The Extraordinary Legacy of Ruth Handler: The Woman Behind Barbie
By Agnibeena Ghosh
In the new Barbie movie, Margot Robbie shines as the iconic doll, but it is the ensemble cast of famous faces living in neighbouring Dream Houses that adds depth and charm to the film. Among them is a character who left a lasting impact on viewers – the wise little old lady, Ruth Handler, portrayed by the talented Rhea Perlman. While her role in the movie might intrigue audiences, the real-life story of Ruth Handler is even more fascinating.
In 1959, Ruth Handler dreamed up the concept of Barbie, a fashion doll named after her four-year-old daughter, Barbara, just as depicted in the film. Together with her husband, Elliott, she founded Mattel, the company responsible for creating the iconic dolls, back in 1945 from their garage workshop in Southern California.
Recalling her inspiration for Barbie, Ruth once shared in a 1997 interview with the BBC, “My own daughter Barbie used to play with paper dolls. And I had observed her playing with paper dolls with all of her friends for years and years, and I was fascinated by the way they played and the way they projected themselves.” She attempted to express this idea to Elliott and other designers at Mattel but received little encouragement. It wasn’t until a trip to Switzerland when she saw dolls with interchangeable outfits in a toy store that her vision crystallized. “She couldn’t make up her mind which one she wanted because each ski outfit was different. And so I said to the lady in the store, ‘Can I buy this style and buy that costume?'” The lady’s reaction sparked the idea of creating a doll with changeable outfits, and that’s how Barbie was born.
The launch of Barbie in 1959 was an instant success, with 350,000 dolls sold by Christmas that year. In 1961, Barbie got a boyfriend named Ken, after Ruth’s son. Over the years, Barbie has taken on various professions and roles, breaking barriers and inspiring young minds to dream big. She has been a zoologist, architect, fashion editor, surgeon, vet, gymnast, and CEO, showcasing that women have choices beyond societal expectations.
Despite her popularity, Barbie has faced controversies, particularly due to her unrealistic body proportions. Critics argued that her figure perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards. However, Handler staunchly defended her creation, seeing Barbie as a symbol of empowerment and choice for women.
Ruth Handler passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of children worldwide. Barbie has transcended the toy aisle and become a cultural icon, inspiring art, fashion, and societal conversations. Andy Warhol even immortalized her in a painting in 1986, while Barbie herself graced the catwalk at New York Fashion Week and appeared on the cover of Time Magazine.
However, along with the fame came criticism. Feminists burned Barbies, seeing her as a symbol of male oppression. Scientists pointed out that a real woman with Barbie’s proportions would be physically impossible, with a 7ft tall frame, a 60in bust, and a 12in waist.
In response to the criticism and to better reflect the diversity of the real world, Mattel reshaped Barbie in 1998. Today, Barbie dolls are available in various skin tones and body shapes, including tall, curvy, and petite, as well as with prosthetic legs.
Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “As long as we’re inclusive and reflect the real world, Barbie has staying power for another 60 years.”
The enduring legacy of Ruth Handler and her creation, Barbie, is a testament to the impact of imagination and innovation. Her vision of a doll that encourages girls to dream big and explore endless possibilities has left an indelible mark on the world of play and beyond. As the journey of Barbie continues, the little old lady, Ruth Handler, will forever be remembered as the visionary force behind the beloved fashion doll that captured the hearts and minds of generations.
Photos credit : Internet
