market void of “like Barbie, but not so damaging to the
psyches of young children”: Lord pointed out that the 1991
“Happy to Be Me” doll, created in response to Barbie’s
impossible proportions, was a “hard tank.” The Lammily doll,
launched in 2014, whose body was forged in plastic scaled
in accordance with the CDC’s measurements for the average
19-year-old girl, generated lots of acclaim but fewer
American dollars; the dolls were retired last year.
And Americans love glamour. Our cup of celebrities run-
neth over, so much that some of them are in public office.
Barbie is perfect for us because she isn’t us. She’s prettier,
more successful, turns 60 without creasing a cheek.
“Dolls are stylized,” says Mattel’s Culmone. “They’re refer-
ential of human beings—they aren’t literal to human beings.”
- Phases of makeup, from
brows to lips. 2. An artisan’s
work station. 3. Hair fibers are
made of the same material as
Saran Wrap. 4. Malibu Barbie,
who debuted in 1971, in
all her glory. 5. Andy Warhol’s
portrait of “Barbie,” which is
actually a portrait of his friend
BillyBoy*. “If you really want
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
to do my portrait, do a
portrait of Barbie,” BillyBoy*
told him, “because Barbie,
c’est moi.” 6. A sewing
machine roots curls onto
Barbie’s scalp. 7. Bins of doll
parts at the design center.
- A designer expertly inks
one doll’s eyes. 9. A trio of
Barbie heads await torsos.
BARBIE BEHIND THE SCENES
