1980 Sindy Outfits and Separates
1980 quickly brought a calamitous ending for Pedigree’s parent company Dunbee Combex Marx (DCM). In 1976 DCM had been the fourth most profitable company in the UK and as noted on the 1978 Sindy page, it had adopted an ambitious overseas expansion programme which included amongst its purchases the US Marx and German Schuco companies. But by February 1980 dealings in its shares had been suspended having dropped from a high of £2 to just 22p and its trading debts stood at £16.4 million with a further £2.4 million owed to shareholders.
In America, in the Southern District of New York, DCM “doing business as” Louis Marx & Co filed for bankruptcy.
Many reasons have been given for the collapse of DCM, the falling birthrate in western countries, the introduction in June 1979 of a VAT rate of 15% on toys which further affected sales which were already suffering from another credit squeeze, the strong value of the pound against other currencies pushing up the prices of British made toys abroad, and management & marketing deficiencies.
But, Kenneth Brown in “The British Toy Business – A History since 1700” points to two significant factors which really overwhelmed the company:
- Firstly, the global market, and particularly America, was in a slump. Although Marx did initially make some money, DCM’s overseas losses began to mount up. In 1978 the British arm of DCM made a profit of £1.25 million but abroad, mainly in the US, it lost £4 million. By November 1979 DCM’s liabilities in the US had exceeded its assets by $12 million which under American law prevented them from obtaining or providing credit, thereby crippling their ability to trade.
- Secondly, the minimum lending rate had increased to 17% imposing a punishing repayment obligation in respect of the firm’s existing borrowings. In addition, the high interest rate affected their retailers. Sellers wanted to hold onto their cash for as long as possible and so they delayed ordering new stock until the last possible moment. Toy manufacturers had always been accustomed to maintaining large inventories but these increased delays in retail orders, combined with faltering sales, left many of them with unsold stocks. And, as interest rates stood at such high levels the burden of supporting these stocks became unbearable.
The huge empire that was DCM was broken up and liquidated. Pedigree survived, extricated from the debris by Tamwade, a new holding company led by DCM’s ex-chairman Richard Beecham and formed by a consortium of investors.
How did all of this affect Sindy? Well as noted in the 1979 Scenesetters – at least one scenesetter “Baby Sitter” became a casualty of the need to rationalise and save costs, and some collectors point to the reuse of some clothing patterns such as ‘Jogger’, the reissue (or perhaps just the using up of existing stock) of ‘Fair Lady’ & ‘Premiere Girl’, and the Schuco and 1979 Sindy outfits appearing on uncatalogued boxed dolls as further evidence of rationalisation and reuse. One collector we know also thinks there is a noticeable mixture of previous heads and bodies used on dolls of this era, perhaps to save money by using up any remaining stocks for parts.
But despite all the turmoil the 1980 Pedigree Sindy Trade catalogue still had plenty of new outfits and scenesetters.
As before five Sindys were shown in the Pedigree trade catalogue and all were 2nd Gens:
- Active Sindy (Ref 44664 – international reference 44663), everyone’s favourite ballerina/gymnast was still available.
- Summertime Fun (Ref 44716 – international reference 44674 ) a basic Sindy wearing a simple stretch nylon halter neck swimming costume. With her ballerina hairstyle this sweet doll had a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs.
- Funtime Sindy (Ref 44738 – international reference 44691) – was this year’s offering of a basic Sindy in a simple dress. She had a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs.
- Styling Sindy Sindy (Ref 44739 – international reference 44701) this Sindy had a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs, and gorgeous waist length hair. She came with the brush, comb & mirror set first seen with the 1975 Lovely Lively Sindy. Today these Sindys are often found with very pale faces (sometimes almost greenish in colour) as the coloured vinyl used for these doll’s heads has degraded over time.
- Sindy Sweet Dreams (Ref 44740 – international reference 44690) the sleeping eyes Sindy with a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs was still available wearing a new outfit.
