Meet Kelly: The M&S girl from 1979

Feature, Research and Images by @dollabouttoiwn As told to @dresslikeasindy

Often mistaken for a Sindy, Kelly was a doll in her own right - albeit fleetingly. And is the 'forgotten' chapter in the vast Sindy story.

Although Kelly was in fact, produced by the same Sindy company, Pedigree Dolls & Toys Ltd - she was made exclusively for British high-street chain Marks & Spencer and sold briefly in their stores at the end of 1979

Kelly has the same body mould as a 1979 'Funtime' Sindy and was only available as a blonde A former Pedigree employee revealed she was named after Kelly from Charlie's Angels Kelly Garrett (played by Jaclyn Smith) was considered to be the most 'popular' angel from the American show which was a huge hit in the UK in the late 1970's also

Kelly was a fully moveable fashion doll who came with a reverse socket head made of soft vinyl, painted facial features and rooted nylon hair. She was dressed in a red floral dress very similar to the Marx Sindy and the 'Springtime' Sindy dress of 1981.

She was boxed with the tagline 'Step into Kelly's World' above the Marks & Spencer St. Michael label. Sindy was well-known for her scene setters and the Kelly collection was no exception, as she too came with many extras.

Alongside her floral dress, Kelly had five extra fashion outfits all with the St. Michael label sewn in. Also, it's worth noting they all came with square plastic snaps to fastenrather than the metal ones used on Sindy clothes at the time Kelly also had a few select scene setters so you could totally immerse yourself into 'Kelly's world '

Step into Kelly's World: Kelly was given her own collection of scene setters that were all very similar to Sindy scene setters from the late 1970's and early 1980's

These detailed illustrations are from the back of the boxes

The Kelly furniture sets included a very modern Bed/Settee - a foldaway bed with sheets included The blue and white floral print fabric adorned the sofa cushion (that became the mattress) and an additional sheet and pillow The sofa bed is also marked with St Michael on the base

For her clothes Kelly had a wardrobe that is an exact replica of the Sindy wardrobe launched in 1976, but distinguishable by its blue swirl designs on each of the doors corners It came with white coat hangers and a blue printed facia on the top (not shown in this image)

Kelly Facts:

Launched in 1979

Sold exclusively in M&S

Originally cost approx. £3-£4

Currently worth approx £100

The St Michael Kelly 'Coffee Table and Chairs' set was shown on the box illustration (see previous pages) as a table with two brown chairs The set was actually issued with cream chairs - one rocker chair and one straight legged chair

The white table was similar in style to the Sindy brown 'Lounge Set' launched in 1980 but, was taller, to be used as a kitchen table and was sold with place settings. Again, it is distinctive for its blue pattern in the centre of the table and on the legs.

Interestingly, a brown rocker chair was sold with the Sindy 'Lounge Set' and a white straight legged chair was then added to the Sindy 'Bedside Table and Lamp' set, and sold as 'Bedside Table and Chair' in 1981. Excess stock maybe?

>> See Kelly's fashion sets on the next page .

Kelly was also given a dressing table and stool to complete her bedroom It is identical to the Sindy 'Dressing Table and Stool' from 1975 Again, the M&S version is easily identified by the blue trim on the mirror and on the legs of the dresser and stool The stool cushion is the same floral fabric as the bed/settee soft furnishings The dresser top accessories were included with this set also

Kelly's daytime looks included this brown and yellow set - a very popular colour combo for Sindy in the late 70's The jumper echos many of the 'Pony Club' designs of the late 70's/early 80's

Another daytime look that precedes many of the 'Separates' fashion pieces that launched for Sindy in 1981. Note Kelly's mules and court shoes are identical to Sindy's.

This yellow floral dress shown inside the wardrobe illustration (previous pages) - is often mistaken for Sindy - it's actually more beige/brown in colour. The neckline and sleeves are a similar cut to 'Tartan Touch' (1979) and the skirt resembles 'Gypsy Lady' (1980).

Kelly's nightwear ensemble is similar in style and feel to many of Sindy's nightwear sets like 'Sleep Tight' (1974) and 'Good Morning' (1978). The ditsy floral design is much busier than Sindy's style though.

Kelly's wedding dress is reminiscent of 'Wedding Bells' (1976) with its satin fabric and floor-length design Although, it is identifiable by its puff sleeves, lace trimmed funnel neck and stitched detail on bodice