Crowds overflowed at the eagerly awaited show, which is part of a year-long celebration for Barbie's birthday that Mattel, the world's largest toy maker, is using to try to make Barbie fashionable again and boost flagging sales.

As pink curtains parted to show video images of Barbie over the years, the first model hit the runway in a black and white bathing suit reminiscent of the first generation Barbie.

The runway was taken over by models in dresses designed by 50 top names in the fashion world such as Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Tommy Hilfilger and Calvin Klein.

"Barbie is the quintessential American icon. She represents a woman's first experience with style, transcending generations and cultures; she holds a special place in the fashion world and is an inspiration to many designers," Hilfilger said in a statement.

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN1426090120090215