There was also at least one uncatalogued boxed doll which we have shown below and we would be interested to hear if there were any others.
As previously there was a range of fashions to suit all pockets:
- At one end was eight budget fashions now called “Envelope Fashions” designed for all of Sindys activities.
- Sindy’s mid-price fashions were now simply called “Boxed Fashions” and were described as “Stylish outfits at attractive prices. 6 fashions in beautifully illustrated gift packs.” In fact the 1979 equivalents “Out and about fashions” also came in beautifully illustrated boxes, as can be seen with ‘Tartan Touch’ (see 1979 Sindy).
- Sindy’s most expensive range of outfits was still called “Super Fashions”. There were now four outfits instead of last year’s three. Two were a re-use of an existing outfit and the other two were new.
- Sindy’s outfits again included a ‘Mix n Match’ range, this time using a green & white theme.
Sindy’s fashion accessories ‘Dress in Style’ Ref 44403 (See 1976 Sindy) and ‘Jewellery Accessories’ Ref 44417 (See 1978 Sindy) but shown with the brown jewellery box were still available. They were joined by an even better fashion accessory set which combined some of the accessories from these two sets (see below).
These outfits predominately use square-shaped sewn-on metal poppers and a lot of the outfits – even mint ones – don’t have any labels at all. Those that we have found are paper with “MADE IN HONG KONG” in a zig-zag edged boxed printed in black ink.
You & Sindy (International Ref 44623) (Boxed doll outfit)
This uncatalogued boxed doll was only found on the continent and at first glance appears to be based on the Schuco ‘Gold-Sindy’ doll, repackaged as a Pedigree product. However, just like Schuco’s ‘Reit-Sindy’, ‘Gold-Sindy’ was also an active doll whereas ‘You & Sindy’ was a basic doll and there were differences between these two dolls.
This Sindy wore a floor length gypsy-style dress. Made from cotton, the bodice was a pale pastel pink. It had a square-shaped neckline embellished with a flourish of white nylon lace and was shaped with two darts at the front. In contrast to the bodice, the short puffed sleeves were made of the same pastel pink cotton printed with a floral pattern with blue, green, rose pink and yellow flowers with charcoal grey stems. The end of the sleeves were also decorated with the white lace. The long skirt consisted of three tiers made up of two floral tiers contrasted with the plain pink cotton fabric in the middle. The seams of the tiers and the hem were again trimmed with the white lace. This dress fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. This Sindy wore white tassel shoes.
This Sindy came with two gilt-metal, cut out heart-shaped pendants. One for Sindy and a larger sized version for a child to wear.
We do know of a variation where the lace trim is made of cotton rather nylon as shown above.
The only advert that we know of for this doll is from Denmark shown left.
The title says: “Sindy has a gift for YOU” and the description for this doll reads: “When you buy this Sindy doll in a beautiful long dress you get a lovely necklace with “a golden heart” for both yourself and Sindy – your best friend.”
Schuco-Gold Sindy (Ref 14-4624)
The Schuco-Gold Sindy (Ref 14-4624) which was issued, we think, in 1979 has a dress which is ever so slightly different. Whilst the dress is the same design and shape, the plain pink fabric is a deeper pink and the floral fabric has a much nicer pattern with bolder bigger flowers using more colours with blue, pink, rose pink and yellow flowers with steel blue stems and green leaves. This dress fastened with two chrome coloured poppers with the backs facing. This version used a white nylon lace trim. This Sindy also wore white tassel shoes. To be honest, we think the ‘You & Sindy’ dress is a little drab in comparison with this one.
She also came with two gilt-metal coloured, solid heart-shaped pendants. Also one for Sindy and a larger sized version for a child to wear.
Similarly, there is also a lace variation which uses a nylon flower, and as you can see the pink fabric is much darker.
This is a very interesting dress. It’s kind of a hybrid version.
It combines the pale pink fabric of the You & Sindy dress with the floral fabric and nylon lace of the Schuco-Gold Sindy.
