The big doll connection (as I SEE IT)

Introduction

Bibi-bo, Fleur, Susi, Sindy and Tammy are all fashion dolls from the 1960s–80s, each with their own unique origins but with clear design connections between them. Susi (Estrela, Brazil) was launched in 1966 through a license from Ideal/Tammy, while Sindy (Pedigree, UK) was introduced in 1963 based on Tammy and even used Tammy’s slogan. When the Dutch Otto Simon lost the license for Sindy in 1978, they created their own doll – Fleur – inspired by Sindy but with their own design. Bibi-bo (El Greco, Greece) was also launched in 1980 as a Greek “sister doll” inspired by Sindy. Overall, several of the dolls share body measurements and facial shape (e.g. Susi/Tammy/Sindy) and have similar target groups and clothing styles (youthful 60s–80s). They appear as parallel variants of the “girl-next-door” doll concept rather than completely independent designer creations. My review is based on primary sources such as manufacturer catalogs, collector websites, and expert opinions I note uncertainties where information is incomplete, and suggest further contacts (e.g., toy archives and collector clubs) to verify details.

Ideal - Tammy (US, 1962–1966)

Tammy was a 30 cm tall American fashion doll from Ideal Toy Company, introduced in 1962. She was portrayed as a “girl next door” instead of a supermodel, and was marketed with the slogan “The doll you love to dress”. Tammy’s design was characterized by a clear plastic face with a shy look, a bow in her hair and a throat-shaped body. She had a whole family (mom, dad, brothers, etc.) and her friend Pepper. In 1964 a version with bendable legs was released and in 1965 a “Grown Up Tammy”. The last production was in early 1966. Tammy’s clothes reflected early 60s fashion: slinky formal dresses but also country-style, e.g. jeans and white blouse. Distribution was USA-only, and she was sold in neat three-window boxes. In addition to the tagline, the British Sindy borrowed conceptual elements from Tammy (everyday style) and was licensed to use Tammy’s slogan. (Tammy was also sold, in adapted form, in Japan during the same period.) No specific designer is mentioned in our sources; however, Tammy is considered to be the inspiration for several subsequent dolls around the world.

Pedigree – Sindy (UK, 1963–1997, with later relaunches)

Sindy is a British fashion doll launched in 1963 by Pedigree Dolls & Toys in Exeter, UK. She was intended as a competitor to Barbie and was given the tagline “the doll you love to dress” (originally from Tammy). Her appearance was “girlish” with a bow in her hair and wider eyes than Tammy, but anatomically similar to Tammy in size (11″/12″) and joint structure. Pedigree actually used the ideal from Tammy: they got permission from Ideal to use Tammy’s slogan, and it is said that they had some dialogue about the design. Sindy had a lot of outfits and accessories (including Mary Quant–influenced clothes), but no official license beyond the slogan. The production took place in the UK (Pedigree’s factory in Canterbury) and later also in licensed workshops abroad. In the 1980s, Sindy was sold globally (via Marx Toys in the US) but Mattel sued Hasbro (who had bought the rights) for being too similar to Barbie. This led to a re-sculpture in 1988. Pedigree lost ground, but in 1999 there were re-launches by new manufacturers. (We focus here on the original version: Pedigree, 1963–~1997.) Sindy's clothing style followed British youth fashion; she had friends like Paul and Patch and a series of outfits called Mam'selle. Christine Glenny is often mentioned as the designer, but details are lacking in our sources.

Estrela–Susi (Brazil, 1966–1982, revivals)

Susi is a Brazilian 30 cm doll from Estrela S.A., introduced in 1966. Originally, Susi was effectively Ideal Toy Co.'s Tammy with a new name: Estrela had a license to manufacture Tammy in Brazil and used Tammy's head and body mold for the first Susi dolls. From 1966 to 1968, Susi had painted eyes; in 1969, they switched to inset round eyes, which distinguished Susi from Tammy's flat gaze. Susi was marketed as "Brazil's own teenager" (compare Sindy/Barbie) with a fashion-oriented 60s-70s style (mini dresses, hot pants, etc.). She came in colorful boxes with Estrela prints, and was distributed mainly in Brazil through regular toy stores. In 1973, the first black version (Black Susi) was launched. When Mattel took over the Susi advertising (1982), Estrela withdrew the license for Susi, which was only returned in 1996. Since the 2000s, Estrela has reissued retro versions of the 60s-70s dolls (with the original shape), as well as special models (for example, the Stranger Things collection in 2021). In 2022, Estrela celebrated its 85th anniversary with a relaunch of classic Susi models. Today, Susi is mainly marketed in Brazil; modern production is made of soft vinyl (“poseable vinyl” according to sources). The designer is not stated, but the construction was originally based on Ideal's model. Susi shares main proportions with Tammy and Sindy (same body/head mold).

