Barbie trivia

How much do you know about the world's most famous plastic princess? Which one, you ask sarcastically? The Barbie doll, of course:

Mattel sold 300,000 Barbie dolls in 1959, her inaugural year.

Barbie is from Willows, Wis., and attended Willows High School.

Barbie has four sisters: Skipper (1964), Stacie (1992), Kelly (1995) and Krissy (1995).

The first Barbie with the blond or brunette ponytail and black-and-white striped bathing suit sold for $3. A mint-condition 1959 Barbie is worth an estimated $27,450 today.

Ken, Barbie's first boyfriend, debuted in 1961. Barbie and Ken broke up on Valentine's Day in 2004 after 43 years together. But they're still "friends."

The early Barbie's "real" measurements are 5 inches (bust), 3¼ inches (waist) and 5 3/16 inches (hips). Barbie was redesigned in 1997 to give her a thicker waist, slimmer hips and smaller chest.

Barbie has never been married or pregnant.

The best-selling Barbie - 10 million dolls - was the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie, with tresses from head to toe.

Barbie has had more than 108 careers.

Barbie has owned 50 pets, including dogs, horses, ponies,

cats, a parrot, a chimpanzee, a panda, a lion cub, a giraffe and a zebra.

Barbie has worn costumes of 50 nationalities.

There wasn't an African-American or Hispanic Barbie until 1980.

During last month's Fashion Week in New York, 50 designers showcased Barbie-inspired looks. An official birthday party will be staged tomorrow at a real Malibu dream house styled by famed interior designer Jonathan Adler. Barbie boutiques will open in Paris and Shanghai. Barbie-themed candy, clothing and home décor will be sold during the year.

Source: Mattel Inc.