The Ken Doll: The Early Years

No perception of the Barbie doll is absolute without contemplating her boyfriend Ken, who has gone through some transitions himself over time. Created to live in Barbies shadow, Ken has kept up with changes which have included everything from ordinary style upgrades to major plastic surgery, all to reflect current styles and make Barbie happy. From the Surfer 60s through the Disco 70s, Ken has developed quite a following and is the subject of adulation from people across the internet. Deemed a collectible in his own right, lets take a brief look at a collectors early chronology of the Ken doll (1960s - 1970s).

Born for a Lonely Barbie Doll

The Ken Doll came to life in 1961 as Barbie Dolls boyfriend and he was an immediate smash hit as Barbie fans needed her to get a companion. The first Ken Doll had flocked hair in either blonde or brunette, blue eyes and he was 12 inches tall. Ken came wearing red swimming trunks, slide sandals along with a yellow beach towel. After a while his hair grew to become thin and fell out, so uncovering an authentic Ken doll with a full head of hair is a great victory. In the years immediately following Kens first release, the Ken doll was made with molded hair (blonde or brown), and sported a classic wardrobe of clothes that would take him thru many years. Through 1964, minor improvements were made such as the release of a special limited edition of King Arthur.

The Mid 60s: Ken Goes Through Changes

After Kens initial years, the Ken doll saw significant changes. 1965 would be a watershed year for Ken; Bendable Leg Ken was a great enhancement in the Ken doll which made him considerably more lifelike. Up until that point, life-like play with Ken and Barbie dolls was very stiff and the changes made in the mobility and bendability of dolls at that time really increased the dolls popularity. Unfortunately, Kens entry into the Mod era didn't start well; 1966 saw Ken being terminated but later returned in 1968 as the Talking Ken Doll and in 1969 as Talking Ken. Talking Ken appeared with a wholly new, older look with a muscular build and cool wardrobe. Needless to say, his initial wardrobe didnt fit man-Ken, much to the disappointment of collectors.

Ken Gets Groovy in the 70s

The 1970s delivered considerable modifications to Ken that involved wardrobe, characteristics and look. Mirroring the significant cultural and stylistic changes of the times, 1971s Action Ken Doll hit the Barbie doll landscape sporting a groovy gold, psychedelic top with vest. While he still had molded brown hair, Ken definitely stood out in the crowd! That year, Malibu Ken was launched and subsequent years saw big adjustments to fashion and functionality like real rooted hair (1973s Mod Hair Ken). The late 70s introduced a completely fresh look driven by the disco fashions of the day with the arrival of Superstar Ken featuring a new face, body and wardrobe.

The Ken Doll: Barbies Ideal Boyfriend

Much like the Barbie doll, the development of the Ken doll has evolved in phases; starting simply as a young accomplice for his girlfriend Barbie and later evolving into more of a reflection of the perfect boyfriend. All through Kens early growth, the influence of popular culture can be seen with the dramatic stylistic modifications echoing the signs and styles of the times. Subsequently, the Ken doll has grown to be a popular collectible in his own right and has won the sympathy of many who view him as the adoring boyfriend who is overshadowed by the beauty, personality and ambitions of his girlfriend Barbie.