After 43 years as a couple, the not-quite-so-living dolls have ended their exclusive relationship.
“Like other celebrity couples, their Hollywood romance has come to an end,” sobs "business manager" Russell Aarons, who notes the pair will continue to “remain friends.” What ended the epic romance that has endured for almost half a century?
As usual with most couples, it’s not so much romance as money. The company is introducing yet another version of the world’s most famous toy, called “Cali (short for California) Girl Barbie”. And the firm wants to flaunt her new single image, dressing the plastic icon in shorts, a bikini top, and metal hoop earrings. And she’ll have a new admirer – Blaine the Australian boogie boarder.
And Ken? “He will head for other waves,” supposes Aarons.
If it’s hard to – you should pardon the nautical pun – fathom why the company would do this for a campaign that’s been going strong since 1961, the answer is simple. Modern times require modern marketing. And the introduction of a new character means a different approach is needed.
Still, there won’t be many tag days held for either Barbie or her maker. Mattel estimates it sells three of the toy titans somewhere in the world every second, making Barbie and the company very rich.
It’s just a good thing there wasn’t a pre-nup.
