A big thanks to Deven Green for the following exclusive interview with Principal Creator/Barbie Brand Historian Bill Greening about one if our all-time favorite boy toy!
Deven Green: Who is Ken?
Bill Greening: Barbie is everything and he’s just Ken. Based on his popularity though, I think he’s got more to show us.
We have called Kenneth Sean Carson by his nickname “Ken” for over 60 years now! Ken looks better than ever, what’s his secret?
Besides Barbie, Ken is Mattel’s longest running fashion doll. He made his toy fair debut March 11, 1961. Just like Barbie, Ken’s look has evolved over the years. It’s fun to see Ken’s fashion and style evolution over the years as much at it is Barbie’s.
In one word how would you describe Ken’s relationship with Barbie?
Like Facebook says, it’s complicated lol. They have never been officially married and broke up once in their long dating history before getting back together in 2011. Today, Barbie and Ken are in a good place.
Let’s talk about Ken’s friend Allan. What’s his story?
Ken has had a cool crew of guy friends over the years, but Allan was the first buddy for Ken created in 1964. In the Barbie doll world he would go on to marry Midge (Barbie’s first best friend) in the 1990’s and in the 2000’s is part of the “Happy Family” line with Midge. He is personally one of my favorite characters in Barbie’s world for his rich history.
Ken’s fitness is on point, tell us how does Ken stay in shape?
His body has evolved over the years. The first 1961 Ken was a slim teenager, before he got a more muscular makeover in 1969. Today we offer a variety of body shapes for Ken including the original, broad, and slim.
Ken’s personal hair style and fashion choices are heavily influenced by whom?
While there has been plenty of conversation around the evolution of beauty and fashion trends for women – men’s fashion has also evolved. Just like Barbie, Ken’s look has evolved over the years. I think the original Ken looks like the teen idols of TV, music and the big screen of the early 1960’s. Today, Ken has a wide range of looks inspired by the world around us. Ken’s in-house designers pull looks from street style, fashion runways, red carpet events and other sources of fashion inspiration.
Ken what is next for Ken?
Ken is around to stay. We are in a “Kenassiance” . Besides the Ken dolls from the movie, He’s included in the Barbie line both for kids and adult collectors. I have personally have enjoyed adding more Ken dolls to my Barbie Signature projects like the Ken dolls featured in Barbie Looks line. I think we will see more “Kenergy” in the Barbie line moving forward.
Thank you for taking the time to discuss our favorite leading man! Barbie the Movie debuts July 21. Let’s hear it for the boys
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About Deven Green:
Award-winning comedic chanteuse. You know Deven from the quotable “Welcome To My Home” and retro voice-over parody videos, officiating weddings, bingo balling, portraying Betty Bowers, as a judge on Drag Race, creative duo with Handsome Ned & performing with the best Queens in the world with her electric ukulele and inimitable smile. Check out her website here.
