wonder who is in charge of woman’s images?
I remember having a doll which was one of the older ones before Barbie came up. The head was removable and they had great dresses. 🙂
I too grew up with Barbies. However my concern, when I had daughters, were ethnicity…where is the sassy doll that looks like her- hair, facial features, body image. However this history about the real Barbie adds a different dimension. How cool to add a little note in the box with this information. Anyway… greed and money can change reality and perspective to increase profits.