Barbie evolved from the Bild Lilli doll, a German fashion doll initially designed to be marketed to men as a gag gift, sold at newsstands, tobacconists, and other kiosks. The doll became popular with children, and soon drew the attention of Ruth Handler, Mattel’s co-owner. Lilli was produced from 1955 to 1964 while Mattel acquired the doll’s rights and redesigned it for children’s retail. About 130,000 Bild Lilli dolls were made. Barbie was introduced in 1959, and Bild Lilli was phased out by 1964. Bild Lilli was based on a comic-strip character created by Reinhard Beuthien for a German tabloid. The comic featured Lilli, an escort who made a living by seducing rich, older men. Yikes!