Fans mobbed a fashion show at New York’s Fashion Week last month, where models took to the runway in 50 new designer outfits to celebrate Barbie’s life of fashion.
On Saturday, specialty toy store chain Toys “R” Us is due to hold a Barbie party at its flagship store in Manhattan.
STILL A ROLE MODEL?
“Growing up, my sister had the nurse outfit for Barbie and my sister became a nurse,” said Nancy Parsons, 50, who has been collecting Barbie dolls for 25 years.
“It was what she was, what she could be. It gave even little girls the idea that ‘I could do that,’” Parsons said.
Parsons, who prefers the vintage Barbie and has amassed a collection of about 500 dolls, is president of the Western Pennsylvania Doll Club, which is hosting the 2009 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention in Washington in June.
The event, Parsons said, draws collectors who show and sell Barbie dolls, clothes and other items made for the doll.
Other collectors said they are ardent Barbie fans. But is she still a hit with youngsters?
Sales of Barbie dolls declined 6 percent in the US and 28 percent overseas in the last quarter.
It is far from certain if Mattel’s efforts to spark greater interest in Barbie by lighting birthday candles around the world will pay off.
But one thing was evident in the looks on faces of dejected fans, ranging in age from tots with parents to college students and business people who were turned away at the crowded fashion show — Barbie still has a devoted audience.
“I really don’t see Barbie disappearing at all,” said Stephanie Gentile, 25, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a Barbie collector for nine years.
“She’s still so popular with collectors and young girls alike. She’s still got another 50 years in her,” she said.
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