This dress, like the Schuco-Gold version, fastened with two chrome coloured poppers with the backs facing.
It was obtained loose so there are no Sindy doll clues. Whether it was a prototype, or a way to use existing fabric stocks to complete orders we don’t know.
Both the museum and the owner would be keen to know if anyone else has a dress like this, or if they have any more information on it?
Summertime Fun (Ref 44716 – international reference 44674 ) (Boxed doll outfit)
This boxed doll wore the plainest outfit ever, a one piece bathing costume made of magenta pink stretch nylon. The swimsuit was gathered between the bust and it had matching silky cord halter neck tie straps. This outfit did not come with shoes.
Funtime Sindy (Ref 44738 – international reference 44691) (Boxed doll outfit)
This Sindy wore a very simple Funtime dress. A round-necked, sleeveless, shift dress made from a white, green, red & yellow candy-striped cotton which is very reminiscent of a deckchair pattern. It fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener and it had a plain red nylon ribbon tie belt. This outfit came with a pair of red round-toed court shoes. (Hairband model’s own.)
Styling Sindy (Ref 44739 – international reference 44701) (Boxed doll outfit)
Pretty Styling Sindy had a pretty dress to match. A maxi-dress made of buttercup yellow cotton decorated with a blue red & white floral pattern. The bodice of this dress had a round scooped neckline bound with red cotton bias binding, and it had two darts from the waist to under the bust providing fitting and shape. The dress had elbow-length slightly puffed sleeves which were trimmed with red cotton lace. The same red lace was also used to decorate the skirt. This dress fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. She wore a nylon red ribbon in her hair and red round-toed court shoes on her feet. She came with the familiar brush, comb and mirror that was originally sold with the 1975 Lovely Lively.
Sindy Sweet Dreams (Ref 44740 – international reference 44690) (Boxed doll outfit) finally packaged as Bedtime Sindy
Sindy’s new night attire was a floor-length nightdress made of a cotton decorated with a floral pattern in peach and cream hues. The bodice had a scooped neckline trimmed with brown cotton lace and it had long sleeves trimmed with the same lace at the wrists. The waistline was elasticated and around it was tied a separate coffee brown taffeta ribbon as a belt. This nightdress fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. This outfit came with white slippers made from a pair of Sindy’s white slip-on mules decorated with white faux fur.
The trade catalogue for this outfit showed a slightly different design – a sleeveless nightdress made from the peach & cream floral cotton with brown ribbon shoulder straps and trimmed with brown lace. We have never seen this nightie and we think it must have been the prototype, we would be pleased to hear from anyone who knows any more about it.
This was the last year that ‘Sweet Dreams’ Sindy was shown in the UK Pedigree trade catalogue and there is an interesting conclusion to the story of ‘Sweet Dreams’ Sindy.
Bedtime Sindy (Ref 44740)
At some point during the year the sleeping eye doll was replaced with other Sindys without the sleeping eyes, shown right. She has been found as a bunches Sindy and as a 1979 Summertime Fun Sindy with the side bunch.
In her box was a small printed slip.
“Dear Customer, Due to production difficulties, we are unable to supply sleeping eye Sindy dolls in the future. The new “Bedtime Sindy” replaces the “Sweet Dreams” doll illustrated in our leaflet. We apologise for the inconvenience, but we trust that this arrangement meets with your approval.”
Her reference was not changed and she was packed with the 1980 Style Leaflet.
Leisure Lady (Ref 44070) - Envelope Fashion
This top was very fashionable at the time. A blouson style knitted jumper with batwing sleeves made from a fine blue and cream acrylic made using a butterfly patterned machine stitch. It had long sleeves and a V-shaped neckline. The neckline, cuffs and waistband were trimmed with a finely ribbed white stretch-nylon. It fastened at the back of the neck with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. Her straight-legged trousers were made of a thick white drill cotton with a front fly opening and they fastened at the waist with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. For her feet she had a pair of white slip-on mules.
