A model presents a creation by designer Brian Reyes during a fashion show celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary during New York Fashion Week in New York, February 14, 2009. [Xinhua/Reuters]

The classic Barbie doll finally made her catwalk debut to celebrate her upcoming 50th birthday in what turned out to be the most popular event held during the opening days of New York Fashion Week in the weekend.

Introduced at the New York Toy Fair in 1959 as "the teenage fashion model," the 50-year-old Barbie was still turning heads at the semi-annual fashion week as models styled as Mattel's fashion icon took to the catwalk in designer outfits.

The world's largest toy maker Mattel enlisted 50 top U.S. designers to create outfits inspired by the legendary 11.5-inch doll suitable for life-size models. Crowds overflowed at the eagerly awaited show, which is part of a year-long celebration for Barbie's birthday that Mattel 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 top names in the fashion world such as Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Tommy Hilfilger and Calvin Klein.

"Barbie's a classic, like Coca-Cola," said Diane von Furstenberg, a designer who also heads up the Council of Fashion Designers of America. "Barbie is all-American. And this is where American fashion takes place. So it only makes sense to come together."

Von Furstenberg created a classic pink-and-white wrap dress for her Barbie, who strolled the runway toting a suitcase on rollers, as if she were running to catch a plane for a business trip that left room for pleasure.

The designs portrayed past, present and future looks of the classic doll in colors like black, red and pink and in styles that included long blond ponytails and futuristic hairstyles. But pink was a dominant theme at the event, with dresses paired with pink peep-toe shoes by designer Christian Louboutin.

In keeping with Valentine's Day, Barbie's beau, Ken, made an appearance on the runway as Barbie's white shirt read: "Everyone needs a Ken."

The show was one of many steps that Mattel is seeking to make Barbie hip again as girls have increasingly turned to edgier dolls like MGA Entertainment's Bratz range, video games and other electronic toys.

Other events this year include plans to open the brand's first flagship store in Shanghai in March, hold a Barbie exhibit in Paris, and run a four-day National Barbie Doll Collector's Convention in Washington, D.C., in July.

(Xinhua/Agencies February 16, 2009)