Barbara Handler was born on May 21, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, as the daughter of Ruth and Elliot Handler. Her mother, Ruth Handler, would go on to become the founder of the iconic toy company Mattel and the creator of the legendary Barbie doll.
Barbara Handler's own name would inspire her mother to create one of the most successful toys in history. Ruth Handler noticed that her daughter enjoyed playing with paper dolls and imagining different adult roles. This observation, combined with a trip to Europe where Ruth saw a curvaceous doll in a store window, sparked the idea for Barbie. The doll was intended to allow young girls to explore different careers and identities, breaking away from traditional baby dolls of the time.
When Barbie made her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York in 1959, she was an instant hit. Within the first five days of its release, Barbie grossed an impressive $214 million. Barbie quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with her fashion sense and varying careers inspiring generations of young girls.
Despite her mother's success as a businesswoman, Barbara Handler preferred to stay out of the spotlight. She led a relatively private life, away from the fame and attention that her mother's creation garnered.
Barbara Handler may have inspired the creation of Barbie, but her impact on the world of toys and popular culture is immeasurable. Barbie continues to be one of the most recognized and beloved dolls in the world, with countless iterations and spin-offs keeping her relevant to this day.
Barbara Handler's legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of Barbie and the impact she has had on generations of young girls around the world.