CBC Digital Archives

Meet Inuit Barbie

From the hula hoop, tabletop hockey, Spirograph and toy guns to Cabbage Patch Kids, Elmo, GI Joe and Transformers, kids in Canada have had no shortage of toys and games to choose from since the 1950s. Mega-seller Barbie came in various incarnations and the trivial pursuit of digital equipment made popular games seem invisible in the new millenium. CBC Digital Archives takes a look back at what's been cool and unique in playland throughout the years.

Canadian heritage and Barbie have finally crossed paths. In 2005, Mattel released the latest model in the iconic line of dolls called Inuit Legend Barbie. It's the brainchild of Christy Marcus of Toronto, who won a Ryerson University Barbie fashion design contest. "My grandmother was Inuit so I did a lot of heavy research into it, and after that the inspiration came really easy," she says. Thousands of miles away in Iqaluit, Neoma Kaponi Cox can't wait to get her hands on the first doll she's ever seen that looks like her.
• The contest won by Christy Marcus was called What Will Barbie Wear in 2005? Jointly sponsored by Mattel Canada and the Ryerson School of Fashion, it gave Ryerson students the exclusive opportunity to create a Barbie using their own unique vision.
  • According to barbiecollector.com, Inuit Legend Barbie's outfit "begins with a bodice of white sueded brushed tricot embellished with plush trim and ribbon and cord accents. The skirt of printed sueded tricot features plush trim and is worn with a brown satin underskirt. Accessories include gloves, boots, and a cord and feather choker."

• New Barbies have been released regularly since the first one came out in 1959. Models include the first Ken doll (1961) Career and College Grad Barbie (1963), Bendable Leg Barbie (1966), Malibu Barbie (1970), Barbie's friend Skipper (1975), Sun Loving and Beautiful Bride Barbie (1978), the first Hispanic Barbie (1979), Harley Davidson and Silkstone Barbie (2005).

Medium: Television
Program: Saturday Report
Broadcast Date: July 16, 2005
Guest(s): Naoma Kaponi Cox, Tatum Dooley, Christy Marcus, Margaret Matsui
Reporter: Jacquie Perrin
Duration: 2:28

Last updated: October 29, 2012

Page consulted on April 3, 2013

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