Lista de productos por escala: Mattel

Mattel: The Toy Giant and Its Timeless Icons

Mattel, Inc., founded in 1945 by Harold "Matt" Matson and Elliot Handler, is one of the largest and most recognized companies in the global toy industry. Over the decades, Mattel has created products that have not only entertained generations of children but have also defined and shaped the culture of play. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Mattel has maintained a global presence that continues to influence the world of toys and children's entertainment.

History and Founders

Mattel's story began in 1945 when Harold Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company. Initially, they made picture frames, but soon diversified into toy manufacturing, where they found a lucrative niche. The name "Mattel" is a combination of the founders' names, "Matt" Matson and "El" Handler.

Mattel's true success came in 1959 with the creation of Barbie, a revolutionary concept for a doll that was envisioned by Ruth Handler, Elliot’s wife. Inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli, Barbie was designed to be an adult doll rather than the traditional baby dolls, allowing girls to imagine themselves in future roles and careers.

Barbie: A Cultural Icon

Barbie became not just a popular toy, but a cultural phenomenon. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has evolved to reflect social and cultural changes, taking on more than 200 careers over the years, from doctor to astronaut. Barbie has been both criticized and celebrated, but her impact on popular culture is undeniable.

Mattel has adapted the Barbie brand over the decades, expanding its diversity with different body types, skin tones, hair colors, and lifestyles to represent a broader range of girls and women around the world. This move has been key to keeping Barbie relevant and connected with new generations.

Hot Wheels and Matchbox: A Racing Revolution

In 1968, Mattel launched Hot Wheels, a line of scale model cars that changed the way children played with vehicles. Hot Wheels cars were designed to be faster and more exciting than traditional toy cars, thanks to a system of tracks and launchers that added a new dimension to play.

Matchbox, acquired by Mattel in 1997, was another iconic toy car brand that directly competed with Hot Wheels before the acquisition. Both brands complement each other, with Hot Wheels focusing on more exaggerated and sporty designs, while Matchbox centers on more realistic replicas of cars and utility vehicles. Together, these two brands have dominated the scale car market.

Fisher-Price: Education and Fun for the Little Ones

In 1993, Mattel acquired Fisher-Price, a leading brand in educational toys for toddlers and preschoolers. Founded in 1930, Fisher-Price has always been at the forefront of creating toys that not only entertain but also promote children's cognitive and motor development. With iconic products like the "Chatter Telephone" and the "Little People" characters, Fisher-Price has become a staple in the world of educational toys.

The acquisition of Fisher-Price was a strategic move for Mattel, allowing the company to expand its presence in the toddler toy market, offering products that cover the entire spectrum of childhood.

Masters of the Universe and He-Man: Superheroes of the 1980s

In the 1980s, Mattel introduced Masters of the Universe, a line of action figures that featured He-Man, a muscular hero battling the evil Skeletor on the fictional planet Eternia. The toy line was complemented by a popular