Cape Town Barbie and Ken doll collector Justius Peterse.
Barbie and Ken dolls’ swinging sixties birthday bash time
Barbie and Ken hit the ages of 62 and 60 respectively in March and some South African doll collectors have given us a peak into their homes.
Cape Town Barbie and Ken doll collector Justius Peterse.
Barbie is celebrating her 62nd birthday while her equally fashionable partner, Ken, hits the milestone age of 60 in March.
Fans of the iconic Barbie and Ken dolls have marked this years’ special occasion by celebrating the dolls’ confidence, style and diversity,
Avid Cape Town collector, Justius Peterse, also known as the “King of Barbie”, who boasts an impressive collection of more than 2000 dolls said he was thrilled to celebrate yet another year, watching the brand continue to evolve and inspire little girls around the world. He said he was particularly impressed with how inclusive and diverse the dolls had become.
Peterse has an entire room in his Table View home, dedicated to his doll collection. The room is fully kitted with floor-to-ceiling shelves to house his collection. He said he planned to grow his collection, which is currently worth approximately R1.8-million.
“I started the collection 12 years ago, a year before my daughter Gemma was born and it now includes Barbie imports and special editions and it just continues to grow as I try to source them from locally and internationally. I am hooked,” said Peterse.
He also managed to get his hands on the Kebaya Barbie from Dolls of the World. Only 500 dolls of this kind were manufactured in the 1990’s.
However, his all-time favorite is from the Bob Macki range, Madame Du Barbie.
“This historic and iconic and French inspired doll inspired by Marie Antionette, oozes exceptional and intricate detail by designer Bob Mackie,” he said.
Peterse belongs to a social group of Barbie enthusiasts in South Africa who plan to celebrate the special occasion in style.
Bloemfontein Barbie collector, Elzette Barnard will be celebrating the special occasion by adding the new Signature Silkstone Barbie to her collection of a whopping 4300 dolls.
“Barbie’s birthday is special to me as it is a celebration of a life-time of memories and love for the brand. Ken obviously also plays a huge role in my collection, and I’m just as excited about his 60th birthday! In fact, I’ve already added all three of the 60th Anniversary Throwback dolls! I know that Barbie will be with us for many years to come, and that she’ll be celebrated as both an icon and pioneer to collectors from all ages. Happy birthday Barbie,” she said.
Toys R Us & Babies R Us SA. Marketing manager, Catherine Jacoby said there was “much excitement” due to the birthday celebrations.
“Toys help in shaping the minds of children and the creators of Barbie believed that this was the best way to send a message across all young children, that they can be anything they want o be! We are so excited to be part of this amazing journey,” Jacoby said.
