Ruth Handler, wife of Elliot Handler the co-founder of the Mattel Corporation, got the idea for Barbie from a visit to Germany. Mattel manufactured Barbie™ ,and debuted at her the American Toy Fair in 1959. Barbie’s designer, Charlotte Johnson, first designs were a bridal gown, tennis shoes, ballerina outfit, and something for the football game. Despite strong opposition from Mattel for the fact that male dolls don’t usually do... Read more »