Otto Simon – Fleur (Netherlands, 1978–1988)

Fleur was a 30 cm tall fashion doll in the Netherlands, launched by the toy company Otto Simon in 1978. Otto Simon had initially been licensed by the British Pedigree to sell Sindy in Holland, but when the license was suddenly withdrawn in 1978, Fleur was created as a replacement. Fleur was designed in-house (including by employee Wim Remken) with inspiration from the style of Sindy but with its own new molds. The original “Basic Fleur” doll was sold in a dark green box with printed flowers. During 1978–79 there were several versions (country cottage outfit, Belle Fleur etc.) with short legs and a rigid torso. In the early 1980s, a face and body change was made (“second generation”) where Fleur got bendable articulated legs and a more “Sindy-like” brush. Her clothing style followed the fashion trends of the time: nurse, stewardess, disco, etc. Otto Simon supervised the production in Hong Kong, but distribution took place in Europe (especially the Netherlands, and exports to Denmark, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, France, etc.). Fleur was also sold under the name Pretty Baby and had her own small furniture and accessory collections. The series ended in the late 80s (around 1988) when competitive pressure increased.

El Greco – Bibi-bo (Greece, 1980–1990)

Bibi-bo is a Greek fashion doll created by El Greco Toys and launched in November 1980 (Series A). It was marketed as a domestic alternative to Mattel's Barbie in Greece and had a variety of outfits and accessories, including flamingo colors and neon styles. The doll is approximately 30 cm (12") tall, made of plastic, with an unspecified but "Sindy-like" facial head shape. The idea came from the El Greco owners' daughter's toys, and they used the British Pedigree doll Sindy as inspiration for Bibi-bo. (They are said to have had no official license; Bibi-bo is their own design.) Bibi-bo had glasses, eyelashes and eyes that opened/closed. Her clothing style was typical of the late 70s and early 80s (glamour, country, disco). She came in simple window boxes with Greek text and the El Greco logo. Distribution channels were mainly toy stores in Greece. In the late 1980s, El Greco merged with Hasbro, and from 1988, Bibi-bo was changed to a more Mediterranean-toned complexion (a “B period” of dolls). Production ceased in 1991 after Hasbro took over El Greco. (Many details are missing from the sources – for example, the creators and the factory location in Greece are unspecified.)

Comparison and connections

The Tammy Family Tree

Tammy (USA)

Manufacturer: Ideal Toy Company

Years Produced: 1962–1966

Country: United States

Why She Matters:
Tammy was introduced in 1962 as a wholesome teenage fashion doll and quickly became one of Barbie's earliest competitors. Her natural appearance and family-oriented image made her popular with American children.

Influence on Other Dolls:
Tammy became the foundation for several later dolls. Estrela licensed her mold for the original Brazilian Susi, while Pedigree drew inspiration from Tammy when developing Sindy.

Collector's Note:
Tammy is considered one of the most influential fashion dolls of the 1960s.

Sindy (United Kingdom)

Manufacturer: Pedigree Dolls & Toys

Years Produced: 1963–1986

Country: United Kingdom

Why She Matters:
Often called Britain's best-loved fashion doll, Sindy was designed to reflect British youth culture and everyday fashion.

Connection to Tammy:
Sindy was developed shortly after Tammy's success and shared a similar wholesome image and youthful appearance.

Collector's Note:
Vintage Pedigree Sindys from the 1960s and early 1970s remain among the most collected fashion dolls in Europe.

Susi (Brazil)

Manufacturer: Estrela S.A.

Years Produced: 1966–1982

Country: Brazil

Why She Matters:
Susi became Brazil's most iconic fashion doll and remained a cultural favourite for generations.

Connection to Tammy:
The first Susi dolls were produced using a licensed Tammy mold supplied by Ideal in 1966. Over time, Susi evolved into a uniquely Brazilian doll line.

Collector's Note:
Early Susi dolls are especially valued because of their direct Tammy connection.

Fleur (Netherlands)

Manufacturer: Otto Simon

Years Produced: 1978–1988

Country: Netherlands

Why She Matters:
Fleur was introduced after Otto Simon lost the Sindy licence and needed a new fashion doll for the Dutch market.

Connection to Sindy:
Although not directly descended from Tammy, Fleur inherited many characteristics associated with the Sindy tradition.

Collector's Note:
Fleur represents an interesting branch of the European fashion doll family tree.

Bibi-bo (Greece)

Manufacturer: El Greco Toys

Years Produced: 1980–c.1990

Country: Greece

Why She Matters:
Bibi-bo became one of Greece's most recognizable fashion dolls during the 1980s.

Connection to Sindy:
Her design was heavily influenced by Sindy, making her an indirect descendant of the Tammy-inspired doll tradition.

Collector's Note:
Bibi-bo is highly sought after by collectors of Greek toys and dolls.

Family Tree Summary

Tammy (USA, 1962)
├── Sindy (UK, 1963)
│ ├── Fleur (Netherlands, 1978)
│ └── Bibi-bo (Greece, 1980)
└── Susi (Brazil, 1966)

Conclusions

There are clear links between these dolls through licensing agreements and shared design influences. Tammy directly or indirectly inspired both Sindy and Susi, while Sindy later influenced Fleur and Bibi-bo. However, each manufacturer developed its own distinct doll line. These were not simply OEM products made in one factory and rebranded for different markets. Instead, most were original creations developed by their respective companies, with Susi and Tammy being the closest exception due to their documented relationship. Available sources do not reveal significant shared manufacturing facilities, apart from Otto Simon's use of production in Hong Kong.

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