Online doll article, archived here from dollmagazine.com, all pictures from the same.

'PIPPA' THE POCKET SIZED FASHION DOLL by Chris Wimsey

Twenty-eight years have passed since Pippa was first introduced by Palitoy in 1972, but she seems every bit as popular today, hunted out by ‘grown up’ little girls who are now in their thirties.

Pippa, a 6” vinyl, fully poseable doll with metal pin joints securing her legs and bendable knees had delicately painted features, rooted long fair hair and best of all cost just 60p

Dressing Pippa was rather like choosing from an international catwalk, with the Paris collection retailing at 43p, the New York collection at 46p and the prestigious London collection at 50p.

All of her clothes were beautifully made and presented, but were left unmarked, making it difficult for collectors to spot them today.

Pippa had plenty to occupy her, with a pony introduced in 1973, costing £1.35 and a luxury boutique, sold as a presentation set comprising a Pippa doll with a complete fashion wardrobe. If riding alone seemed rather solitary, then Emma, complete with her own pony was soon introduced to keep Pippa company.

Pippa was housed in style in a delightful apartment, with four rooms, with furniture including a bedroom suite for beauty sleep, a bathroom set, a fitted kitchen with metallic sink top and taps and a range of sweet little fittings.

Furniture was available singly and in suites, with essential accessories for Pippa’s apartment including tiny saucepans, cutlery and crockery.

Proud owners could carry dolls and outfits in a neat case which cost 82p, and Pippa was soon hitting the road in a sleek sports car with opening boot – a snip at just £1.55!

In 1973, Dancing Pippa was introduced along with friends Tammie, Marie and Britt. Marie was a pretty Provencale, had a gentle sun tan, brown painted eyes and long brown hair. Tammie, in a full-length dress had a paler complexion with blue painted eyes and long auburn hair, whilst Britt - all the way from Scandinavia wore a jaunty ski outfit.

‘Just move Pippa’s arm and she dances fast or slow to the latest in pop, twist or teeny bop, she is the go go girl who keeps on going,’ proclaimed her advertising.

A new year meant new outfits and by 1974, Pippa lovers were choosing between the Vienna collection, Rio collection, Madrid collection and Athens collection. Further apartment accessories arrived on the market, including a television, which magically lit up and a coal fireplace for snug nights in By 1975, Pippa was heralded as ‘doll of the year’, with little girls snapping her up in her thousands. A new Paris collection was introduced and Pippa and her continental friends were everywhere.

Career girl Pippa took off as airhostess, nurse and office girl, with disco and holiday outfits, ensuring she looked good wherever she went.

By 1976 two more new friends in the form of Mandy and Penny and a touch of romance was added to Pippa’s life with boyfriend Pete, complete with his very own wardrobe.

1977 saw Pippa walking down the aisle as ‘Pippa Bride’ was introduced. Glamorous new wardrobes included a Movie Star collection and the Oriental collection as well as a range of stylish outfits for Pete.

Pippa’s hair salon was new this year and came complete with vanity unit, hair dryer, chair, table, a telephone, towel and shampoo bottles.

Jasmine, Pippa’s oriental friend, joined her in 1978 with along Gail a beautiful blond as well as bridesmaid Penny. New outfits included the Park Lane collection, mix ‘n’ match clothes and ‘Pippa Fashions’.

1980 saw Gala Occasion Pippa arrive on the scene - a new top-quality dressed Pippa complete with matching hat. Pippa danced her way into the collections of many little girls at this time, with Pippa Goes Dancing – a lovely boxed set, complete with everything she needed for the ballroom or ballet stage. Accessories included a leotard, tights, ballet tutu and ball gown in an attractive window pack

Sadly Pippa and the whole range was discontinued in the early Eighties, making her short-lived life all the more precious. Pippa may have left the toy shop shelf, but she still stands in pride of place in collections across the world.