My question is when is her birthday? Like, was Barbie born? Is her birthday when the first manufactured Barbie was placed in the box or when her arms, legs and head were attached? Is Barbie an Aquarius?

I had a Barbie doll. I actually really liked dolls. I liked to dress them up – mind you – my mother rarely bought the super cool fashion clothing from Kresges like I truly and ever so deeply wanted. She would get the clothes from the Ladies Auxiliary at the hospital. They were hand knit with miniature needles…or she would hand me a box of Kleenex and tell me to make my own. I also liked cutting their hair. This is something I liked at the time but later regretted when Barbie looked like a “mad” person – a psycho.

My Barbie was in love with G.I. Joe.

So anyway, Mattel Inc. is trying to revive Barbie and 50 other top clothing designers got into the act at New York’s semi-annual Fashion week.

Apparently, the first model hit the runway in a black and white bathing suit reminiscent of the first generation Barbie. I love this suit.

“Ken” made an appearance, in a black velvet jacket and jeans

The originally designed Barbie doll from 1959(R)is on display with many of the versions released over the years, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the doll’s release, at the American International Toy Fair, in New York February 14, 2009. The annual event is expected to draw hundreds of toy makers and retailers to the Jacob Javits Convention Center for the next three days.

Other events this year include plans to open the brand’s first flagship store in Shanghai in March, hold a Barbie exhibit in Paris, and run a four-day National Barbie Doll Collector’s Convention in Washington, D.C., in July.

Remember this dress? I loved this dress.

Happy Birthday Barbie!

(I know. That’s ridiculous.)

thanks to Patrick Q for hand knit photos