Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Barbie and Ken '62 (PART ONE)
Back in July 2010, I posted a Barbie catalog from 1963 (click HERE for it) --and now today I have the first in a two-part post featuring the amazing Barbie and Ken catalog from the previous year of 1962, this one overflowing with exceptionally gorgeous artwork and eye popping design and color as well. When you hear someone say "They sure don't make 'em like they used to!" this is a good example of what they're talking about. Anyone out there wanna help me bring back the "Open Road" look for girls? Please? Part 2 is up next and will focus on fashion packs for both Barbie and Ken, plus other neato related accessories like games, patterns, the Dream House-- and hey, even Midge shows up (in a bikini) again too! See ya in a few...
I LOVE THAT THEY ALL HAVE TITLES for the outfits. How did I never know about that? "Open Road" and "Red Flare" are my favorites--- these are so cool!
ReplyDeletewow - these are incredible. and not just the illustrations. they're beautiful - but man - those outfits!!!!!! i totally love the Open Road one, but also the Winter Holiday one too with the plaid case and the clashing patterns! and of course i totally love the Sweater Girl - and the Suburban Shopper with a fruit-filled tote! The Mood for Music outfit is super fab too - but they all are really. even the somewhat frumpy Singing in the Shower one looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteman - i seriously want to start collecting Barbies and accessories now.
damn you, karswell!!!
So far it's unanimous-- the OPEN ROAD look needs a comeback! After I finish up this catalog in the next post, maybe we'll look at what the Barbies REALLY look like in these outfits. Sound fun? I've got just the thing...
ReplyDeletedamn. you mean you have these outfits????? my god. do you have the little nighties too??? i love those - obv.
ReplyDeleteNot quite... you'll see ;)
DeleteCan't wait for the comparisons, but I can't believe they'll live up to this art. This is a treasure chest. I love how Barbie comes off as an agent or some international Master of Disguise--I mean, just look at that nurse. She up to more than merely palping BPs.
ReplyDeleteMy fave's gotta be scan five. You know how much I love textile patterns in commercial art. I also love that Evening Splendour look (that's the MI-6 spelling, eh Babs?) with the overcoat falling to the same length as the dress. Dig that little peek of sky blue silk lining. I'd buy that outfit for my sweetie in a heartbeat.
Haha, yes indeed Mr C, I do know what you like... I also know you like astro stuff, so wait'll you see what's coming up next week :)
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of a saying I saw some years ago,
ReplyDelete"When I grow up I want to be just like Barbie, that bitch has everything!"
I wonder what some of those vintige Barbie outfits would fetch today? Most likely more than $3 each (I'm too lazy to look up Barbie outfits on Ebay but I can only guess what the prices are)
In a coincidence of near-cosmic proportions, my wife brought home those two Barbie catalogs today, which she got at her part-time gig, the Assistance League thrift store. I told her I had just seen the Barbie and Ken catalog on your blog. I think that is very cool, and I'm going to chalk it up to synchronicity.
ReplyDeleteI think these little booklets were included with every Barbie doll, and maybe were printed in the millions...but knowing kids and toys and packaging they were probably tossed out after Christmas.
Personally, I'd like to see Barbie in her "Singing in the Shower" outfit with Ken in his "Terry Togs." We'd know then they were playing house!
My wife also brought home the other catalogue you mention, with Midge in her bikini...I think Annette wore the same thing in one of her beach movies.