Babz' African American Barbie Page
In 1980 Mattel released the first African American Barbie. Mattel released her along with a Caucasian and a Hispanic doll, so girls could match their ethnic identity. This was the first time Mattel released an African American doll with the name Barbie. Previously, Mattel had an African American Version of Barbie's cousin Francie (1967) and another one named Christie(1968), but 1980 was the first year that Mattel released an African American doll labeled as Barbie. Mattel used the same Steffie head mold for her and the Hispanic doll, but African American Barbie came with darker skin tone and the afro hair style that was popular in the early 80's. She resembles the popular singer Diana Ross. Since Black Barbie, as she was called by Mattel, became a big hit, in 1982, they released an African American version with every years' lead Caucasian theme doll. In 1990 Starlight Splendor became the first African American Barbie in the Bob Mackie collection. 1990 also included the popular Holiday Barbie first time as an African American doll. 1991 Mattel released a more ethnically correct doll with the Shani Doll Line. In 1993 Mattel released the first African American doll in the Classique line called Evening Extravaganza. 1994 Kenya Barbie, form the Dolls of the World collection was released, she wast the first Barbie to have a short ethnic hair style. Kenya Barbie has one the most lovely Barbie faces yet, IMO. The Runway Collection, released in 1997 featured designer Byron Lars' creation In the Limelight and Ruby Radiance in the Collection were both featured only as Afro American dolls. The Black Glamor Series (pictured above) was released in Decemeber 1997. Looks like Mattel has another big hit for collectors with that series click below to check out my African American List of Barbies from 1980 to the Present. Due to space I tried to limit the photos to the most interesting dolls of each year. If anyone knows of a doll I have not listed please e-mail me, I try to keep the list as up to date as possible. There will be at least three new collectors editions Barbie African American Dolls. Bob Mackie's African Goddess, Byron Lar's Plume Royal and 40th Anniversary Barbie. I have linked to photos of these doll on the internet and I think you will find they are lovely. African-American Barbie Listing. Click here to email me.
Angel of Peace 1999 |
