Bild Llilli Doll | A barbie for adults? Know the history

In the world of iconic toys, few characters can rival Barbie’s influence and legacy. However, Before the Barbie doll became a global sensation, there was another figure that would lay the foundation for her success: the Bild Lilli Doll. In the next few lines we will explore the intriguing and often controversial history of the Barbie Bild Lilli Doll and its impact on popular culture. Can you come with us? Well, let’s start this new article!

The story of Bild Llilli Doll

The history of the Bild Lilli Doll dates back to the 1950s in Germany. She was created by the caricaturist Reinhard Beuthien, and was initially a comic character in the strip «Bild-Zeitung«. Lilli was an attractive young woman who lived comical and often racy adventures in the pages of the newspaper.

It became very popular as a curvy girl who knew what she wanted and dedicated herself to her business to get it. She was elegant, always in fashion and, above all, very daring. Her appearance and bold attitude captured the attention of the audience, which led to the creation of a doll based on her character.

Why was the Bild Lilli doll considered a sex toy?

When we talk about dolls, we recognize a certain degree of childishness and innocence. The Bild Llilli Doll can be taken primarily as a children’s toy. But the reality is that, given the construction of the character in the cartoons, there was little childlike about this curious precursor of the modern Barbie.

Lilli’s audacity in her cartoons came from a great sexual disinhibition.: She was not afraid to speak out or confront male authority. Imagine how it must have surprised them at that time! To give an example of her «daringness», in a comic strip, Bild Llilli Doll is wearing a bikini, while she is walking down the street, when a police officer approaches her and warns her that wearing that outfit is illegal. What does Lilli answer? “In her opinion, which part should I take away?” This mix of wit and impudence turned the character of Lilli into a gold mine, who enjoyed great popularity among the newspaper’s readers.

The production of the doll in physical form

The story of Bild Llilli Doll would not stop at cartoons. Quite the contrary, she was barely taking her first steps. Shortly after the character debuted in the newspaper, Reinhard, seeing Lilli’s success, decided produce a doll of this character. On August 12, 1955, Lilli was sold for the first time in Germany. Later, it was exported to several countries, including the United States.

Originally, it was marketed for adults in bars and tobacco shops like a joke gift. Many parents felt it was not appropriate for children. It was considered a «sex toy» for adults. On many occasions, Lilli was given to the bride and groom at their bachelor parties. It was also common to see her hanging from the rearview mirror of a car… Demonstrating, at least for a time, she was indeed an object with sexual connotations, designed for men of legal age.

The reason for such consideration, in addition to the character’s attitude in the vignettes, was that Lilli had a face painted with side-looking, flirtatious eyes, with white irises. Also He had narrow eyebrows—in the style of the time—and red lips and nails.

She was made of plastic and her hair was neatly cut and tied in a ponytail, usually blonde. However, the brunette version of this doll also sold very well. No matter how much of a sex toy she was considered to be, Bild Llilli Doll was always sold dressed, and there were even additional costumes available separately.

Lilli’s influence on Barbie’s existence

The Bild Lilli Doll not only influenced popular culture, but also paved the way for the creation of the iconic Barbie. Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, came across one of these dolls while she was shopping in Europe in 1956 and it was exactly what she had been thinking of producing. He bought three dolls. He gave one to his daughter Barbie, and the others to their designers at Mattel.

The rest is already known history. In 1959, Mattel launched the first Barbie doll, which shared similarities in style and concept with the Bild Lilli Doll. On this occasion the doll had a purely children’s orientation, and became the most popular toy for girls on a global scale, maintaining its popularity to this day.

Although production of the Bild Lilli Doll ceased in the 1960s, her legacy lives on in toy history and popular culture. The original Bild Lilli dolls have become highly valued collector’s items and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The doll’s influence on contemporary fashion, culture and art is still evident today.

As you will see, the story of the Bild Lilli Doll is a fascinating chapter in the world of toys and popular culture. From her controversial origins in the 1950s to her impact on the creation of the iconic Barbie doll, the Bild Lilli Doll left an indelible mark on toy history and continues to inspire generations of enthusiasts and collectors today. His legacy is a reminder of how seemingly simple objects can have a profound impact on society and the human imagination.

And you, Did you know the story of the precursor of Barbie? Do you think that, in fact, this doll had some sexual content implicit? Feel free to leave us all your opinions in a comment. And if this topic catches your attention, don’t miss the article in which we tell you about the history of Barbie, as well as this selection of the best Barbie movies. Until next time!