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.
2003 LEGO Sets
2003 brought challenges but also key innovations that shaped LEGO’s revival. Realistic skin tones were introduced for licensed themes, while yellow remained standard for original ones. Clikits, Designer, and expanded Sports lines reflected diversification efforts, and 4 Juniors replaced Jack Stone for younger builders. World City modernized the classic Town setting. Though financially turbulent, LEGO’s design experimentation and new audience focus paved the way for its recovery.