世界名牌博览：芭比

芭比娃娃(Barbie)是20世纪最广为人知及最畅销的玩偶，她们由Ruth Handler发明，于1959年3月9日举办的美国国际玩具展览会(American International Toy Fair)上首次曝光。芭比娃娃及其它相关配件均以一比六的比例制作，为娃娃屋模型的最大号，也称为playscale。

芭比玩偶版权现由美泰儿公司拥有及生产，已经销往世界上150多个国家，总销售额超过10亿元，并由此衍生出一系列影视作品、小游戏及周边产品。

The Barbie doll is one of the most successful toys in history. It was launched in 1959 by the U.S. toy manufacturer Mattel. It has since become a cultural icon. American businesswoman Ruth Handler came up with the idea of an adult doll for small girls after seeing her daughter dressing up paper dolls. The name ‘Barbie’ comes from Handler’s own daughter Barbara. Over 350,000 dolls were sold in the first year. Over a billion Barbies have been sold since. Clever marketing means toy execs keep Barbie up with the times. They adjust to every cultural challenge and change. Her waist was recently widened to avoid stereotypes that women must be thin. She also sports atattoo on her back. Sales are also boosted by a range of pets, cars and accessories – everything the young woman might need.