This project aims to re-discover history through one of America’s iconic toys - the Barbie doll. There has been a considerable amount of change in Barbie’s packaging, marketing, and wardrobe ever since her inception, and the goal is to analyze the evolution of societal trends Barbie has embodied over the years, as well as her representation in popular culture.

The project will capture photographs of the collection and develop a profile of Kathy Mecca, a Barbie collector ever since the doll was introduced in early ‘60’s. The collection includes 275 Barbie dolls in mint condition, all of which offer glimpses into popular culture with themes of Hollywood, fashion over the decades, and theme-based dolls (such as Architect Barbie), to demonstrate the manufactured desires of young women.

By examining the collection and profiling the collector, this project will examine how this alluring icon developed, and its impact on popular culture.

The Collector [Visiting Mecca in Eden]

is Kathy’s mother, and the finder of most of Kathy’s Barbie collection, yet Pat insists she didn’t get Kathy her first doll. “Santa did,” she said.

Pat started buying dolls for Kathy fifty years ago, and would give them to her daughter as presents for Christmas, birthdays, and even after trips as souvenirs, “I buy them whenever I can find them.”

Hunting grounds include Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and other department stores.

Pat’s wish? For Mattel to make a senior Barbie resembling her. One that has red hair and drives a Turquoise T-Bird convertible.

“They (Mattel) must go along with the ages!” she chuckled.

References Metcalf, T., & LaFranco, R. (2013, March 13). Lego builds new billionaires as toymaker topples Mattel. Bloomberg. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-13/lego-builds- new-billionaires-as-toymaker-topples-mattel.html Lavinthal, D., & Steele, V. (1998). Barbie Millicent Roberts: An original. New York: Pantheon Books.

Shu Yee Rachel Lim, shuyeera@buffalo.edu Faculty Advisor: Debra Kolodczak, Ph.D.

Special thanks to: Megan Tomassian (Style Editor) & Nicholas Leonard (Photographer)

The Doll Finder Patricia (Pat) Mecca

UB Department of Communication, Celebration of Academic Excellence 2013

Barbie Millicent Roberts

An iconic American doll was born fifty-four

years ago during the Golden Age of the French

haute couture; a time when young girls

everywhere dreamed of wearing the latest

fashions from Paris.

Like couture clothing, Barbie’s fashions were

custom made with hand sewn buttons, seams and

hems. Her original clothes even had real pockets

and linings!

Eden, NY - Tucked away in the back of a cozy insurance agent’s workplace, eighteen boxes stacked neat and high contain nothing close to office supplies. Instead, they hold one hundred-eighty Barbie dolls and various Barbie collectibles, all in mint condition.

This is the majority of Kathleen (Kathy) Mecca’s Barbie collection, from years 1991 to 2009. On why she collects Barbie dolls: “Oh I just loved them! I don’t know why,” she gushed. And she maintains her Barbie dolls in tip-top shape by keeping most of her dolls just as they come – packaged.

Kathy describes Barbie as a toy that enters every girl’s life at some point. For Kathy, that point occurred one Christmas in 1962, when she was eight years old. It was the first Barbie doll ever produced by Mattel. That Barbie ventured out of her box. “She (Barbie) went to work as a nurse, came back in the afternoon to play tennis, and at night she went out,” said Kathy.

Perhaps it’s Barbie’s reflection of girlhood that so intrigued Kathy. Dressing Barbie is a tedious feat – much like how ladies put in effort to dress. “She wasn’t an easy doll to put together. We (Kathy and her friends) took time to put her clothes on and off when we switched our Barbies into new outfits,” said Kathy.

When asked about Barbie’s evolution over time, Kathy felt that Barbie has remained the same more than she has changed. For instance, Barbie’s appearance and styles may have evolved, but Barbie’s attitude towards fashion is constant. “People don’t get dressed up anymore. They go out casual all the time, wearing shorts to dinner,” Kathy laughed. But Barbie will always dress to impress.

Fifty years have passed since Kathy got her first Barbie doll, and she still receives dolls from her mother Patricia Mecca (see The Doll Finder) every now and then. “I told her to stop! But she can’t help it. We are addicted to collecting Barbie, she’s just so pretty.”

One thing is certain - the appearance of Box 19 will hardly be surprising! Luxury Comes In A Box

Iconic Barbie Dolls

Theme-Based Barbie Dolls

Apart from being an icon herself, Barbie has managed to stay on the pop culture radar as she continuously adapts with the latest runway styles and social trends. From upholding liberty to being Wonder woman; from having a pilot license to practicing dentistry, Barbie has indeed come a long way from being just a fashion doll.

Without even trying, the iconic doll also sparks key debates about American pluralism and gender stereotyping, and adds incredible worth to her manufacturer’s market value. According to a Bloomberg report by Metcalf and LaFranco (2013), Barbie’s maker Mattel has a market capitalization of $14.4 billion.

Barbie is manufactured to break frontiers. She explores careers, activities, and themes that are beyond the ordinary. She represents an attitude, or way of thinking – that young girls can be whoever they want to be, and do whatever they want to do. With a Barbie doll, young girls may dream.

Conclusion

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