Coffee party (Ref 44071) - Envelope Fashion
Echoing the design of the ‘Leisure Lady’ jumper, this pretty floral patterned dress was made of thick creamy-white cotton printed with bold flowers in blue, green, orange, pale pink and dark pink outlined in brown. Its loose blouson style bodice contrasted well with the straight knee-length A-line skirt. It also had long batwing sleeves and a V-neck. The cuffs and neckline were finished with a creamy-white ribbed cotton and it fastened at the back with two square-shaped metal snap-fasteners. This outfit came with a pair of cream round-toed court shoes.
Free wheeling (Ref 44072) - Envelope Fashion
Similar in style to 1979’s ‘Playtime’, this jumpsuit was made of sunshine yellow drill cotton. It also had short sleeves, a sewn-on collar and a patch pocket on the left breast. Where it differed was in the belt detailing. It had a half-belt sewn into the right-hand-side seam, this went over the front of the waist and fastened with a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener attached just behind the left-hand seam. The jumpsuit opened down the front where it fastened with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener at the breast. To provide some shape, the back of the waist was elasticated in line with the front belt. By way of contrasting detail, the edges of the collar, sleeves, front opening, pocket and belt were over-stitched with a row of dark blue cotton. A rather nice navy blue triangular scarf made of thinnish crimplene was provided for Sindy’s neck. All the edges were hemmed and the longer tie-edges were gathered and stitched to a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener making this an easy item with which to accessorise Sindy’s outfit. Yellow slip-on mules accompanied this outfit.
Baby blue (Ref 44073) - Envelope Fashion
Sindy’s underwear set for 1980 was another bra, half-slip and two pants set, but this time she was given a pair of high-legged classic knickers and pair of French knickers.
The bra was made of a pastel blue nylon overlaid with a layer of fine baby blue floral patterned netting. It had blue nylon straps and the top of the bra was trimmed with white nylon lace. It fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener.
Her classic styled knickers were made of a white stretchy nylon with an elasticated waist and the leg holes trimmed with the same white lace. Her French knickers were made of the same pastel blue nylon as her bra, they were shorter cut than the 1979 version. They also had an elasticated waist and the leg holes were also trimmed with the matching white lace.
The half-slip was made of the baby blue floral patterned see-through netting, similar to the 1979 Sindy ‘Sweet Dreams’ net fabric. It had a sewn-on waistband made of the same material and it fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. This is a calf-length slip and just above the knee an additional tier of netting has been stitched to the hem giving it a flounce. A white nylon lace trim decorates this seam.
To complete the outfit there was a pair of white one-strap sandals trimmed with pastel blue plush fabric.
This outfit was reissued in 1981 with a shorter, simpler slip with the new reference 44082. Please see 1981 Sindy Outfits and Separates for the shorter half-slip version 1981 Sindy Outfits and Separates
Pony Club (Ref 44074) - Envelope Fashion
Sindy’s customary riding outfit was updated. Again it had a pair of stretch-nylon jodhpurs with inside knee pads. This year they were made of a pale beige nylon with soft brown brushed-nylon knee pads and white elasticated stirrups. They had a sewn-on waistband made of the same beige fabric, a fly opening and they fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. Sindy’s top was a navy blue stretch nylon jumper decorated with a horseshoe printed in white on the left breast. It had a deep V-neck and the neckline, cuffs and waistband were finished with same navy blue nylon. It fastened at the back of the neck with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. This outfit came with beige nylon shaped cravat which could be tucked neatly into her V-shaped jumper, a pair of Sindy’s black plastic high-heeled riding boots and a long black plastic riding crop.
Although the trade catalogue description lists the beige cravat, we have seen this Mint in Pedigree Packaging both with and without the cravat. Again we wonder, production line assembly error or subsequent cost cutting?
