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.
2000 LEGO Sets
2000 was a year of transition and innovation for LEGO. The company introduced RoboRiders, Knights’ Kingdom, Life on Mars, Studios, and a Soccer/Football theme while retiring veteran designer Jens Nygaard Knudsen, creator of the minifigure. Star Wars launched its first Ultimate Collector Series sets—the X-wing Fighter (7191) and TIE Interceptor (7181)—establishing LEGO’s adult collector market. BIONICLE debuted in select regions, setting the stage for a major global launch. Recognized as 'Toy of the Century,' the LEGO brick entered the new millennium as both a cultural icon and a growing creative platform.