Ken(R) Wants Barbie(R) Back; Hollywood's Insiders Spotted Giving Advice to America's Beloved Leading Man, Fueling Rumors of a Total Makeover

A year and a half after the shocking split of theworld's most quintessential "doll" of a couple, sources say Ken(R) isdetermined to win back his lifelong love, Barbie(R). Single sincetheir very public breakup in February 2004, America's favorite "armcandy" has recently been seen in Los Angeles, talking to A-listcelebrity stylists Phillip Bloch and Illya Knight and stokingspeculation that he is in search of a new "look." In fact, Hollywoodobservers who have recently noticed some subtle changes in Ken(R) saythat he might finally be trying to get on equal fashion footing as hisstyle-setting former flame Barbie(R).

While insiders confirm that Ken(R) and Barbie(R) have remainedfriends and that they have both adjusted to living independently, repsfor the two remain tight-lipped. Russell Arons, personal manager andpublicist for Ken(R) at Mattel, will only say that he is lookingforward to a busy year and that his fans might see some big changes inSpring 2006. However, she hinted that "a makeover may be just whatKen(R) needs to step back into the spotlight," and she also admittedthat Ken(R) is more relaxed and refreshed lately thanks to amuch-needed break. A rep for Barbie(R) would not confirm or deny anyrumors related to the fashion diva's personal life, including anyspeculation about her relationship with Ken(R).

Since rumors of possible makeover for Ken (R) started swirling inHollywood, a frenzy of interest and commentary has been sparked amongpersonal stylists and relationship gurus to the stars.

"Ken is one of those guys that has too much of one style. You haveto be able to change it up these days - be able to go to from Oscarsto Emmys to hanging out with the homeys. Be versatile like J. Lo,"said Phillip Bloch, stylist to the stars. "Ken was looking a littlepale. He needs a tan. I'm a big fan of a tan."

Steve Altese of Us Weekly's Fashion Police dished, "He shouldpossibly consider eyelid surgery. The Ken I know hasn't blinked in 20years. I'm a little concerned. Maybe he could just have one eye workedon so he can wink at Barbie."

Celebrity fitness trainer Oscar Smith also weighed in: "Everywoman loves a man with a great body - not too skinny and not toomuscular. The ideal body for men is a lean and defined physique thatshows their masculinity without being overwhelming!"

To give Ken(R) more pointers on how he should look and what heshould do to get Barbie(R) back, today, his biggest fans and foes -girls logged on to Barbie.com(SM) - began to voice their opinions. Andif history is any guide, Ken(R) will have no problem reinventinghimself to slip back into the role of one of America's most popularhunks, while, at the same time, hopefully getting a second chance withhis first love.

Ken(R) - Leading Man in Every Decade

Ken Carson(TM) was first introduced at the 1961 AmericanInternational Toy Fair, and that same year he and Barbie(R) met on theset of their first television commercial together. Their on- andoff-screen chemistry was undeniable, and soon Ken(R) became America'smost fashionable "first man" alongside his leading lady. They starredin numerous chart-topping movies together, and their legendary romancebecame so revered that other successful celebrity pairings were oftendubbed "Barbie(R) and Ken(R)."

From astronaut to athlete to actor, Ken(R) has led an excitinglife and has been a worldwide pop culture favorite for severalgenerations. Mattel's design and development team is continuallyidentifying trends for Ken(R) that relate to the lives of childrenacross the U.S. For instance, in 1961, the first-ever Ken(R) dollsported a crew cut, the popular hairstyle at the time, and went "Mod"a few years later with new face sculpting in 1969 and rooted hair in1973.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ken(R) took up rollerblading, joined theCalifornia suntan craze with sporty beach attire, and boogied to thedisco craze with jumpsuits, large sunglasses and Gold jewelry.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Ken(R) focused on his careers as abusinessman, baseball player, explorer and rock star. He and Barbie(R)co-starred in four chart-topping movies between 2000 and 2004. InFebruary 2004, Ken(R) split from Barbie(R), when she left him forAustralian surfer, Blaine(R). The very public break-up played out inthe tabloids all year and made headlines worldwide. What's next forKen(R)? Only time will tell if a complete overhaul can bring new lifeto an old flame.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE:MAT, www.mattel.com (http://www.mattel.com))is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing oftoys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popularfashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of suchbest-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R)and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price brands (www.fisher-price.com(http://www.fisher-price.com)), including Little People(R), RescueHeroes(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspiredtoy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattelemploys more than 25,000 people in 42 countries and sells products inmore than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to bethe world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned byMattel, Inc. (C) 2005 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.