Barbie and Ken

Will the love truly ever end!?

Ken was introduced to Barbie in 1961. It was love at first sight! He had flocked blond or brunette hair in red cotton swim trunks with white side stripes. He wore sandals with a yellow terry towel.

Ken kept right up there with Barbie. In the 1970’s Mattel introduced a bendable leg Ken, Talking Ken, Walk Lively and Malibu Ken. He had fashions as well so that he could travel and stay up with Barbie and her busy schedule.

The first porcelain Ken was made in celebration of his 30th Anniversary. He wore the tuxedo fashion with an undershirt and boxers. He had flocked black hair just like the original Ken in 1961.

Mattel did great when they started creating Barbie and Ken Giftsets. It started with the Stars n Stripes Set like Army, Pop Culture Set like Star Trek, Together Forever like Romeo & Juliet, Tango and Waltz and The Raider.

In 2003 the first Silkstone Ken was created in the Barbie Fashion Model Collection. He was called Fashion Insider. He came in his under shorts and t-shirt with a nice suit displayed next to him.

Just before Valentine’s Day in 2004 after 43 years Ken and Barbie announce the romance was over between them. Rumors flew and assumptions were made as to why Mattel would do such a thing.

In 2006 at Toy Fair in New York City which was 2 years after the breakup Mattel debuted “I’m Back Ken” He was exclusive to the Toys R US on Times Square and very limited quantities was made. He wore a t-shirt that said “I’m Back” and looked handsome as ever! His box shows a great timeline for Ken. The pictures on the box were a great addition to the Ken doll inside. They also did a great recreation of Ken for his 45th Anniversary. He was back in his swim suit with his towel.

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