A big thanks to WOWlebrity Deven Green for the following exclusive interview with Principal Creator/Barbie Brand Historian Bill Greening about one if our all-time favorite boy toys!

We have called Kenneth Sean Carson by his nickname “Ken” for 60 years now! Ken looks better than ever, what’s his secret?

Besides Barbie, Ken is Mattel’s longest running fashion doll. He made his toy fair debut March 11, 1961. Just like Barbie, Ken’s look has evolved over the years. It’s fun to see Ken’s fashion and style evolution over the years as much at it is Barbie’s.

In one word how would you describe Ken’s relationship with Barbie?

Like Facebook says, it’s complicated lol. They have never been officially married and broke up once in their long dating history before getting back together in 2011. Today, Barbie and Ken are in a good place.

Let’s talk about Ken’s buddy’s over the years like Allan, Brad, Curtis, and Ryan. What do the guys do when they get a chance to hangout?

Ken has had a cool crew of guy friends for sure. Ken’s careers keep him pretty busy though. He’s been a doctor, pilot, surfer, prince, and, barista just to name a few. When he’s not building his resume I would imagine him and the guys crashing by the pool in Malibu.

Ken’s fitness is on point, tell us how doe’s Ken stay in shape?

His body has evolved over the years. The first 1961 Ken was a slim teenager, before he got a more muscular makeover in 1969. Today we offer a variety of body shapes for Ken including the original, broad, and slim.

Ken’s personal hair style and fashion choices are heavily influenced by whom?

While there has been plenty of conversation around the evolution of beauty and fashion trends for women – men’s fashion has also evolved, but with much less fanfare. Just like Barbie, Ken’s look has evolved over the years. I think the original Ken looks like the teen idols of TV, music and the big screen of the early 1960’s. Today, Ken has a wide range of looks inspired by the world around us. Ken’s in-house designers pull looks from street style, fashion runways, red carpet events and other sources of fashion inspiration.

Is Ken ready to retire or can you tell us what is next?

Ken is around to stay. We have lots of Ken dolls for 2021 and new designs in the works for 2022.

Happy 60th birthday to Ken. Tell us about the celebration?

To commemorate the occasion, we have a 60th Anniversary Ken doll that looks like the original 1961 doll. He’s made in a unique and exclusive material called Silkstone. We also have some play line dolls for the kids inspired by 3 of Ken’s most historical looks: the debut Ken from 1961, Great Shape Ken of 1984, and Rocker Ken from 1985. They have a fun then-and-now vibe. There will be more announcements throughout 2021 for Ken.

Thank you for taking the time to share your 60 unforgettable years with us!

Let’s hear it for the boys!

Follow Barbie and Ken on Instagram: @Barbie and @BarbieStyle
Follow Bill Greening
Principal Designer/ Barbie Brand Historian
Barbie Signature & Partnerships. Mattel, Inc.
Instagram @BillGreening