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.
1994 LEGO Sets
In 1994, LEGO experienced both milestones and challenges. While the company opened its third LEGOLAND theme park in Carlsbad, California, showcasing its global appeal, it also faced production issues. For the first time, LEGO's manufacturing exceeded its molding capacity, leading to a situation where demand outstripped supply. This capacity challenge, combined with increasing competition in the toy market, prompted the company to start reevaluating its operations and strategies to ensure sustainability and continued growth in the years ahead.