No understanding of the Barbie doll is thorough without considering her boyfriend Ken, who has experienced some changes himself throughout the years. Developed to live in Barbie's shadow, Ken has kept up with changes that have covered almost everything from routine style updates to significant cosmetic surgery, all to represent modern styles and keep Barbie happy. Starting with the Surfer 60's through the Disco 70's, Ken has developed quite a following and is the subject of adulation from people across the web. Deemed a collectible in his own right, let's take a brief look at a collector's early chronology of the Ken doll (1960s - 1970s).

Made for a Lonely Barbie Doll

The Ken Doll came to life in 1961 as Barbie Dolls guy and he was an immediate hit as Barbie fans wanted her to have a companion. The first Ken Doll had flocked hair in either blonde or brunette, blue eyes and he was 12 inches tall. Ken arrived with red swimming trunks, sandals together with a yellow beach towel. With time his hair grew to become thin and fell out, so acquiring an original new Ken doll with a full head of hair is a great win. In the years right after Ken's first release, the Ken doll was created with molded hair (blonde or brown), and sported a collectible wardrobe of garments that would carry him thru many years. Through 1964, small improvements were made like the release of a special limited edition of King Arthur.

The Mid 60s: Big Changes in the Ken Doll

After Ken's early years, the Ken doll saw considerable changes. 1965 was a watershed year for Ken; Bendable Leg Ken was a great enhancement for the Ken doll which made him far more lifelike. Until that point, life-like play with Ken and Barbie dolls was very stiff and the improvements made in the mobility and bendability of dolls at that time really improved the dolls' popularity. Sadly, Ken's entry into the Mod era did not start well; 1966 saw Ken being discontinued but later returned in 1968 as the Talking Ken Doll and in 1969 as Talking Ken. Talking Ken arrived with a wholly new, grown-up look with a buff build and trendy wardrobe. Needless to say, his first wardrobe didn't fit "man-Ken," much to the dismay of collectors.

Ken Gets Groovy in the 70s

The 1970s delivered substantial changes to Ken that included clothing, characteristics and look. Echoing the big cultural and fashion changes of the times, 1971's Action Ken Doll hit the Barbie doll scene wearing a groovy gold, psychedelic shirt with vest. Even though he still had molded brown hair, Ken unquestionably stood out in the crowd! That year, Malibu Ken was introduced and later years saw big adjustments to fashion and functionality like real rooted hair (1973's Mod Hair Ken). The late 70's introduced an entirely new look influenced by the disco fashions of the day with the arrival of Superstar Ken showcasing a new face, body and wardrobe.

Ken: Barbie's Ideal Boyfriend

Much like the Barbie doll, the development of the Ken doll has evolved in phases; beginning simply as a young partner for his girlfriend Barbie and later evolving into more of a reflection of the "perfect boyfriend." Throughout Ken's early development, the influence of pop culture can be seen with the dramatic stylistic adjustments echoing the signs and styles of the times. Subsequently, the Ken doll has grown to be a popular collectible in his own right and has won the sympathy of many who view him as the devoted boyfriend who is overshadowed by the beauty, personality and ambitions of his girlfriend Barbie.