Discover the unexpected origins of the iconic Barbie doll. While Barbie's image is often squeaky clean, her history is intertwined with Germany's Bild Lilli doll – a figure known for her heavy makeup, daring backstory, and curvy physique. Explore how Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler encountered Bild Lilli in Switzerland during the mid-1950s and saw the potential for an American market. Learn about the transformation from Lilli to Barbie that shaped generations of young girls in America.