a 'prince' for all seasons
Image by Stuart Garske, assets sourced from Mattel archives
I’m sure the academic field is rich with research on the ideology surrounding one of the worlds longest enduring toy lines Mattel’s Barbie. but what about the man that stands beside her? While Barbie has transformed from the bathing beauty to princess to mermaid, doctor, astronaut, fashion designer… what of her ever faithful partner?
Images by Stuart Garske - from my partners Ken Doll collection.
Ken who plays the supporting role in her life has had many physical transformations. but not so many career opportunities. Prince, Model, DJ, barista…
how does ken fit into the myth of ‘man’? we understand this ‘man’ through Strength, intelligence, virility, independence, confidence. In Ken, we have a contradiction. yes He is the ‘hunk’ and the heart throb sure, with his seductive eyes and athletic physique. always smiling Yet, he is passive, he is silent.
Collaged by Stuart Garske - assets from the Mattel archives
It’s interesting to note how they have designed his role in a way that fits within the existing ideology surrounding ‘girls playtime’. There aren’t very many male examples in the world of toys for girls apart from the ‘prince’ who holds the savior role. even though they really only sweep in at the end for a kiss and the shotgun wedding. All of the personal trials and growth happen for Barbie and her friends without much assistance from poor old Ken.
Collaged by Stuart Garske - assets from the Mattel archive
Ken is a silent supporter, her leading man, her prince, her boyfriend, her friend, but on the peripheries in second place like a Prince Phillip, cheering her on from the sidelines.
Like Barbie, Ken is made from the same ‘sugar & spice and all things nice’ no ‘slugs & snails’ in this man. ken is a sanitised man. WAS he designed so girls were free to apply their ‘dream man’ ideals on top of this smiling blank slate?
ken the man… He isn’t out front, not the leader or the bread winner, he is the literal accessory to her life.
Collaged by Stuart Garske - assets from the Mattel archives