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.       

1980 Barbie Dolls Black And Hispanic

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.  



Doll Name:
Black Barbie

Model #:
1293

Box Date:
©1979
Released for
purchase in 1980

Designed By:
Kitty Black-Perkins

Extra Features:
Poseable arms
Twisting waist

1980 Barbie Dolls Black Barbie

See Black Barbie on eBay.

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.


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

1980 Barbie Dolls Black Barbie Face
1980 Black Barbie Back Of Box


Fun Facts:

Were there other black fashion dolls from Mattel before 1980?

Yes, click below for more information about each doll: 

1967
1968
1969

Francie
Christie
Julia

In 2009, a Black Barbie Reproduction was issued as part of the My Favorite Barbie collection.  Read more...  

Did you know that the first Barbie Convention was held in 1980?  It all began in New York City with 50 Barbie fans and has grown from there to sold-out annual events.

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. 

1980 Barbie Dolls Hispanic Doll

See Hispanic Barbie on eBay.

Doll Name:
Hispanic Barbie

Model #:
1292

Box Date:
©1979
Released for

purchase in 1980

Extra Features:
Poseable arms
Twisting waist

1980 Barbie Dolls Hispanic Boxed
1980 Barbie Dolls Hispanic Box Back

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

1980 Barbie Dolls Hispanic Face

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.


Doll Name:
Happy Birthday Barbie

Model #:
1922

Box Date:
©1980

Extras:
There was a birthday ring for Barbie and a plastic ring for you.  Colored tabs were included so that each girl could personalize her ring to match her own birthstone.

Birthday booklet that includes party games, decoration ideas, and instructions.

A surprise gift for you.

1980 Barbie Dolls Happy Birthday Boxed

See Happy Birthday Barbie on eBay.

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.


Face:
Superstar head mold
Blue eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Pink lips
Long blonde hair

1980 Barbie Dolls Happy Birthday Face
1980 Barbie Dolls Happy Birthday Box Back

Did you know...
Barbie's birthday is March 9, 1959, the day
she was presented at the New York Toy Fair.

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.

1980 Barbie Dolls Western

See Western Barbie on eBay.

Doll Name:
Western Barbie

Model #:
1757

Box Date:
©1980

Extra Features:
When her back was pressed, she winked an eye.

Place her personal autograph stamp in her hand and she could "sign" autographs.

1980 Barbie Dolls Western Box Back

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.

Face:
Blue eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Pink lips
Long blonde hair

The first and the last to use the winking face mold.  Although a winking eye was a clever idea in theory, it did not hold up well.

1980 Barbie Dolls Western Face

Western Ken #3600 was also issued in 1980.

1980 Barbie Dolls Western Ken

See Western Ken on eBay.

Western Skipper #5029 followed in 1981.

1980 Barbie Dolls Western Skipper

See Western Skipper on eBay.

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.

1980 Barbie Dolls Roller Skating Barbie Doll With Skates

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

See Roller Skating Barbie on eBay.


Doll Name:
Roller Skating Barbie

Model #:
1880

Box Date:
©1980

Extra Features:

Bendable legs
Posable Arms
Twist 'n Turn waist
(She could twirl, glide, dip!)

Removable skates with
free-rolling wheels.


1980 Barbie Dolls Roller Skating Boxes

Face:
Superstar head mold
Blue eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Pink lips
Long blonde hair

1980 Barbie Dolls Roller Skating Face

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. 

1980 Barbie Dolls Roller Skating Ken Boxed

See Roller Skating Ken on eBay.

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:  

Variation 1

1980 Barbie Dolls My First Barbie Variation 1

Variation 2

1980 Barbie Dolls My First Barbie Variation 2

See My First Barbie on eBay.

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

Face:
Superstar head mold
Blue eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Pink lips
Long blonde hair styled
in two ponytails.

1980 Barbie Dolls My First Barbie Face

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.

1980 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Doll

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

See Golden Dream Barbie 1980 on eBay.

Doll Name:
Golden Dream Barbie

Model #:
1874

Box Date:
©1980

Extra Features:
Quick curl hair.
5 different hair styles
were shown on the side
of the box, with styling accessories inside.



1980 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Box

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

Face:
Superstar head mold
Blue eyes
Brown brows
Painted eyelashes
Pink lips
Long blonde streaked hair

1980 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Face

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.

1980 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Special Box Front
1980 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Box

See Golden Dream Barbie
Department Store Special on eBay.

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 Barbie Dolls Golden Dream Wild Hair

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.

Golden-Dreams-Christie.jpg

See Golden Dream Christie on eBay.

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


1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Parisian
1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Parisian Box Back

See Parisian Barbie on eBay.

Royal Barbie Doll
#1601

1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Royal Barbie Box
1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Royal Barbie Box Back

See Royal Barbie on eBay.

1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Royal Barbie

Photo courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Italian Barbie Doll
#1602

1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Italian
1980 Barbie Dolls International Series Italian Box Back

See Italian Barbie on eBay.


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