Barbie was first introduced, in her now famous black and white swimsuit, in 1959. The first Barbie had a ponytail and came with a stand, sunglasses and black open toe shoes.
In her debut year, the "teen fashion model" had 22 ensembles. Some were casual, but most were glamorous and well accessorized.
The three outfits that were discontinued after 1959 are some of the most valuable and highly sought after by collectors, because they were made in smaller numbers and are now considered rare.
In 1960, 6 new outfits were added to the 19 that were carried over from 1959.
Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960:
Vintage Barbie - 1959
1959 Barbie Dolls - Ponytail #1 Ponytail
- very scarce and perhaps the most treasured by collectors, the #1 Ponytail Barbie was either blonde or brunette and had curly bangs and a below shoulder length ponytail with a hard curl on the end. She had white irises, blonde or brown eyebrows and red lips. #1 Barbie had holes in the bottom of her feet that fit onto her display stand. The first open toe shoes for Barbie had holes in the bottom to
accommodate her stand.
Also released in 1959, the
#2 Ponytail Barbie was identical to the #1, except she had solid feet and a wire stand.
1960 Barbie Dolls - Ponytail
The
#3 Ponytail Barbie, sold in 1960 also came in blonde and brunette. Her irises were now blue. Had either blue or brown eyeliner - it was the only time for both, but the blue is rarer. Some came with a braided ponytail.
The
#4 Ponytailwas also released in 1960.
This was the new "tan" body color that didn't fade to ivory as did the earlier dolls.
More Subscription Options
Vintage Barbie 1959 - 1960 - Dolls & Fashions 
