She's a SuperStar!

1977 marks the year of the introduction of  SuperStar Barbie (referred to as SSB throughout this post) a sensation that ran for 3 years. Sporting a new head that would be in production for the next 20 years, SSB is the epitome of glamorous with her long sunstreaked blonde hair, wide blue eyes and smiling face (painted teeth). Also adding to the excited of this bombshell is the fact her arms are bent for poseability and her waist twists. SSB wears a glamorous ankle length pink satin evening gown accompanied with a pink and silver boa, strappy pink heels and "diamond" jewellery (earrings, neckland & ring), SSB is the first Barbie to ever wear a ring and also marked the comeback of jewellery on Barbie dolls since its abolishment  in the late 60's due  to safety precautions.

 Following the release of SSB 3 glamorous fashions were created for her in 1977 and another 4 in 1978. The first 3 were: Dramatic black & silver shimmer, Spotlight on romantic white and Brocade shine.

 The other 4 fashions were: Soft & shimmering silver & white, Sunny yellow shine for nighttime, Dramatic blue & silver aglitter and Bright and bedazzling colourful charmer

SSB was available in 4 different giftsets: 1977 SSB In the Spotlight, 1978's SSB and Ken, 1978's SSB Fashion Changes and 1978's SSB In the Spotlight. 2 promotional versions of SSB were available, both wearing an ankle length glittery dress with the difference being in colour (pink with silver strips of pink with dark pink strips). Many foreign versions of SSB were also available. 

                                                                                                       SSB in the Spotlight 1977

                                                                                          SSB In the Spotlight 1978

Promotional SuperStar Barbies 

 SuperSize Barbie, part of the SuperStar lineup was released in 1977, she was the first 18" Barbie doll to be manufactured. Another 2 SuperSize Barbies followed in her footsteps: SuperSize Bridal Barbie (1978) and SuperSize Super Hair Barbie (1979). Because of her size Mattel had to create seperate fashions for her, thus limiting her success.

Of course Barbie could not be without her man so in 1978 SuperStar Ken was released. Ken sported a new head mold and new body mechanics (arms bent at elbows, twist and turn waist) 

                                                                                                                                            This promotional SuperStar Ken came with a free ring for the child

SuperStar Christie was released alongside SuperStar Barbie in 1977, also available was SuperSize Christie (1977). 

Barbie celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2009 with a serious of reproduction Barbies one of which was SuperStar Barbie 

2010 saw the release of the "updated" version of SuperStar Barbie. 

       

All in all SuperStar Barbie has proved to be a popular doll with children and collectors alike :)