The true story of Barbie and Ken. Barbie is a recognized brand of children’s dolls, created by Mattel and was launched for the first time in 1959. The creator was Ruth Handler, an American woman who they say was inspired by Bild Lilli, a famous sex doll at the time. Barbie’s name comes from Barbara, the daughter of Ruth Handler, who is said Allan was named after the son-in-law of Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler. The first Allan doll was released in 1964. He was marketed as Ken's friend who could also fit into Ken's clothes. [2] In 1991, the spelling of his name was changed to Alan. [3] The Wedding Day Alan doll featured Alan marrying Barbie's friend Midge. [3] Chris Klimek, host: When writer Emily Tamkin was little, she created a whole imagined life for her Barbie and Ken dolls. Emily Tamkin, Smithsonian magazine contributor: We sent these Barbies to The 60+ year relationship apparently started on the set of Barbie and Ken's first commercial together. He's a Great Big Brother . While Barbie has her long list of sisters, Ken has his one little brother. Tommy was born in 1997 and debuted as a doll companion for Ken to help care for - baby carrier and bottles included. In 1991, Barbie was Midge’s maid-of-honor at her wedding to Alan, Ken’s best friend. Emerald Fennell is Midge and Midge is pregnant in Barbie. Not dissimilar to Barbie, Midge came with her own set of controversies. In 2002, as part of Mattel’s Happy Family Line, “Midge and Baby” dolls came onto toy shelves. Midge came with a Vintage Ken dolls proved that a sharp dressed man was the ultimate accessory for Barbie. Kenneth Sean Carson was Ken's full name. Although Ken was not as popular as Barbie, he had several same sized friends through the years that shared his wardrobe. Check out this list of all Ken dolls and clothing including pictures and descriptions. Meet Barbie Ken Dolls. It's time for endless hours of fun and adventure with Barbie Ken dolls! At Barbie, inclusivity is a top priority, and we're proud to offer a diverse range of Ken dolls that come in various skin tones, hair colours, and facial features, plus disabilities, ensuring that every child or collector can find a doll that represents them. Perhaps Ken has always been number two to the iconic Barbie, but he certainly has a long and nostalgic history of his own. Ken, whose full name is actually Kenneth Sean Carson, hit stores in March 1961, just two years after Barbie was released. Created by Ruth Handler, she named the doll after her son, Kenneth Handler. YEsp4c.