“Barbie changed everything”: Learn the iconic toy’s history at Virginia Beach store

It’s Barbiemania right now, and I’m loving it! I get it. Barbie is an attractive doll with beautiful blonde locks and a fashionista wardrobe. Admittedly, I’d love to live the Barbie life. She has a dream house, pink Porsche, Ferrari and a handsome boyfriend. What more could a gal ask for?

After watching the Barbie movie, I gained a greater appreciation for the iconic doll manufactured by Mattel. There’s a lot of history with each Barbie character. She’s not just a pretty doll. She’s a whole lot more.

Even though I’ve jumped aboard the pink Barbie bandwagon, I must confess something. I never played with Barbies. My parents bought me a beautiful Barbie dream house when I was a little girl, and I never touched it. We ended up donating it a year later. I just wasn’t into dolls.

Now, I truly appreciate the iconic doll and the empowering message Barbie represents. It’s fun to see the evolution of fashion and the Barbie variations representing so many girls. After watching the new Barbie movie, I learned a little Barbie history while being entertained by the glamorous Barbie Land set.

If you’ve been bitten by the Barbie craze, I have the perfect place to get your Barbie fix. It’s like a Barbie buffet of dolls, cars, accessories and outfits.

Toymeister, located on the second floor of the Virginia Beach Antique Mall on Bonney Road, is home to over 500 vintage and new Barbies. They come packaged and loose. You will see every generation including Ken, Skipper and Midge dolls.

Also, you’ll find an eclectic assortment of accessories. The collection includes dream houses, Barbie campers, convertibles, Ferraris and a lifeguard stand. Many of the items on the shelves are featured in the Barbie movie.

The store’s Barbie expert, Carson Dye, meticulously put together binders of Barbie outfits from every generation and sorted them by decade. Some are priced at only a dollar. Movie fans can find outfits from the movie and ones that Margot Robbie (the actress that played Barbie) has worn to the movie premieres.

Additionally, Toymeister carries exclusive Barbie characters such as the pregnant Midge doll, Barbies of the World and ones from the career series.

A quote from the Barbie movie says “Barbie changed everything, then she changed it all again.”

When you walk down the aisles at Toymeister, you’ll see how Barbie’s story changed over the years.

“Each Barbie has told a story to transform with the generations that have passed,” said Dave Livermore, Toymeister manager. “When you visit the store, you’ll find the Barbie that tells your story, no matter the age.”

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net