Barbie and Ken Spring Break 1961

By Marni Elyse Katz
July 27, 2011

Barbie

Vintage 1965 Barbie, Tokidoki Barbie, Computer Engineer Barbie

Mattel should adopt the old Virginia Slims slogan, “You've come a long way, baby.” Perusing eBay’s myriad of Barbie doll and accessory offerings confirms that indeed, Barbie is not simply a bubbly blonde, no matter how unrealistically proportioned her figure may be.

These days you’re just as likely to find Barbie posing as a veterinarian (even if she’s wearing skin-tight pedal pushers) as a nurse, waitress, or usherette. Naturally, there’s still a plethora of princesses (it’s Barbie, after all) and pop icon look-alikes still abound. Seventies era faves Sonny & Cher and Donny & Marie made way for Joan Jett and Cyndi Lauper in the ‘80s. Today, there been an infusion of movie madness; "Pirates of the Caribbean" Ken doll anyone?

Why the sudden interest in Barbie? No, we haven’t been invited to a Barbie-themed pool party. But almost. This week the 2011 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention parks its pink suitcase in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, from today through Saturday. The theme, “Barbie and Ken Spring Break 1961” has fueled a roster of retro events. There’s the Welcome Reception for which all are encouraged to dress in ‘60s vintage party clothing, Ken’s 50th Birthday Celebration surprise party, and the Vintage Beach Movies of the 60’s Luncheon, and a black tie gala to fete Barbie & Ken’s 50 years together. Sounds as over the top as Barbie herself, right?

In addition there’s a Twist & Shout Fashion Show—for the dolls. Dress ‘em in ‘60's themed attire. Suggestions from convention organizers include: Sweater Girl, Fraternity Meeting, Tennis Anyone?, and Cheerleader Touchdown. Also a Barbie diorama competition and a Ken doll yacht race with radio controlled boats. There are workshops too, from Barbie hat-making and Barbie clothing design to doll restoration tips and tricks and our favorite: how to photograph Barbie dolls creatively. Hmm.

Of course, there will be gobs of Barbie dolls and accessories on sale from top dealers and individual collectors. Conventioneers can buy on Thursday and Friday; the salesroom opens to the public on Saturday. Perhaps most interesting about the convention is its grown-up seriousness. This is not child’s play. In fact, nobody under 13 can register for the convention.

It’s all so eerily irresistible, hence our romp through eBay, where we found the highlights from almost 165,000 listings.

Barbie Couture Angel Brunette

(buy it now price, $44.95)

Barbie magic at its best, this angel wears a translucent black overskirt with intricate golden foil print over a peach underskirt, a golden necklace , a golden halo, and of course, wings.
Green Lantern Barbie

(buy it now price, $53.88)

It’s Barbie as Carol Ferris, lifelong friend and childhood sweetheart of Green Lantern hero Hal Jordan. She’s dressed in a green flight complete with pilot helmet that features the Sapphire logo and Star Sapphire icon.
2011 Tokidoki Barbie

(buy it now price, $86.48)

Pre-order Tokidoki (“sometimes” in Japanese) Barbie in time for the holidays. She pops on a pink miniskirt, logo leggings, and black top with signature skull heart and bones,, and wears sky high sparkly silver shoes. She also flaunts tattoos, a pink bob and cactus pup Bastardino.
Barbie I Can Be Newborn Baby Doctor

(buy it now price, $29.92)

Barbie tends to newborn baby dolls bundled in cuddly blankets. Playset includes nursery furnishings with a double bassinet, rocking chair, and stork scale.
Harley Davidson Ken & Barbie

(buy it now price, $65.95)

We’re not certain this is meant for kids, but in any case, this Barbie and Ken are both in actual Harley fashions and are decked out with tattoos, piercings, and motorcycle helmets.
Barbie Doll Inspired by Gustav Klimt

(buy it now price, $36.99)

It’s one way to teach little girls about great art. Part of the Museum Collection, this Barbie doll's pose mirrors that in the masterpiece. She wears a halter gown with silvery trim, draped chiffon sleeves, and bustle. Has curly hair, a metallic choker, and cuffs.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Barbie

(buy it now price, $42.50)

Dressed in the most recognized cheerleader uniform, she celebrates over 35 years of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders timeless look. We’re wondering, where’s I Can Be a Football Player Barbie?
Gold Label Palm Beach Swim Suit Barbie

(buy it now price, $44.95)

Looking gorgeous in a peach and golden floral print ensemble that includes swimsuit, cover-up, and wedge sandals, Palm Beach Swim Suit Barbie makes a splash..
Barbie Gold Label Goddess of the Galaxy

(buy it now price, $140)

It’s an over-the-top outfit comprised of molded metallic corset embellished with fuchsia rhinestones above a shimmery, layered underskirt, a dramatic pinstripe cape, and silvery arm and leg cuffs. Silvery rings with jeweled accents orbit an up-do with twisted platinum braids, and check out those eyelashes. She stands strong in thigh-high platform boots, with a look that says she's here to conquer the universe fiercely and fabulously.
Barbie Princess Wedding Bride Doll

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Perfect for acting out wedding day scenarios, like little girls have done throughout the ages. We’re sort of disappointed there’s no Will and Kate Barbie and Ken set.
Barbie Can Be A Computer Engineer

(buy it now price, $19.99)

Computer engineer is the first Barbie profession chosen by popular vote. This digital diva flaunts a funky tee with binary code design and hot pink accessories including a cell phone headset, laptop bag, and laptop. Plus she comes with a special code that unlocks career-themed content online.
'65 Matinee Fashion Vintage Reproduction Barbie

(buy it now price, $59.99)

This vintage reproduction brunette doll comes with a full ensemble, including a fur trim dress and a one-piece swim suit featuring striped top and turquoise bottom.
Barbie My Favorite Career Miss Astronaut

(buy it now price, $34.99)

Celebrate NASA’s last space shuttle trip with 1965’s Miss Astronaut Barbie. She’s dressed for the final fashion frontier with a silvery metallic spacesuit, white helmet, mittens, and zip boots to sashay her way into space.
Twilight Barbie Trio

(buy it now price, $145.59)

Twilight characters Bella and Edward may just be the ultimate Barbie & Ken (er, Romeo & Juliet).
Barbie Basics African American Series

(buy it now price, $22.50)

We think this crazy slender and chic, denim-clad Barbie channels the timeless style of Iman.