Barbie's Predecessor Bild Lilli

A custom black Bild Lilli holds a mini replica of Bild, is a German tabloid newspaper published by Axel Springer SE, first issued in 1952. - Photo courtesy of T. Fisher

In response to a comment on a previous post wherein the above custom black Bild Lilli is featured, I recently searched Pinterest boards for black and white versions of original Bild Lilli dolls and reproductions. (The early 1950s doll originated in West Germany as a white doll and is Barbie's predecessor.) Reproductions of the original Bild Lilli can be found today. One popular reproduction artist creates both black and white versions and calls them Lilli Lalka. His name is Julian Kalinowski. 

View two unboxing videos below of Lilli Lalka dolls by Youtuber, Manny, published on the "Some Like It Vintage" channel.

The comment on the previous post that prompted this post is copied below:

SBAugust 3, 2023 at 12:25 AM

I’ve been learning a lot about dolls recently. Knowing the suppressed history of Bild Lilli made me sympathetic 2 her. This one is gorgeous [the doll in the leading photo of this post] — perfectly painted & still looks like Lilli. Her kimono’s lovely too. Would love 2 C perfect reproductions of Lilli along with dark skinned versions.

I suggested that SB search Pinterest boards for "perfect reproductions of Bild Lilli along with dark skinned versions."

It was not suggested to SB, but I took the liberty of creating a Pinterest board of black and white Bild Lilli dolls and pinned them side-by-side as much as Pinterest pin placement allows.

View my Black and White Bild Lilli Pinterest board here.

The original blog post that prompted SB's comment can be read here.

Read more about the history of Bild Lilli here.

We all knew (doll collectors, that is) that the July 21, 2023, release of the Barbie movie would prompt interest in Barbie from noncollectors as well as increase the interest of already fascinated Barbie enthusiasts. Several articles have featured Barbie collectors as a result of the movie. We all also know (doll collectors, that is) whether are not we love, despise, or have an indifferent relationship with her, Barbie remains the #1 fashion doll in the world, thanks to Bild Lilli and Ruth Handler's "insight." 

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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