Gingham girl (Ref 44075) - Envelope Fashion
Sindy’s “Country style” outfit consisted of a bright red bib and brace cotton skirt and contrasting red & white gingham check shirt. The knee-length A-line skirt had a front kick-pleat, bib and braces which went over her shoulders and which were sewn to the back of the waist. By way of decoration there were two faux patch pockets made of red & white gingham check sewn at hip height to the front of the skirt. This skirt fastened at the back of the waist with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap-fastener. Matching the pockets was a simple shirt in red & white gingham check which contrasted beautifully with the skirt. Again made of cotton, this shirt has half-length sleeves trimmed with sewn-on cuffs and a sewn-on collar. It fastened just under the neck with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap-fastener. Although shown in the trade catalogue with red round-toed court shoes, we have this MIP (Mint in Packet) and it came with red slip-on mules.
Pink 'n' Frilly (Ref 44076) - Envelope Fashion
Sindy’s low-cost nightie was beautiful. This floor-length nightdress was made of baby pink & white candy striped cotton. It had an empire-line bodice and a round scooped neckline at the front which dipped into a deep V at the back. The neckline was trimmed with narrow white cotton/nylon lace. The short, generously puffed sleeves were trimmed with a wider pink and white nylon lace. The skirt had a faux underskirt panel made of textured pink nylon embossed with a four petal flower. To complete the design, the nightdress had two layers of the pink and white nylon lace around the hem and a sugar pink nylon ribbon attached to the high elasticated waist beneath the breast. The nightdress fastened at the back of the neck with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. This outfit came with a pair of white one-strap sandals trimmed with pale pink faux fur.
Jogger (Ref 44077) - Envelope Fashion
The last of Sindy’s Envelope Fashions was almost identical to the 1979 ‘Keep Fit Sindy’ boxed doll outfit (Ref 44687).
This time however it was made in a bright red & golden yellow colour scheme. The long-sleeved tracksuit top was made in red stretch nylon with the collar, cuffs and waistband made from finely ribbed golden yellow stretch nylon. The front edges of the tracksuit top were bound with a matching yellow polyester cotton binding and it fastened with three square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners. Unlike the 1979 outfit, the stretch nylon tracksuit bottoms matched the top. They were made from red stretch nylon with an elasticated waist with ankle cuffs made of the golden yellow stretch nylon. Sewn down the side of each leg was a stripe of the matching yellow polyester cotton tape. For her feet Sindy wore a pair the golden yellow trainers.
Premiere girl (Ref 44297) – Super Fashions
Sindy’s Victorian style brown lace gown and velveteen cloak appears to be the 1979 outfit simply carried forward to 1980. For a full description please refer to 1979 Sindy. Première Girl (Ref 44297) – Super fashions
We do not know if there were any differences between the 1979 and 1980 issues and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who may have spotted anything.
Fair lady (Ref 44299) – Super Fashions
Again this period outfit appears to be another straightforward carry forward of the 1979 version. However as noted in the 1979 description, the 1980 version appears to have been simplified (more cost cutting perhaps?). Therefore, please see also the 1979 description.
Again the 1980 version consisted of a cream calico-type cotton underdress with a brown floral printed pinafore overdress and matching hat.
This underdress had long straight sleeves and it had a plain high stand-up collar attached to the neckline of the bodice. The wide skirt of the underdress reached to just above Sindy’s ankle where it was trimmed with one row of cream coloured cotton lace. It fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners. The pinafore overdress was made of cotton printed with a floral pattern in red, yellow green, coffee & white on a dark brown background. The front of the bodice was cut-out to expose the cream bodice of the underdress and the back of the bodice was V-shaped where it fastened with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. Its short puffed elasticated sleeves and the shorter length skirt were also designed to exposed the dress underneath. As a final flourish, both the neckline of the bodice and the hem of the over dress were trimmed with a dark chocolate brown box-shaped lace. The matching wide brimmed picture hat was made of the brown floral cotton, with the underside of the brim lined in the cream calico-type cotton. The brim of the hat was edged with the dark chocolate brown box-shaped patterned lace. This outfit naturally came with brown tassel shoes.
