In the world of dolls, Barbie has been considered as a leader in the doll market worldwide. Since her launch 40 years ago, Barbie continues to reinvent herself by appearing in numerous themes. But, when the Bratz Dolls were introduced last 2001, Mattel-the creator of Barbie-thought of coming out something new by offering a new line of Barbie dolls called "My Scene Barbie".

MY SCENE CHARACTER PROFILES

Targeting the "tween" market of girls, My Scene Barbie dolls promoted a trendier brand compared to the traditional Barbie by making the dolls with heavy make-ups, extra-pouty lips and stylish looks. The character's stylish wardrobe and unique personalities appeals so much to their target market that made the line quite successful.

Barbie is the most popular character in My Scene Barbie. An epitome of a young, modern woman, she loves hanging out in spas and does yoga to keep her body fit. A self-confessed gadget freak, this girl cannot live without cell a phone or a PDA at hand.

While Barbie loves chatting with cuties while drinking iced coffee as a pastime, another character named Kelly, loves to surprise her friends with celeb gifts. Hailing from Hollywood, California, Kelly believes she's a celebrity in training that's why she maintains to be stylish, bold, beautiful and totally outrageous.

While Kelly is pretty famous for her fab adventures with her friends, Madison is known for being a journal freak. Bearing an ultra uptown and urban style, this girl loves getting monis and pedis as her pastime. Like other characters, Madison is all about clothes and spends hours just checking things and trying things out. The original and funky Chelsea is the most 'flirtatious' My Scene character.

A notebook freak and fashion freak, this girl spends her time designing fashion and selling them to flea markets while looking for an cute, artsy and soulful guys. Like Chelsea who loves living in the city, Nolee-the group's total skater chick-also likes cruising around to check the city while getting some exercise.

Delancey is a beach bum who maintains an edgy, funky and super colorful look. Known for her contagious craving in candies and for being stubborn, this girl doesn't take herself seriously but always stick by her friends no matter what. Kenzi, on the other hand, hails form Atlanta, Georgia. A cute girl with a splash of southern sass, Kenzie loves hanging out in the mall while making other people laugh.

To complement the cute and funky girls of My Scene, are the Hudson, the soccer buff; River, the rocker; Sutton, the dancer; and Ellis, the movie freak.

Whatever formula Mattel has done with its Barbie line seems to be working really well. Barbie is currently a billion dollar industry, selling products that range from toys to clothes, CD-ROMs to movie titles. Barbie collecting is an industry in itself. In fact, Barbies are second to stamps as the most collected items in the world.

Barbie was introduced in 1959 with a doll clad in a black and white striped bathing suit. Retailing at three dollars a doll, sales for that year reached 351,000 units. Now, it is being sold to 150 nations around the world. It comes with an African American, Hispanic and Asian dolls as well as Barbies of the World Series, which featured different nationalities.

What makes Barbies so well loved by children and adults alike all over the world?

For one thing, Barbies are wonderful toys that little girls will love to dress up. It is like having a little sister to play dress up with. You can change its clothes and its hairstyle; change the shoes and make her do lots of things.

Another great thing about the doll is the fact that it fits right through the palm of the hand. One hand is enough to hold the doll while you choose a dress or a pair of shoes. The fact that the clothes and the accessories can be changed is also one factor that contributes to its success. It is forever changing and evolving.

The Barbie doll also appeals to all ages, from little girls to grown-ups. Little girls will enjoy playing with the clothes and outfits while the grown-ups can tinker with the collector's items like the vintage collections as well as those that are featured clad with the latest designs of famous designers. This is perhaps one of the special things about Barbie dolls. It cuts across all ages, gender and nationalities.

Barbie dolls are also reminders of the past. In fact, there are some dolls that are even made to commemorate special occasions and events in the world history like the end of the US-Soviet Union Cold War or the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.

Barbie dolls have been around for so long that it has been part of a child's life even before she is born. Having been introduced in the 50s, grown-ups in this decade have grown and played with Barbies. Naturally, they would like to pass on the tradition to their kids.