Today's focus is on mod Barbie, probably my favorite era in the doll's long history. Those large, side-glancing eyes, slightly opened mouth, and upturned 'do (or partial ponytail if that's more your thing), gave Barbie a younger vibe than her vintage forebears had. Where vintage Barbie was austere, mod Barbie was lively! This was in large part thanks to her unique Twist N Turn (TNT) body. Unlike later Barbies, mod dolls turned at the waist and neck at an angle. Such a small variance compared to other dolls, but it made a huge difference. Her poses were suddenly more lifelike, a tad more realistic. Barbie could wave, or look like she was running, or simply sit and turn with her hand placed delicately on her knee. Her slightly opened mouth gave a perpetual look of surprise or anticipation. As Mattel marketed the new doll at the time, "A girl on the move!" No longer the severe queen of the manor, Barbie was now a mod chick actively embracing life outside the mansion. You may think I'm being silly, and maybe I am. But with the introduction of the TNT body and face Barbie effectively changed not just her destiny, but that of the entire doll industry. You have to keep in mind that back then there weren't a million different doll lines in a million different styles. Barbie was a big fish in a small pond, and when she changed so followed the rest of the industry.
Besides the actual dolls, my favorite thing to collect when it comes to Barbie is paper ephemera. Back then, all dolls came with a booklet showcasing all the varieties of Barbie dolls available. This includes Ken, Skipper, etc. They also highlighted Barbies many, many fashions. And her houses. And her carrying cases. Today we're looking at the 1970 booklet. (Squee!).
Nice swimsuit, Barbie! Seriously, it's way cool. And you've written me a letter? Sweet!
For a short time there were "Living" dolls. Their bodies were very different from the standard and TNT bodies. They had a swivel waist, bendable elbows and knees, and roaming joints at the neck, shoulders, hips, and wrists. They also had flat feet. They were pretty short-lived.
Check out Barbie gazing at and reaching for the butterfly. So pretty. Vintage Barbie would've had to lean back at the hips to see that butterfly. She could've thrown her back out doing that shit. Not worth it.
By 1970 Mattel was onto hair play and they came out with several lines focusing on it. Hair Happenin's would give way to Hair Fair (one of my favorite lines). Growin' Pretty Hair was super gimmicky but in toys a good gimmick can actually be pretty cool, if you ask me. I wish they would've shown the Barbie version in the booklet -- she's really pretty.
Hi P.J.! Bet you don't miss being Midge's face! Care to tell us about that? You do "talk", after all. Also, check out Talking Julia's outfit. Love it! And as for you, Stacey -- soon you'll be the face of Barbie! Literally!
There's TNT Barbie in a blonde flip -- gorgeous. Although I have to say Stacey is owning the beachwear look a bit more. Take notes and move to Malibu, Barbie. Sidenote: Casey's outfit gives me life.
Go away, Tutti. You're annoying.
As the Shape-Ups fashion shows us, Living Barbie is a health freak.
P.J., whoever told you that suit looks good on you hates you. (How much you wanna bet it was Barbie?)
Maxi 'N Midi is such an awesome fashion. I wish it showed more of the dress here. It's so cool!
Another fail, P.J. Seriously, who's dressing you?
Ooh, you're on the comeback trail wearing Special Sparkle, though! But Stacey wins this page in Lamb 'N Leather. It's all about that belt.
And here's Skipper wearin-zzzzzz....
Francie! Yay! Holy crap you're totally rocking every single outfit on this page. Still got that notepad out, Barbie?
Even Bloom Zoom works, if you ask me. But why on earth would Francie need a wedding dress? (By the way Casey, you might think Francie letting you borrow her clothes is totally cool and sweet, but watch out. She's gonna gank that face of yours and flee to Malibu soon.)
Julia. Damn. Leather-Weather? Totally owns my soul at the moment. You look damn fine in it, Julia.
They made Ken clothes too. Whatever. Check out Barbie's house! So 70's it hurts (so good).
I need that Family House in my collection. I bet it goes for five gillion dollars on eBay. Sadface. Also, anyone know what that Ballet Box is? I know nothing about it.
Ugh, Barbie, you're just trying to sell me more crap in your "letter"! The disappointment burns. I thought you were gonna tell me about boys and where to shop and how to rule the world. Sigh.
The back cover is the mail-in fan club coupon. Fin.
I know I poked fun in my captions but I really do love these old-school Barbie booklets. They give us great insight into the Barbie of yore and offer a look at what doll fashion was in the 60's and 70's. Plus, silly advertising lingo! That's always good for a laugh!
Hope you enjoyed today's post! Til next time!
