Barbie and Ken split after 43 years

Los Angeles Times / February 14, 2004

"After 43 years of dating, Barbie and Ken have drifted apart," said Russell Arons, vice-president of marketing at Barbie's parent company, Mattel. Ken will remain on shelves. And hopefully he won't take it too personally when Barbie starts dating again.

Mr Arons hinted that by September, Barbie would have her eye on a new Mattel character, an Australian beach boy named ...............Blaine!

Below is a picture of Mattel’s originally proposed Blaine doll.




However, after intensive market study, the doll’s look was altered to comply better with market demand...................

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