Summary

'Hawaiian Fun' 11.5-inch Barbie doll and box (model number 5940). The doll is dressed in a two-piece bathing suit, a pink 'hula' skirt, and sunglasses. The doll's accesories include a yellow plastic bracelet containing a pineapple scent and a plastic hair brush. Purchased from Myer department store for exhibition at Scienceworks on its opening in 1992, as part of the 'Inventions' exhibit, and subsequently acquired into the collection.

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by Mattel Inc. Launched on 9 March 1959 (Barbie's birthday) at the New York City toy fair at a time when baby and toddler dolls were the norm, toy buyers were initially doubtful. However, 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold in the first year and Barbie has since become an international brand. Barbie's boyfriend Ken Carson was introduced to the market in 1961, her best friend Midge Hadley in 1963, and her little sister Skipper Roberts in 1964. Mattel has since released models in collaboration with fashion designers (e.g. Oscar de la Renta in 1985), celebrities and film franchises, and developed dolls to mark historical events (e.g. Astronaut Barbie in 1965), professional aspirations for women (e.g. President Barbie in 1992) and to address consumer criticism relating to body image and diversity (e.g. the 2016 'Barbie Fashionistas' who were available in four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles).

Physical Description

Plastic doll and accompanying cardboard box. See part records for details.

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