Every girl remembers their first Barbie doll. Mine had lovely blonde tresses and a swimsuit that changed colour when it got wet. The early nineties Barbie doll had very important accessories, like a hairbrush and mirror.

Last week I attended the opening of the Vintage Barbie exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA in celebration of Barbie’s 50th birthday. She looks pretty good for 50!

The vintage collection is owned by Neil Taylor and spans from 1952 to 1973. The immaculate dolls feature Barbie as a doctor, glammed up in ballgowns or casually dressed to go shopping. Her best accessory though is of course Ken! Keep an eye out for army Ken in his camouflage gear, he’s a charmer!

Neil is even giving free appraisals of Barbies at selected times. If only I knew where my Barbie doll now lives, and if her swimsuit still changes colour!