KEN STEPPING OUT ON BARBIE?

BARBIE & KEN PRESS PHOTOWhile I don't usually write about gossip, one story was too big not to mention.   I promised Ken's people I would hold off until the new year to talk about it, so now that it is 2011 - I felt the need to share.   It's not often the worlds most famous couple of dolls act out in public. 

A few months ago while the designer world was celebrating Fashion's Night Out,  it seems Ken was having his own night on the town.  Barbie was seen at the hottest boutiques in NYC,- Chanel, Dior, & Ferragamo to name a few.   KEN FLIRTING WITH THE LADIES ON FASHION'S NIGHT OUT PH: Jason JobsonShe was also spotted with girlfriends at Bergdorf Goodman, as it was the hottest department store that night by far!   While no one questioned the fact that super fashionable Barbie was solo because she was out with the girls, who would have guessed Ken was in town and doing his own window shopping - or window selling!  

That's right, Ken spent the night driving around town meeting hundreds of girls.   Flirting and smiling while they took his picture, he didn't seem to miss Barbie at all.   Some say it was a clear sign of an identity crisis as Ken had his multiple personalities in tow.   We can give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was trying to spruce up his style for Barbie, but I'm not so sure.KEN ESCAPING PAPARAZZI PH: Jason Jobson

Barbie and Ken have been acquainted since 1961 when they met on the set of a commercial.   While Mattel has never specified the nature of their relationship, the two have thought to have been romantically linked.   Rumors have never stopped about Ken and his flair for fashion (and highlights!), but he is always by Barbie's side on the red carpet.  

Maybe Ken is feeling neglected?  Actually on Barbie's website she has a game which let's you pick Ken's new style!  It can't be easy when your girlfriend is the most famous doll in the world and she invites the masses to give you a make-over!   Barbie famously turned 50 last year, and while she has more beauty tricks than Cher, she too might be having her own mid-life crisis.  Although how could she be anything but thrilled?  Bloomingdale's had a nationwide celebration of her birthday and iconic sense of style!  The two have been mum on the subject and their reps both issued a "no comment" when I asked for a response. 

Of course it could all be just one big publicity stunt!

It will be interesting to see waht 2011 has in store for these two fashion plates.   For the latest news visit BARBIE.COM.    To help Barbie choose a new look for Ken- click KEN'S STYLE.    Super fans of the duo might want to head to Cali to see them in person.  Malibu is usually where they are seen out and about.  They say Barbie's dream house is just next to Cher's palatial estate.  See you at the beach! 

Update on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 6:04PM by JASON JOBSON

KEN'S CAMPAIGN TO GET BARBIE BACKWell I called it back in the Fall..  seems there was trouble in plastic paradise.  As it turns out Barbie was not so cool about Ken's performance on Fashion's Night Out back in September.  Although they officially broke up back in 2004, the two remained inseparable year after year.  That is until early October.   Sources say that Barbie was not laughing about Ken's cavorting on the big fashion night.   Barbie hit the stores with friends and worked the crowds as usual while Ken flirted like a bandit all over town.BARBIE'S REACTION TO KEN'S CAMPAIGN

Ken mounted an all out PR campaign to get Barbie back.   This shot was taken in NYC in late February where the plastic Hunk spent a fortune on electronic billboard ads begging Barbie to take him back.   Seems it worked because Mattel issued a press release saying the two got back together on Valentines day.  The dates don't really match up, but a convenient version huh?.    My sources say there is still trouble behind the scenes but the two are making nice for business.  After all, they are the King and Queen of a multi-billion dollar empire of all things Barbie & Ken.

Did he really win her back?  Never one to miss a P.R. opportunity, Ms. Malibu responded by asking the public if she should forgive him Ken.   Not sure that really addresses the issues they have or not.  Insiders say part of the reason Ken strayed was because he felt Barbie didn't take the relationship serious.   Does a yes / no vote on the matter sound serious to you??  

To see what America's (former?) Sweethearts  are up to - click - BARBIE.