Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. Launched in March 1959 by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, she is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.

Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for over fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.

You would think Barbie is only for little girls with pony tails, however that is so not true. Mattel estimates that there are well over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors. Ninety percent are women, at an average age of 40, purchasing more than twenty Barbie dolls each year.

Limited Edition dolls play an important role for collectors and are naturally the most desired items. Like style icons Kate Moss, Inès de la Fressange, and Grace Kelly, Barbie also enjoys the vaunted status of designer muse, especially when dressed by luxurious fashion brands like Versace, Burberry, Coach, Stephen Jones, Christian Louboutin and Zuhair Murad.

The possibilities are endless when you experience the world with Barbie.