Barbie Doll

Barbie is one of the most iconic toy brands in the world, originally introduced by Mattel, Inc. in March 1959. Created by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, the brand was inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli. Over several decades, Barbie has evolved from a single fashion doll into a global media franchise, influencing fashion trends and social standards globally.

While the brand's intellectual property and design headquarters are located in the United States, production began in Japan in the late 1950s. Today, manufacturing is primarily centralized in Southeast Asia, with major factories located in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam to serve international markets. Mattel remains the ultimate owner and operator of the brand into 2026 and beyond, continuing to manage its vast portfolio of media and consumer products from its headquarters in El Segundo, California.