International Barbie production
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler, wife of Elliot Handler, co-founder of Mattel in 1958, producing and selling only in the US. In the 70s, during the crisis, he fired He brought Ruth and expanded Barbie on every continent with Barbie Malibu.
In the 70s, the United States suffered economically as a result of the war with Vietnam, due to this, there were cuts due to enormous losses that the company had suffered and Ruth Handler (creator of Barbie) left to belong to the squad. To try to make a comeback, Mattel decided to provide licenses to several countries for the manufacture and distribution of Barbie to gain entry into other countries that, due to their political situation, limited exports to promote the growth of the national industry, to facilitate acceptance by girls and their parents when adapting to the culture of each country.
At this time Barbie already had “her playmates” and a large number of accessories and sets that complemented his world. Mattel continued producing its various Barbie lines in the US, in parallel with these companies. Every year, Mattel sent these companies the prototype of the Barbie doll that it was going to manufacture and that the companies also had to manufacture, so it was produced in the US, It was also done in other countries, although these always had from slight to total alterations of the “original” American, for this reason, Many times we can know the manufacturer just by seeing the makeup or any characteristic details of the manufacturers.
In 1993, Mattel decided to withdraw the concession from industries in all Latin American countries because they have recovered from their losses and to once again have absolute control of the manufacturing of their dolls and other toys that were also manufactured under license.
Around 1977, the American company Mattel allowed a Spanish company, Congost, to manufacture and distribute some of its most emblematic products. Among them was Barbie, a collaboration that would continue approximately until 1984. It would then be manufactured by Mattel Spain until 1990.
Molds belonging to Mattel were used in manufacturing, but the finishes were different from those of the international prototype, showing differences in hair, makeup and clothing, to adapt to the Spanish physical type. Some models were also created that were distributed exclusively in the Peninsula, such as Barbie Top Model (1989) or Barbie 10th Anniversary in Spain (1987), dressed by Pertegaz.
In the 70s, the manufacturing of Mattel products was carried out by CIPSA and in the 80s it was by Aurimat.
The Barbies of the 70's in Mexico were manufactured by the company Cipsa in the country of Mexico itself, creating in the early 70's the character Valerie, Barbie's friend, only available in this country, and which is quite difficult to find.
Barbie Quick Curl was made in Mexico with different makeup than the “original model” and a “steffie” face mold.
Tracey's boyfriend Todd had Ken's '83 face mold in Mexico, different from the “original” Todd who used the Ken Superstar face mold.
In 1981, the Mexican businessman Federico Valdés, owner and founder of Auriga Plásticas (1969), also decided to enter the toy sector, for which he created a new company called Aurimat. At that time, the leading company in the sector was Lilí Ledy (1956-1985), which had a wide and varied catalogue, with two very different lines: one for girls (Lilí) and another for boys (Ledy). In the first, the popular dolls such as Lagrimitas, Fabiola or Señorita Lilí stood out; in the second, the Nuclear Man, the Action Adventurers (the Mexican GI Joe, under license from Hasbro) or the Star Wars figures (under license from Kenner). These would be one of Lilí Ledy's great successes, especially after 1982, when she also obtained the license to manufacture and market the 10-centimeter figures.
Starting in 1983, Aurimat began to manufacture and market some successful Mattel toys, such as Hot Wheels, Los Amos del Universo (Mexican He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe) or, of course, new Barbies. Today, Mexico continues to be one of the most important markets for Mattel, in which it occupies a predominant position.
The same day that the founder of Auriga Plásticas registers the Aurimat brand, he also registers another of the same type called Mattoy. The fact that both brands ended or started with Mat could indicate that the agreement between Federico Valdés and Mattel existed before Aurimat was created. Or, what is the same, that Aurimat was born from that agreement.
Barbies manufactured in Latin America by the Estrela company in Brazil, which did not export to other countries unlike others that did. The dolls created by Estrela are world famous, due to their detailed and elaborate makeup, in addition to their costumes and the use of articulated arms.
Some of the models made in the early 80's are really daring, such as New Wave Barbie, with colorful costumes and pink and blue hair.
Some popular examples are Barbie Passeio, produced only in Brazil, as well as Barbie Ciclista. Most of these dolls are quite expensive, especially Lia and Vicky, Barbie's friends who were only available in Brazil.
