KEN TURNS 60

Barbie’s famous companion has just recently celebrated his 60th birthday. And, to celebrate, toymaker, Mattel, recreated Ken’s original look from back when he was launched.

This original look sees Ken wearing bright red swimming shorts with matching red flip flops and a yellow towel hanging over his shoulders.

When married couple and owners of Mattel, Elliot and Ruth Handler, made the very first Ken doll, they had to decide on a name. So, they named him after their own son, Kenneth. Barbie is also famously named after the Handlers’ own daughter, Barbara.

Since then, Ken has had multiple new looks and now comes in nine different skin tones with three different body shapes, including Ken in a wheelchair. His hair has also changed over the years and so has his eye colour. 10 times, in fact.

Although Ken was marketed as Barbie’s husband at the initial launch, the company has worked hard to portray Ken in such a way that he can be her best friend, brother, companion or boyfriend. Whatever kids want Ken to be, he can be.

Happy birthday, Ken!

Watch the Reuters video below for more on Ken’s milestone birthday.

Image credit: The Grand Island Independent