The Reinvention of Barbie
© Lauren GreenfieldWith Oscar treatment, p.r. fanfare, and the obvious pop-star influences of Britney and Christina, Mattel has redesigned Barbie to appeal to the highly attractive "tween" market of seven to twelve-year old girls.
Branded "My Scene" and engineered by a large team of designers and public relations people, the resulting Barbie, Madison and Chelsea don multicultural features, pop star wardrobes and attitude, and a historic facelift (only the fourth time ever that Barbie's face has been altered.) A rare glimpse into the factory that produces the unique pop culture and 2.5 billion dollar a year phenomenon.
click to view complete set in the archive
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