Barbie and Ken's relationship is one of the most iconic and long-standing love stories in the toy world. Since their introduction in the 1960s, the dolls have been a huge source of fascination and entertainment for children and adults alike. But there are many little-known elements of this popular duo's story that might surprise you.
In this article, we will delve into the weird and wonderful facts that everyone ignores about Barbie and Ken's relationship, from their unusual origin story to their innovative advertising campaigns and much more.
There are ‘Least-known’ Conflicting Versions of the Fashion Doll's Meet-cute
Another fascinating detail about Barbie and Ken's story is that there are conflicting versions of how they met. In some of the dolls' storybooks, they meet on a movie set, where they are both working as actors.
In other versions, they meet while vacationing in the same European country. No matter how they met, what is important is that they "clicked," and their love story has endured for decades.
Barbie and Ken Were Siblings in Real Life
One fact about Barbie and Ken's relationship that most people don't know is that they were named after a real-life brother and sister. The creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, named the dolls after her own children, Barbara and Kenneth.
Thus, this sweet gesture added an extra touch of sentimentality to the dolls' story. And endears them even more to fans today.
Ken's Creation was a Direct Response to Mass Outrage Among Consumers
What many people do not realize is that Ken was actually created as a response to consumer outrage. When Barbie first hit the market, many parents were concerned that their daughters would perceive her as an unrealistic and damaging standard of beauty.
In response to these concerns, Mattel created Ken as an idealized male counterpart to Barbie. This helped to assuage parents' fears and created another exciting character for children to play with.
Barbies and Ken Have Not Consummated Their Relationship, Unlike the Popular Belief
There is a persistent myth that Barbie and Ken have consummated their relationship. But this could not be further from the truth. Despite rumors to the contrary, Mattel has always maintained that these dolls are simply meant to be friends.
In fact, many of the dolls' storylines center around their platonic adventures together. Rather than mere romantic entanglements.
Quick Sum Up & Recap
Barbie and Ken's relationship is one of the most interesting and enduring love stories in the world of toys. From their unusual origin story to their innovative and controversial advertising campaigns, there are many little-known details that make their story even more fascinating.
Whatever the future holds for these two iconic dolls, it is clear that they will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come.