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 There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me. __________ Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly regarding dolls or any of my posts, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page. If you're not already a subscriber, visit, "like" and follow the Black Doll Collecting Facebook page or bookmark the Black Doll Collecting home page and visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays when typically new posts are published. Check out what I am selling here. Check out my eBay listings here. Please follow my sister blog Ebony-Essence of Dolls in Black. *New*Visit/Follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum Donate here to support this blog. Thank you!
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So it turns out Barbie's original design was based on a German adult gag-gift escort doll named Lilli. That's right, she wasn't a dentist or a surgeon, an Olympian gymnast, a pet stylist or an ambassador for world peace. And she certainly wasn't a toy for little girls... Lilli on display at the Ba
It does fit Gene (tho I think it doesn't fit quite as well in the bust) and darn it if that purse still doesn't look a tad big to me. :-(
A hand painted Number One Barbie doll welcomes her cousin Bild Lilli by doll artist Kristina Wagner. The Number One Barbie is an early Japan made doll with hand painted face. Wow! Doll from the collection of Franklin Lim Liao. Photo for potential inclusion in Travis' portfolio.
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Lilli Lalka by Julian Kalinowski. Necklace by Joy Jarred. Dress by Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
Vintage cotton print (1001 Arabian Nights!) makes a darling sundress with zipper closure. Olive green knit gloves and real coral necklace complete the playful look. Tiny suedette purse with beaded details allow Lalka to carry her American Express card.
The iconic Barbie doll was inspired by a German doll called Lilli but Lilli wasn't originally a doll - she was originally a cartoon. Learn the real background of the world's most loved toy.
Séverine dolls by Julian Kalinowski in a suit by Tania Lawrence.
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Mattel’s Designers have completed their “Black & White” Platinum Collection for Barbie, my “Black White” Titanium Collection has just begun. Making my debut–…
