This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Barbie and Ken's Fake Relationship Gets Fake-More-Serious
Photo by CitySkylineSouvenir via Flickr
If you've been paying attention to overhead signs recently, you've no doubt seen (and questioned) the huge billboards in which Ken proclaims his love for Barbie. By way of background information, Ken and Barbie are toys made by Mattel, Inc., so that wasn't real. Nor is the announcement that fictional, plastic Barbie has said "yes" to fictional, plastic Ken's fictional marriage proposal, but that hasn't stopped Mattel from sending out a press release making the announcement, which has worked, since I am now writing about it. According to the Los Angeles Business Journal:
“As the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion, Ken knew just what to do to win Barbie back. The iconic couple is truly made for each other and this is just the beginning of their next chapter together.” Stephanie Cota, senior vice president global marketing, girls brands for Mattel, said in a statement.
Even more curious than all this, though, is the further suggestion that Ken and Barbie have undergone some sort of beauty regimen to prepare for what will ultimately be a re-release:
To celebrate their rekindled romance, Mattel is releasing Barbie and Ken together in a limited edition “Together Again” gift set. The gift set features the “it” couple sporting tans and modern fashions inspired by their original 1959 and 1961 swimsuits.
Tans? Aren't they already pretty tan? I think the real question is, is this the Snookification of Barbie? Discuss.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
