When Robin Gerber first wrote about Barbie and her creator,
Ruth Handler, she got to dive into world that went from girls pretending to be
mothers to girls pretending to be teachers, astronauts, doctors, artists and
presidents. In her latest release, she got to dive back into the world of
Barbie and find the answer to a 60-year-old question: How has Barbie lasted
this long, and how long could she go on?
Barbie Forever: Her Inspiration,
History, and Legacy is an important addition to Gerber’s previous work
because it goes beyond the genius behind the brand. This time around, she
explores Mattel headquarters; she meets with designers, artists, marketers and
managers of the company that first introduced Barbie in 1959. She interviews
those who know Barbie the most – her fans. She explores Barbie’s journey into
pushing boundaries and inspiring millions of women into being whoever they
wanted to be.
“…I always believed I could be anything, perhaps [Barbie]
had something to do with that,” Gerber said in a press release.
Barbie has faced controversy, but has learned and grown to
become a doll for everyone and anyone; making sure that no one was excluded
from having one that represented their race, religion, gender, shape or size.
She’s stretched far beyond the limits of a doll, turning her backstory into
films, television specials, video games and more.
The book dives into the magic of Barbie and how much longer
this fascination could last. Collectors with thousands of dolls share their
story of holding Barbie exhibitions, creating YouTube channels, sculpting
handmade clothes out of household items and decorating their homes to model
Barbie’s Dream House. By the sounds of things, Barbie isn’t going anywhere.
The exterior of the book models a coffee table read, with interior
pages of bright photos, fascinating behind-the-scenes information and lots and
lots of pink. It’s an easy read that would satisfy anyone mildly interested to fully
nostalgic about their childhood. The wide hardcover even folds out into a
poster-sized timeline of role models, including cycling champion Kristina
Vogel, scientist Eleni Antoniadou and mountaineer Karla Wheelock.
Barbie has become an international brand with more influence
than ever thought possible, and everything that she has accomplished and
continues to accomplish sparks countless conversations. She is more than just a
doll; she’s an icon.