Ruth Handler Daughter, the creator of the iconic Barbie doll, is often remembered for her innovative and revolutionary impact on the toy industry. However, behind the legacy of Barbie lies an important figure who played a pivotal role in the doll’s creation: Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara Handler. In this article, we delve into the life of Barbara Handler, her influence on the Barbie doll, and how her connection to her mother’s creation has shaped her own legacy.
The Early Years of Barbara Handler
Born in 1941, Barbara Handler was the daughter of Ruth Handler and her husband, Elliot Handler, who co-founded Mattel. From a young age, Barbara was surrounded by the world of toys and the bustling environment of Mattel, a company that would go on to revolutionize the toy industry. Growing up in this creative environment, Barbara’s experiences would later serve as the inspiration for one of the world’s most beloved and controversial toys—Barbie.
Barbara Influence on Barbie Creation
The story behind Barbie’s creation is rooted in Ruth Handler’s desire to give her daughter, Barbara, a toy that she could relate to. In the late 1950s, Ruth noticed that Barbara and her friends enjoyed playing with paper dolls but would often act out adult scenarios rather than the typical childlike play. Ruth realized that there was a gap in the toy market—a doll that would allow young girls to imagine themselves as adults and explore the possibilities of what they could become.
This realization led Ruth to create Barbie, named after her daughter Barbara. Ruth envisioned Barbie as a fashion-forward, independent, and versatile figure—a departure from the traditional baby dolls of the time. Barbara Handler, unknowingly, was the muse for the doll that would go on to shape an entire generation of children’s imaginations.
Ruth Handler Vision and the Birth of Barbie
In 1959, Ruth Handler introduced Barbie to the world at the American International Toy Fair in New York. T Barbie was not just a plaything; she was a symbol of freedom, independence, and endless possibilities.
Barbara Handler’s role in this creation was significant, even if her involvement was more passive at the time. Ruth had long been inspired by her daughter’s desire for a doll that reflected the aspirations of young girls rather than just their nurturing instincts. Barbie allowed girls to imagine themselves in various roles, whether as doctors, astronauts, or fashion models, encouraging them to envision futures beyond traditional gender roles.
The Inspiration Behind Barbie Appearance
While Ruth Handler was the mastermind behind Barbie’s concept, Barbara Handler’s influence extended to Barbie’s physical appearance. Ruth and Barbara worked together to develop the doll’s fashion-forward look, drawing inspiration from the latest trends. Barbara, being a teenager at the time, had a keen sense of style, which undoubtedly influenced the doll’s design.
The original Barbie had a sleek, blonde hairstyle, and a fashionable wardrobe—an image that was quite different from the traditional, demure dolls of the era. Barbara’s personal style and influence helped shape Barbie’s iconic image.
Barbara Handler Life After Barbie
While Ruth Handler went on to become a cultural icon thanks to Barbie, Barbara’s life took a different path. After the launch of Barbie, Barbara Handler kept a relatively low profile in the public eye. Though she was not as involved in the day-to-day operations of Mattel as her mother was, she remained a part of the Barbie story.
The Impact of Barbie on Barbara Own Life
Growing up with Barbie as the focal point of her family’s life was not always easy for Barbara. She was often in the shadow of the doll’s global success, and some sources suggest that this brought mixed emotions for her. While the doll created by her mother brought immeasurable success, Barbara herself struggled with her own identity outside of Barbie’s immense popularity.
In later years, Barbara reflected on her experience with Barbie and spoke about the complexities of being the daughter of someone as influential as Ruth Handler. Yet, despite the challenges, Barbara found ways to carve out her own path and identity.
Barbara’s Work in the Arts and Charity
Though she wasn’t as involved in the business side of Mattel after Barbie’s creation, Barbara Handler pursued other interests, particularly in the arts and charitable work. She became an advocate for several causes, focusing on issues related to women’s rights and supporting the development of young girls through education and creative expression.
Through her charity work, Barbara sought to ensure that young girls had the tools and support they needed to achieve their goals—something her mother had hoped for when creating Barbie.
Barbara’s Legacy and Connection to Barbie Today
Despite her somewhat distant relationship with the Barbie brand in her later years, Barbara Handler remains an integral part of the Barbie legacy. In recent years, she has reflected more positively on her mother’s creation, understanding the incredible cultural impact Barbie had on both toys and society at large.
In 2017, the Handler family made a significant step in acknowledging the origins of Barbie when they invited Barbara to participate in events and discussions surrounding Barbie’s 50th anniversary. Barbara’s participation helped bring the story of Barbie full circle, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in shaping a cultural phenomenon.
Barbara’s Reflections on the Barbie Phenomenon
In interviews and public appearances, Barbara Handler has expressed her admiration for the way Barbie has evolved over the decades. She recognizes that Barbie has come to represent more than just a toy; it has become a tool for promoting body diversity, gender equality, and self-empowerment. Barbara sees Barbie as a force for positive change, not just a doll, but a symbol of opportunity and self-expression for countless girls worldwide.
Conclusion
Barbara Handler, Ruth Handler’s daughter, remains a significant part of the Barbie story, even if her role has been somewhat understated over the years. Her childhood experiences, her mother’s creation, and her own path in life are all intertwined in the legacy of Barbie. While Ruth Handler’s vision created a cultural icon, Barbara Handler’s life and influence are a reminder of the real girl behind the doll—the inspiration and muse who played an understated but critical role in the doll’s creation.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and intended for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of any individuals or organizations mentioned. For accurate and official details, please refer to official sources.
