Overview

Before Barbie became a surgeon, astronaut, or marine biologist, she was Lilli, a German comic-strip character representing the post-war ideal woman—independence, flirtatiousness, and unapologetic confidence. This interactive digital exhibition, hosted on the Brooklyn Museum website, will uncover the doll’s undisclosed past, revealing the transformation from Lilli to the beloved figure, Barbie.

Insight

Based on the popular comic in the tabloid newspaper Bild, the Lilli doll debuted in Germany in 1955. Embodying the ideal post-war woman, Lilli was independent yet valued marriage, flirtatious, selective with men, youthful, attractive, and confidently showcased her body. Unlike her American successor, the Lilli doll was not marketed to children and was sold at newsstands rather than toy shops. During a 1956 vacation, Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler encountered the doll and brought three back home. Three years later, after making some minor tweaks, Mattel released the first Barbie in 1959.

Brand Concept

To capture the enigmatic essence of Lilli, this digital exhibition employs solid colors in irregular forms. These colors symbolize reality, while the shapes represent the intricate misconceptions surrounding Lilli, who was often misunderstood as merely a sexualized figure due to translation gaps from the original comic. Additionally, elements inspired by Barbie are utilized to evoke familiarity and engagement.