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.
2004 LEGO Sets
In 2004, LEGO underwent a major shakeup as it worked to recover from record losses in 2003. This year saw significant changes in product strategy, color design, and partnerships, all of which played a role in LEGO’s long-term turnaround. One of the most controversial changes was the replacement of several long-standing LEGO colors, including gray, dark gray, brown, and violet, with newer, more vibrant shades. This shift also included the introduction of light nougat, which became the standard skin tone for many licensed minifigures.