How did Ruth Handler come up with Barbie?
What was the inspiration? During a family trip to Switzerland, Handler saw the German-made Bild Lilli doll in a Swiss shop and bought one. The Bild Lilli doll was a collector’s item and not intended for sale to children; however, Handler used it as the basis for her design for Barbie.
When did Ruth Handler invent Barbie?
1959
About Barbie Barbie was founded in 1959 by Ruth Handler (above, left), a mother and visionary entrepreneur, whose inspiration for Barbie came from watching her daughter project her dreams and aspirations onto paper dolls.
What are three interesting facts about Ruth Handler?
She was named the Women of the Year in Business in Los Angeles Times and was included in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame by Toy Manufacturers of America. She also received the ‘Volunteer Achievement Award’ by the America Cancer Society. She was the first ever ‘Woman of Distinction’ of the United Jewish Appeal.
When did Ruth Handler pass away?
April 27, 2002Ruth Handler / Date of death
Ruth Handler, 85, the entrepreneur and marketing genius who co-founded Mattel and created the Barbie doll, one of the world’s most enduring and popular toys, died April 27 at a hospital here. She died of complications from colon surgery she had undergone three months ago.
Why did Ruth Handler invent Barbie?
Barbie Doll Invention. Along with co-founding the renowned toy company Mattel, woman inventor Ruth Handler also designed the doll that would become an American cultural icon. While watching her daughter play with paper dolls, Ruth Handler noticed that she and her friends used the dolls to act out the future rather than the present.
Who invented the Barbie?
Home > Women Inventors > Ruth Handler. Perhaps one of the most famous toys in American history, the Barbie doll is a staple in the toy chests of little girls everywhere. Along with co-founding the renowned toy company Mattel, woman inventor Ruth Handler also designed the doll that would become an American cultural icon.
Who is Ruth Handler?
Updated January 28, 2020 Ruth Handler (November 4, 1916–April 27, 2002) was an American inventor who created the iconic Barbie doll in 1959 (the doll was named after Handler’s daughter Barbara). Barbie was introduced to the world at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
How did Ruth Handler get the Lilli doll?
While the Handler family was vacationing in Europe, Ruth Handler saw the West German Bild Lilli doll (which was not a children’s toy, but rather an adult gag gift) in a Swiss shop and brought it home. The Lilli doll was a representation of the same concept Ruth had been trying to sell to other Mattel executives.