Barbie's Many Callings

Barbie's Careers Through 50 Years

Madonna isn't the only 50-year-old blonde bombshell with a knack for reinventing her image.  Barbie, the original material girl, is turning 50 this year and she's undergone several transformations of her own.  Introduced on March 9, 1959, Barbie debuted with strawberry blonde hair and a black-and-white striped swimsuit. 

Five decades later, Barbie has had over 108 career changes and a variety of makeup, hair styles, wardrobe, accessories, and attitude to match each one.  While women of the 60s and 70s saw Barbie as an anti-feminist doll, with her perfect blonde hair, unrealistic body, and perky smile, she still inspires many young girls today with her daring to try new things.

In this gallery, check out Barbie's many career callings through the years, starting with her first job as a teen fashion model through her run as a presidential candidate.