Barbie was inspired by a German novelty doll for adults.
Ruth Handler noticed her daughter preferred adult paper dolls. On a 1956 trip to Europe, she found the Bild Lilli doll — sold as a gag gift for men — and used it as the model for Barbie. Mattel’s designers softened the risqué gag gift into a wholesome teenage fashion model.
Barbie on Brandseum