The Belville theme which was introduced in 1994 and later discontinued in 2009 was created to appeal primarily to girls. While the sets revolved around the concept of the LEGO system it featured doll-like figures known as Belville Figures instead of regular LEGO minifigures. The Belville Figures featured multiple joints to make play more like normal doll play and were larger than minifigures. The Belville theme was the predecessor to LEGO Friends.
Sets in the theme contained pieces specially made for Belville and that later appeared in some LEGO sets. Belville bricks also have unique features such as embedded glitter and were larger pieces often in pink and purple colors not found in traditional sets. The sets depicted scenes from fantasy or fairy tails. Also, animals designed specifically for the theme were released. The first few sets in the theme were packed under the standard LEGO System name but in 1999 they were repackaged under the Belville name.