An analysis of the ‘States 75 most-popular Christmas gifts found that a total of 2,598 shipments of Barbie products were received in the US throughout August and September, [...]]]> According to Toy News Fashion doll Barbie is the US’ most imported Christmas gift, according to a survey comissioned by Bloomberg Businessweek.

An analysis of the ‘States 75 most-popular Christmas gifts found that a total of 2,598 shipments of Barbie products were received in the US throughout August and September, when retailers receive Christmas stock.

Barbie’s popularity continues to rise despite competition from other doll brands. Recovering from a slip in 2008, US sales of Barbie went up 4 per cent in 2009 and 14 percent in 2010.

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To ensure Architect Barbie® captured the spirit and style of young [...]]]> For more than 50 years, Barbie® has empowered girls to dream big and explore a world without limits. This year, Barbie® unveils I Can Be …TM Architect, encouraging a new generation of girls to pursue a career in architecture.

To ensure Architect Barbie® captured the spirit and style of young architects, Barbie® designers consulted with two female members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) — Despina Stratigakos, Professor of Architectural History at the University at Buffalo and Kelly Hayes McAlonie, Associate Director of the Capital Planning Group at the University at Buffalo and the 2011 President Elect for AIA New York State.

Barbie® is ready to tackle the daily responsibilities of a professional architect, wearing a symmetrically stylish outfit with bold colors and clean lines showcasing a city skyline. She also carries essential accessories for the job, including a hard hat for safety, a carrying case for her latest designs, and a model of her newest Dream House.

Architect Barbie®, the brand’s ‘career of the year,’ enters the design field on the 125th anniversary of women’s acceptance to professional architectural associations.

Available August 2011 at retailers nationwide, Architect Barbie® will be available in Caucasian and African American versions.

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On March 11 we see the 50th Birthday of our favourite male arm candy, the one and only Mr Ken Carson. Of late he has really come into his own with a scene stealing role in Toy Story 3 and his very public [...]]]>

On March 11 we see the 50th Birthday of our favourite male arm candy, the one and only Mr Ken Carson. Of late he has really come into his own with a scene stealing role in Toy Story 3 and his very public mission to win back the love of his life, Barbie.

Way to go Ken and a very happy birthday to ya!

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After several months of online flirting on Twitter, facebook et al the love birds finally made it official on Valentines day. Announced via billboards placed in major cities all over the [...]]]>

Together again...

Well it was the season of love so it was good timing for the most famous of dolls to mend their long broken relationship!

After several months of online flirting on Twitter, facebook et al the love birds finally made it official on Valentines day. Announced via billboards placed in major cities all over the world.

Congratulations to the two of them. Lets hope it lasts this time round!

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One of the most iconic and beloved couples of all time, Barbie and Ken are synonymous with EPIC romance. Wherever Barbie happens to be, Ken isn’t far behind. Best known as Barbie doll’s Prince [...]]]> It all started in the spring of 1961. Ken Carson was new on the scene and love was in the air…

One of the most iconic and beloved couples of all time, Barbie and Ken are synonymous with EPIC romance. Wherever Barbie happens to be, Ken isn’t far behind. Best known as Barbie doll’s Prince Charming, arm candy and stylish counterpart, Ken is also known as confident, considerate, and of course, the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion. And just like any true romance, their love story is one for the ages—complete with headline-grabbing breakups, trendsetting styles and a love that has endured over five decades.

First introduced at the American International Toy Fair as Barbie doll’s boyfriend, Ken doll arrived on the scene March 11, 1961, standing 12-inches tall and sporting his now famous “molded” plastic hair. He was dashing and different from any other doll on the shelf with his red bathing suit trunks, yellow beach towel and sandals. A few weeks following the fanfare of his global debut, Ken met Barbie for the first time on the set of their first television commercial together. As soon as he laid eyes on the blonde beauty, it was love at first sight. The rest as they say, is history.

ROMANCE BLOSSOMS…

Thrust into the spotlight as America’s most fashionable “first man,” Ken and his leading lady took center stage as the power “It” couple. Together, this dynamic duo has been a constant reflection of the times—sporting each decade’s trendiest fashions and hairstyles plus launching careers that inspired generations of fans.

During the 70s, the couple stepped out together with the grooviest hairstyles of the decade as Quick Curl Barbie and Superstar Ken. One of their most instantly recognizable looks, Sun Lovin Malibu Barbie and Sun Lovin Malibu Ken made sun-kissed tans all the rage. Throughout the ,80s, the couple continued to set trends with their big hair and flashy style as Dream Date Barbie and Dream Date Ken. Barbie and Ken concentrated on their acting and professional careers throughout the ,90s, starring in 10 movies together. They also tried on new roles as Olympians, pilots and dancers—never losing sight of their adoration for each other. It wasn’t until the new millennium that it would all change for Ken.

