The Evolution of the Barbie Logo: From Classic Elegance to Modern Fun
Like so many other kids, I grew up completely Barbie-crazed. I hoarded the dolls, paired them with various Kens, and gave them elaborate backstories (courtesy of the soap operas I watched with my grandma). I spent hours playing with my aunt’s 1965 Barbie, Ken, Midge, Skipper, and Scooter, and I still remember when Santa brought me my Barbie dream house, which—come to think of it—looked suspiciously like the one my cousins had before me.
Part of my obsession was the fact that I was dead-set on never outgrowing pretend. I stubbornly believed I would play with dolls forever. Obviously, things ran their course as they do, and despite my best efforts, I outgrew my Barbies right on time. Still, I never really stopped loving the Barbie brand.
So, when I heard that some of my favorite filmmakers were making a Barbie movie? Forget about it. I’ll be there. And it’s not just me—so many adults are pumped for this movie about a doll.
So, what’s the deal? Why does this brand still inspire me and so many adults like me? Sure, there’s nostalgia at play, but I think most of it comes down to the power of long-term branding.
Barbie is an established product with her own iconic, Barbie logo and her own shade of pink. The style is shockingly—well—girly! When other brands work so hard to be palatable for everyone, Barbie unabashedly markets to one specific demographic. And I couldn’t love that more.
So, in the spirit of our favorite high-profile doll, I thought it would be fun to see how the Barbie logo has changed over time, as well as the look and feel of the Barbie brand. Plus, we’ve created some Barbie palettes in case you’re feeling extra inspired to do a Barbie makeover.
Original Barbie logo (1950s - 1970s)
The first Barbie doll and her logo were introduced in 1959, courtesy of Ruth and Elliot Handler. Ruth, a savvy go-getter and salesperson, was the mind behind Barbie. She also lead the toy division at a company founded by her husband, Elliot, and their friend, “Matt” Matson: Mattel.
Not only did Matson and Elliot combine their names to form a brand name that would live on, but the doll names were personal, too. The Handlers’ took inspiration from their own children, Barbara and Ken, and thus, Barbie and Ken were born.
Not only would Barbie change the game of toys forever, but the original Barbie logo would set the stage for the brand moving forward. Written in a flowing cursive script with a loopy B, this image has evolved over the years but has always held strong to its roots.
Glam Barbie logo (1970s-1990s)
During the 1970s and into the early 1990s, Barbie embraced a glamorous look, as did her logo. With chunky, bold type and a long shadow creating a 3D effect, this logo was a vibrant change for the brand. Even though this is arguably the most unique Barbie logo in the bunch, it still maintains its signature loop on the B. While no longer the official Barbie logo, it has made a comeback in the Barbie movie.
Simplified glam Barbie logo (1990s)
Short-lived but iconic! This flat logo is a simpler version of its former self and the most straightforward of the Barbie logos. Even the B loop is omitted, keeping the logo modern and simple a la the 90s. While it only had prominence in one decade, it carried Barbie into a new time.
Early aughts Barbie logos (1999 - 2009)
It’s safe to say Barbie had a bit of an identity crisis in the early aughts. She broke up with Ken after a 43-year relationship, had a whole string of new careers, and her logo changed multiple times over the course of a decade. The logo reverted back to a more fluid script before finally landing on its current form.
Current Barbie logo (2009 - now)
The Barbie logo in its current form is very similar to the original, showing a brand that’s classic and proud of its roots. You’ll sometimes see it paired with with an image of Barbie’s profile, too.
Barbie color palettes
We all know Barbie’s signature shade of magenta, which is actually Pantone color “Barbie Pink” (hex #e0218a). You know you’ve made it once Pantone names a color after you!
Signature color aside, Barbie still rocks other shades from time to time. Below we have Barbie-inspired color palettes you can use for your closet, dream home, and more.
Barbie’s signature pink gradient
hex #e0218a, hex #ed5c9b, hex #f18dbc, hex #f7b9d7, hex #facde5
Whether bold or muted is your style, Barbie has shades of pink for you.
Vintage Barbie color palette
hex #cbb79e, hex #878988, hex #d4b26b, hex #593825
Vintage Barbie will probably always be my favorite. For one, I love midcentury design. Secondly, Barbie & co were so stylish! I love how muted the tones were for the original Barbie boxes and and outfits.
60s mod Barbie color palette
hex #EA5DD2, hex #F28D31, hex #FBEA33, hex #9FE61C, hex #62E1DB
If soft tones aren’t your thing, then you’re in luck. From this point forward, Barbie is never subtle in her color choices again. But when you’re Barbie, you don’t have to be subtle.
70s/80s Barbie color palette
hex #7d508a, hex # 288ad9, hex #e66c91, hex #ef76a2
When Barbie hit her glam era, the colors maintained their brightness and fun, too. The Barbie movie clearly pulled a lot of inspiration from this time!
90s Barbie color palette
hex #DA498D, hex #FEEC33, hex #AC839F, hex #3990C2, hex #3D8744
The bright colors continue into the 90s, although we see the art style change yet again for Barbie. Not only is the logo different, but the branding moved away from art and focused more on photography.
Modern Barbie color palette
hex #E7DB2E, hex #B4A9C3, hex #99D0E5, hex #C13C5F
In recent years, the Barbie brand has tried to be more inclusive in both doll options and design. Interestingly, we’re seeing a return to Barbie’s classic logo, along with a more artistic concept of Barbie and her friends.
Conclusion
Obviously, Barbie has been, is, (and will always be?) a sensation. I had so much fun diving into the history of the logos as well as creating color palettes inspired by one of my favorite gals, Barbie herself. And if you’re in Nashville when the movie comes out, maybe we should go see it together?
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