The Barbie dolls manufactured in Venezuela between the years 84 and 94 were by the company Rotoplast, under license from Mattel. The main headquarters of Rotoplast was located in San Felipe, Yaracuy State,
which in addition to manufacturing and distributing in Venezuela, exported to Colombia.
Rotoplast dolls have particular and unique features
- The characteristic makeup of a Venezuelan Barbie is violet shadow and eyes and red lips.
Venezuelan Barbies used REAL brush (blush).
The rumor about the withdrawal of the Barbie license in Venezuela was for reasons of "quality" in the plastic that causes a serious defect in the part of the neck, just where it connects with the head, It tends to deteriorate causing headless Barbies.
Rotoplast created several unique models made only in Venezuela such as Barbie Llanera, Miss Barbie, Magia Azul, De Moda, etc. - The tones of the hair and the quality of the synthetic hair were very shiny and silky in dark brown tones, very ashy blondes and the platinum blonde that was the most common in other countries. ses.
Dolls such as Barbie Crystal, Barbie Corazon and others were produced in parallel with the original American model and their main variation is their well-known and popular violet makeup. Rotoplas launched own models of Barbie dolls, such as:
- Barbie "in fashion" launched in 1984. This doll wore a luxury dress interchangeable with other pieces in her wardrobe. The long tubular skirt could be used as a stole. When removing the tubular skirt, The dress looked like it had a short skirt.
- The Blue Magic Barbie doll, also released in 1984, was inspired by a dress that came out in 1984. in the United States the previous year, Barbie Superstar Spectacular Fashions Blue Magic Skater Mix Match. The dress was sold as a fad in the United States.
- Miko Tropical launched in 1986. This Afro-descendant doll had extra-long hair and was very famous. Today it is highly sought after by collectors from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Chile, the United States, Spain, Italy, achieved high figures in online auctions.
- The same year, when Mattel shipped The prototype of the doll that they would launch that year, Rotoplast decided to create it. make his own model and created Barbie Spring doll and the Spring Ken doll. The Barbie doll wore an elegant white dress and lace bow, pink flowers on the dress and hair and an umbrella decorated with lace, with their respective heels matching the dress and comb. The doll also included a star-shaped base for posing. The Ken doll was wearing a white suit similar to hers, with a bowtie and pink bow. These dolls They caused such a furor that the owners of Rotoplast were invited to Marietta Santana's A Puerta Cerrada program, and they said that that year the company received an award from Mattel for creating the best dolls in Latin America and for taking care of the manufacturing details, such as the manual placement of the “blush” real (blush or rouge), and also by the quality of the dolls.
- La Barbie Llanera along with Ken Llanero were released a few years later, in 1987. These dolls were inspired by the Venezuelan plains. Barbie wore a flowered skirt and her hair was brown and Ken was wearing Liqui-liqui. In 2011, Mattel launched A Barbie doll that represented Venezuelan traditions hit the market: El Joropo, a doll that personifies one of the artistic traditions and most emblematic cultural attractions of the country.
- The same year, Rotoplas launched the Miss Barbie doll. This was inspired by Miss Universe Bárbara Palacios, decked out in an outfit similar to that of Barbie Llanera. With brown hair, Violet eyes and her unique smile, the doll wore a white dress with delicate lace, complemented with heels, a crown and the fuchsia-colored winning band that accredited her as Miss Universe. .
- The Barbie Llanera/De Moda doll, also released in 1987, she was elegantly dressed in a Venezuelan fashion called: ‘Poplin and lace’ From the early eighties, she is a classic and delicate model. This doll is a real mystery for Venezuelan collectors, some people say that she is a version of the Llanera Barbie, other people say that they have seen her with a simple dress like lsquo;Fun to Dress", this makes her a highly desired and collectible doll.
- Barbie Esmeralda, launched in 1991, from the precious stones collection, she wore a green dress and jewelry that simulated this stone.
- Barbie Aquamarine, was also released the same year and is also from the precious stones collection, she wore a blue suit and a stole, with imitation jewelry that simulated the aquamarine stone.
A Venezuelan Barbie doll in those days (1984-1989) cost between Bs. 365 and Bs.395. Its accessories such as the Dream Store (the dream or department store) cost 100,000 euros. 1395 Bs, high prices for the time.
