1980 Barbie Dolls

Overall the iconic 1980 Barbie Dolls represented a continuation of the Barbie legacy with important firsts.  Mattel released the first African-American Barbie doll, which was a significant milestone in the history of the brand. They also introduced dolls with Hispanic, Asian, and Native American features, among others.  More girls now had the opportunity to play with a doll that looked like themselves.       

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

1980 Barbie Dolls

Let's take a look at some of the most iconic Barbie dolls that were copyrighted in 1980.  We also included dolls that were copyrighted in 1979 and not released until 1980.  Join us as we take a nostalgic journey back in time to explore the world of 1980 Barbie dolls.

---

Black Barbie 1980

She's black!  She's beautiful!  She's dynamite!...those were the words on the box used by Mattel to describe the first black Barbie doll.  Black friends had come before her, but 1980 was the first to be named Barbie.  

Black Barbie was stunning in a red one-piece bodysuit with gold accents at the neckline and cut out sleeves.  She wore a wrap and snap disco skirt and red T-strap shoes.  Her earrings were unique in the fact that they could be worn as studs or with a hoop or dangle accessory attached.  A choker style necklace and a red ring completed her ensemble.

Hispanic Barbie Doll

Dark eyes!  Dark hair!  She's a Barbie doll just for you!...those were the words written on the box in both English and Spanish to describe her.  She was the first Hispanic Barbie issued by Mattel. 

Doll Name:
Hispanic Barbie

Model #:
1292

Box Date:
©1979
Released for
purchase in 1980

Extra Features:
Poseable arms
Twisting waist

Face:
Steffie head
Brown eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Red lips
Long black hair
and a red hair comb/pick

Clothing:

Hispanic Barbie wore a one-piece nylon dress with a white bodice and a red skirt.  A floral patterned lace shawl draped across her shoulders and a black cummerbund was at the waist.  Her accessories included a ribbon choker necklace with a red rosette attached, red stud earrings with a hoop and dangle attachment. a red ring, and a red hair comb.  She wore black T-strap shoes.

Happy Birthday Barbie

Another successful first for 1980 Barbie dolls, was the introduction of Happy Birthday Barbie.  All dressed up and ready to blow out the candles, she comes bearing a surprise gift for you too.  Celebrating birthdays with a special Barbie remains popular to this day.

Her chiffon birthday party dress was accented with multi-colored pastel lace that covered the bodice and trimmed the edge of the skirt.  A floral decal adorned the front of the floor-length skirt.  White open toe heels completed her look.

Western Barbie 1980

Giddy-up, it's Western Barbie.  She's wearing a white western cowgirl outfit, complete with fringed jacket, hat, and boots.  The Western Barbie represented a departure from the traditional image of Barbie as a glamorous city girl and introduced a new, adventurous side.

In addition to six small pictures for autographs, Western Barbie came with a comb, a brush, a perfume bottle, a mirror. and an instruction booklet.

Western Ken #3600 was also issued in 1980.

Western Skipper #5029 followed in 1981.

Roller Skating Barbie Doll

She's queen of the roller scene!...those were the words on the front of the Roller Skating Barbie box.  Her red and black one-piece nylon skating costume also included a purple jacket, both accented with red and purple stripes.  Her accessories included socks, earrings and a ring with clear gemstones.  Ironically, the jewelry was not listed on the box.

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

He's king of the roller scene!...Barbie needed a skating partner, so Roller Skating Ken #1881 was also issued in 1980.  He wears a red sleeveless shirt, black shorts, and a purple jacket, that matches Barbie right down to the red socks and skates. 

My First Barbie Doll

1980 Barbie dolls also included My First Barbie, created to fill the need for a doll specifically geared towards younger children.  She came with four fashions that were easy on and easy off and color coordinated to mix and match.  Due to the success of this doll, additional clothing styles became available for purchase separately.  There were two My First Barbie variations:  

Doll Name:
My First Barbie

Model #:
1875

Box Date:
©1980

Extras:
Twist 'n Turn waist

She was made from a hard shiny plastic
with smooth straight legs making dressing
Barbie easier for small hands.

My First Barbie instruction book
with three easy hair style suggestions.

Created by Mattel designer:  Carol Spencer

What came in the box with My First Barbie?
Her blue and yellow color coordinated pieces included a swimsuit, slip-on top, skirt, pants, yellow mule shoes, blue hair ribbon, yellow comb and brush. 

Golden Dream Barbie

She's got the billion dollar look!...those were the words used by Mattel to describe Golden Dream Barbie.  Dressed in a metallic gold body suit with a gorgeous overskirt and glittery cape that could also be worn as a hat, she was the epitome of glamour.  Her stylish look was completed with fingerless gold gloves and shiny T-strap shoes.

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Dazzling jewelry:
Clear gemstone stud earrings
Choker style necklace with clear gemstone
Clear imitation gemstone ring

Box included:

2 barrettes
Curling iron
Comb
Brush
Hair arranger
Hair styling foam
2 fashion hair combs

Golden Dream Barbie also was issued in 1980 as a Department Store Special #3533.  The differences were minimal other than the hair was in a topknot and she wore a luxurious faux fur jacket trimmed with gold ribbon.  Also, her jewelry was amber colored.

Golden Dream Barbie Wild Hair #1874 was also issued in 1980 as an exact replica of the original doll with the exception of the hair...and what a difference it was.  Especially popular with collectors, she is a rare find in today's market

1980 Golden Dream Christie #3249 wore the same outfit as Barbie except it was a copper or amber color.  To learn more about Christie dolls, click here.

International Series

In an attempt to embrace and understand the world around us, Mattel introduced the International Series in 1980...a doll for every girl.  Dolls from England, Italy, and France led the way with fashions and accessories that reflected the different cultures and customs.  These dolls were copyrighted in 1979 and released for purchase in 1980.  In later years, more dolls were added and the series was renamed Dolls of the World.

Take a look at the 1980 Barbie dolls that started the International Series/Dolls of the World
and continues to this day...

Parisian Barbie
#1600

Royal Barbie Doll
#1601

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Italian Barbie Doll
#1602

---

You Might Also Like: