Meet Bettina Dorfmann, the ultimate Barbie superfan from Germany whose passion for the iconic doll has taken her on a 30-year collecting journey, amassing a jaw-dropping 18,500 Barbie dolls.
Since 2005, Bettina has proudly held the record for having the largest Barbie doll collection in the world, surpassing the initial record of 2,500 dolls by Tony Mattia from the UK, who had 1,125 at the time.
As Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, hits cinemas, the spotlight shines on Bettina and her awe-inspiring collection.
Barbie, created by Mattel, Inc., took the world by storm in 1959, captivating children with countless versions of the doll and her boyfriend Ken, reflecting various races and an array of professions.
Meet Ultimate Barbie Superfan
Bettina's fascination with Barbie began in 1966 when she received her very first doll at the tender age of five. Fondly reminiscing, she shared, "I love Barbie dolls because I played with them in my childhood, and it was a very good time for me."
Her collection features many rare dolls, including one of the original 1959 Barbies, making it truly priceless to collectors.
In addition to exhibiting her dolls and authoring books about Barbie, Bettina runs a special "doll hospital" where she skillfully repairs dolls for others. Fondly known as the "Barbie doctor," Bettina's passion for crafting and repairing led her to create this unique service.
What started as a personal hobby soon expanded into a thriving business, as collectors at toy trade fairs sought her expertise in restoring their beloved dolls.
Bettina's daughter also inherited her mother's love for Barbie, further strengthening their bond over the years. At her doll hospital, Bettina offers repairs ranging from quick fixes that cost €5 to more intricate ones that may amount to €300.
However, for some dolls, it may be more practical to purchase a new one from the current Mattel collection, which ranges from £7.49 to £209.99.
Yet, rare dolls that are no longer available can command hefty sums at auctions, with collectors eager to own one-of-a-kind pieces.
The highest-priced Barbie doll ever sold at an auction fetched an astounding $302,500 in 2010.
This custom-designed doll stood 11.5 inches tall, adorned in a strapless black evening dress and an exquisite one-carat pink diamond necklace surrounded by three carats of white diamonds. The proceeds from this auction were generously donated to fund breast cancer research.
With the release of the new Barbie film, Bettina is already gearing up to add the movie-inspired dolls to her ever-growing collection.
To her, Barbie is more than just a toy; she views Barbie as a mirror reflecting the changing times and women's evolving roles from the 1950s to the present day.
Bettina Dorfmann's dedication to Barbie dolls has made her a true inspiration for collectors and fans alike, proving that passion and love can turn a childhood pastime into a lifelong pursuit, creating cherished memories and connecting generations.
As Bettina continues to nurture her beloved collection and inspire others, her name will undoubtedly remain synonymous with the iconic Barbie doll for years to come.
Suggested Reading: US Blogger Sells Home For $14,000 Facelift To Look 20 Years Younger
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/media_files/Kx5DFLKnufZknidZfvMQ.jpg)