In 1993 Mattel withdrew the manufacturing concession to all companies, including Rotoplast. In order not to lose market, the company adapted the workhorse that belonged to Barbie with Irene Sáez as an image to create a doll with her name so she can save the company. Four models were then produced: the 1995 special collection Irene, the university graduate Irene, the sportsman Irene and the liqui-liqui Irene. They also made other models inspired by the misses of those days: Jackeline Aguilera, Alicia Machado (Miss Universe 1996), among others. In an attempt to recover the market they were losing, They created a new character called Jill, with her they used all the fabrics and other materials that they used in Barbie. They were not well received, they never surpassed Barbie and many copies remained on the stands of toy stores. So Rotoplast was losing customers, they put everything that was left in stock on sale and changed of owners, now Rotoplast is called Carambola Toys and makes plastic balls.
Currently, the dolls manufactured by Rotoplast are highly valued, many collectors worldwide want to obtain them and can pay high prices.
Barbies manufactured in Latin America by the Top Toys company in Argentina, which in addition to manufacturing and distributing in Argentina, exported to Uruguay.
Top Toys marketed Ken under the name Kenny, giving him a special touch.
One of the most popular Kennys is Kenny Rock Star (Barbie and The Rockers from the USA).
An example of Barbie is Happy Holidays Barbie, who in Argentina wore a pink dress and was ultimately very different from the “original model” that was produced in parallel in the US.
Barbies manufactured in Latin America by the Plásticas Gloria company in Chile.
Barbies manufactured in Latin America in the 80s and 90s by the Basa company from Peru. The Peruvian company manufactured many Barbies, and also Kens and even Dereks and on the other hand did not manufacture Peruvian Christies & Skippers.
Examples of dolls "Superstar Barbie", "Pink 'n Pretty Barbie", "Beauty Secrets Barbie" and "Dream Glow Barbie" were also made in American, Spanish and Venezuelan versions with subtle nuances and boxes printed in Spanish.
The Barbies manufactured in Colombia were with Dibon.
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Barbies were manufactured in India through a collaboration between Mattel and an Indian company to get around strict foreign trade regulations in India. Mattel partnered with an Indian marketing company Blow Plast Inc. in a joint venture to create 'Leo Mattel'. With Blow Plast Inc. having majority ownership, it allowed Mattel to do business in India with the same permits as an Indian company.
Barbie was manufactured in India for its home market by 'Leo Mattel' from the mid 1980s through the late 1990s.
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Since 1982, Richwell™ Trading Ltd has had the exclusive Philippine distribution rights of Mattel™ toys. From 1991 to 2003, this company produced Barbie® dolls that were distributed exclusively in the Philippines.
FILIPINA BARBIE - LIMITED EDITIONS
- 1991 Filipina Barbie
- 1993 Filipina Barbie
- 1994 Ethnic Barbie
- 1997 Santacruzan Barbie
- 1998 Flores de Mayo Barbie
- 2000 Tradisyong Filipina Barbie
- 2000 Wedding Barbie
FILIPINA BARBIE - SPECIAL EDITIONS
- 1996 Philippine Islands Barbie (Series I)
- 1996 Philippine Islands Barbie (Series II)
- 1997 Philippine Islands Barbie (Series III)
- 1998 Formal Centennial Barbie
- 1998 Casual Centennial Barbie
- 1999 Philippine Islands Ken
- 2001 Flora Filipina Barbie
- 2001 Modern Filipina Barbie
- 2002 Isla Filipina Barbie
- 2003 Fauna Collection Barbie
- 2003 Manilena Barbie
RICHWELL PHILIPPINE AND ASIAN BARBIE EXCLUSIVES
- 1992 Haute Couture Barbie
- 1994 Fleur de Laz Barbie
- 1995 Dream Bride Barbie
- 1996 Savoir Faire Barbie
- 1998 Lacey Splendour Barbie
- 1999 Dolls of the World Barbie
- 2000 Angel Barbie
- 2002 Asian Barbie
- 2002 Wedding Barbie and Kelly
- 2003 Fruit Collection Kelly
Most of the dolls were "Filipina", with a darker complexion and specially-rooted black/brown hair, and wore Philippine ethnic or traditional-inspired fashions. These were usually of limited edition (from 500 to 22,000). Richwell™ also produced Caucasian Barbie® dolls for exclusive distribution in the Philippines and Asia.
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