THE BREAKUP

On Valentine’s Day 2004, after more than 43 years together, Hollywood’s quintessential couple decided to spend time apart. Creating a worldwide sensation, Barbie began dating Blaine, an Aussie surfer who charmed his way into her heart. However, proving that true love stays in your heart forever, Ken made a big play to get Barbie back in 2006. He enlisted the help of celebrity stylist, Phillip Bloch to impress Barbie with a “Hollywood makeover.” Although Ken scored big points with Barbie for the effort and new look, the two dolls remained just friends.

ON AGAIN?

After several low key, behind-the-scenes years, Ken decided it was time to step out in a big way in 2010. In the spring of that year, Ken reignited his mass pop culture appeal with his critically acclaimed self-portrayal and starring role in Toy Story 3. Ken was back as the ultimate bachelor. He became a social media butterfly with new profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare and the inspiration for an all-new digital reality series, “Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend.” Everyone’s favorite male fashion doll even got the Big Apple buzzing as he made special appearances during Fashion’s Night Out.

With all the hype, newfound fame and attention, Ken hopes at least one pair of baby blues is watching him. An inspired romantic, Ken believes in true love…and that this epic love story is far from over.

Pick a Pair, Rock the Look.

The all-American staple in any wardrobe – denim- is going from ordinary to extraordinary with Barbie Basics™.  Taking classic blue jeans to new heights, the Barbie Basics™ Denim Collection includes 12 dolls, including – nine females and for the first time, three male models, [...]]]> Barbie Basics™ Denim Collection

Pick a Pair, Rock the Look.

The all-American staple in any wardrobe – denim- is going from ordinary to extraordinary with Barbie Basics™.  Taking classic blue jeans to new heights, the Barbie Basics™ Denim Collection includes 12 dolls, including – nine females and for the first time, three male models, which are new to the collection.  Rocking denim in an array of different cuts and colors, each of the dolls showcases a unique hair style and skin tone, and is dressed in a variety of detailed jeans that feature real pockets and metal grommets. The spring 2011 collection focuses on daytime denim looks complimented by basic tees and tanks.

Each Barbie Basics™ doll can be customized to represent every Barbie girl’s unique personal style by using the chic accessories packs to glam up each basic outfit.  Complete with stylish tops, jackets, sunglasses, purses, jewelry, and even sky-high stilettos, basic denim has never been so much fun!

Disney/Pixar and Mattel Toys have unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with heartthrob and star of new “Ken is a really passionate and emotional guy and he digs that Barbie is such a formidable woman”— Michael Keaton

Disney/Pixar and Mattel Toys have unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with heartthrob and star of new Toy Story 3 movie Ken.

Ahead of his starring turn in the highly anticipated three-quel, which opens in cinemas across the UK on 21 July 2010, Ken talks about his new role in the movie as well as what life is like for the world’s favorite bachelor.

According to Director Lee Unkrich, “The idea of putting Ken in the film just felt rife with comic potential.  Ken is a guy who is ostensibly a girl’s toy, and he’s also really nothing more than an accessory for Barbie.  He is no more important than a pair of shoes or a purse.  We figured he had to be pretty insecure about those things, and tried to tap into that as much as possible.  He’s really into clothes, being the ultimate fashion maven. He wears a different outfit in every scene in the movie.”

Barbie meets Ken; is this a Toy Story Love Story?

Michael Keaton provides the voice of Ken, a character he connected with from the start.  “He’s fantastic,” says Keaton. “I love this guy.  He’s emotional.  He’s crazy about Barbie and he’s got a lot of outfits—a lot of outfits.”

One of the true highlights of Toy Story 2 was the introduction of Barbie.  In Toy Story 3, she takes on an even greater role and meets the man of her dreams when she encounters Ken atSunnyside Daycare.  Like all great screen romances, this relationship has its share of challenges, but this one takes on some particularly fascinating twists and turns.

Mattel will release a Barbie & Ken Toy Story 3 Gift Set to commemorate the moment the world’s most famous toy couple met.  Barbie is sporting her glamorous dazzling blue all-in-one workout leotard, finished with pink leg warmers.  Meanwhile, style-conscious Ken looks dapper in a key look from several costume changes from the movie – a suave blue outfit complete with matching scarf and deck shoes.

“It’s impossible not to have fun with Ken and to take him as far as you can,” says story supervisor Jason Katz. “He’s this wonderfully insecure kind of guy.  We’ve played him as a mid-eighties California beach guy who’s very handsome but incredibly shallow and awkward.  And I think Michael Keaton has a way of playing that which is so awesome.”

The first Toy Story film was released in 1996 and a phenomenal success. Now fifteen years later, the toys are back as we see the return of some of some of the most well known toys in the world as well as some new ones.