#17: Earring Magic Ken
The Earring Magic Ken doll, released in 1993, quickly gained attention and popularity due to its unique and unconventional design. With a fashionable outfit, purple earring, and a quirky sense of style, it was embraced by both collectors and the LGBTQ+ community. However, the doll was discontinued after a relatively short time on the market due to controversy and concerns about its perceived portrayal of Ken as a gay character.
Some conservative groups criticized the doll’s appearance and accessories, leading to pressure on Mattel to remove it from production. The Earring Magic Ken doll remains a collector’s item today, representing a significant moment in the intersection of pop culture, gender expression, and societal attitudes in the early 1990s.