Autumn leaves (Ref 44337) – Boxed Fashions
Sindy’s fashionable calf-length tie-belt camel coat was made of soft wool flannel. It had long sleeves with wide faux cuffs, a sewn-on collar, reverse lapels, two faux patch pockets with flaps and a separate tie belt. The edges of the coat and tie-belt were over-stitched with a contrasting dark brown cotton. This stitching was also used to pick up the detail of the cuffs and pockets & flaps. The coat had two hidden square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners at the front, one at the breast and the other below the hips, thus giving the impression that the belt tied at the waist had fastened it. This coat came with a matching hat with a round brim made of the camel wool flannel, a long cotton scarf printed with a complimenting multi-coloured brown plaid pattern. This outfit came with a pair of Sindy’s brown knee-high boots.
City shopper (Ref 44338) – Boxed Fashions
This outfit is so 80s and an ideal for choice for Sindy when she goes “up town” for a bit of retail therapy.
This outfit was an overblouse & skirt ensemble made of cotton printed with a white leaf pattern on a bright red background. The blouse had long sleeves with sewn-on cuffs made of the same material. It had a sewn-on collar, a placket front (a double layer of fabric where the buttons and buttonholes are placed), and it had a shaped curved hem. It fastened at the breast with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. The full matching skirt was calf-length and made of one piece of fabric. The skirt had a seam at the back and the material was pleated and stitched to waistband. It fastened at the back of the waist with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener.
This outfit was accessorised with a cream linen belt with a gilt metal oval buckle, a matching rectangular neck scarf with diagonally cut edges, and a shoulder bag. The shoulder bag was lined with white stiffening fabric to provided shape and it had a flap opening which also fastened with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. This outfit came with red round-toed court shoes.
Holiday girl (Ref 44339) – Boxed Fashions
This outfit was slightly different to the one shown in Pedigree’s literature which showed a red & white striped shirt. In reality this shirt was just plain white.
Made of white nylon this short-sleeved shirt had turned up cuffs and a modest sewn-on collar. It fastened at the breast with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. Around her neck Sindy wore a scarlet ribbon tie which had an actual simple tie knot. This outfit came with a pair of cropped-legged jeans with turn-ups. They had a fly opening and fastened with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. To keep her warm there was a sleeveless knitted maxi-waistcoat made from navy blue acrylic wool. The waistcoat seemed very simple but it was quite detailed using two types of stitches, an open square-shaped pattern at the top with a denser closer stitched pattern from hips downwards – very nice. This outfit came with a pair of Sindy’s brown knee-high boots.
There is a variation of this outfit with a much paler pair of jeans (shown left for comparison).
There is a nice variation of the hacking jacket where the colours are reversed with a white and green dog-tooth pattern (shown right for comparison).
Cool customer (Ref 44340) – Boxed Fashions
Sindy’s trouser suit outfit for 1980. This outfit had a stylised hacking jacket made of a large green and white dog-tooth patterned crimplene. It had long straight sleeves, reverse lapels, a vent at the back and two patch pockets at the front. By way of contrasting detail the jacket had a bottle green drill cotton sewn-on collar with the top of the patch pockets trimmed with same fabric. It fastened at the breast with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. Under her jacket Sindy wore a sleeveless waistcoat-style top with a V-neckline and V-shaped front panels made from the bottle green drill cotton fabric. It fastened with two round-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners. Matching the top was a pair of bottle green drill cotton straight-legged trousers. They had a fly opening and fastened with one round-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. This outfit came with white nylon shaped cravat which could be tucked neatly into her top and a pair of white round-toed court shoes.Click to add text, images, and other content
Gypsy lady (Ref 44341) – Boxed Fashions
Described as “evening dress”, this outfit again picked up the gypsy dress style that was so fashionable at this time. A floor length tiered dress, this dress was made from a cornflower blue nylon jersey. It had a round scoop neck with a cowl collar trimmed with a darker blue lace. The skirt had two tiers and the waist and the seams of the tiers were decorated with navy blue velvet ribbon providing three bands of colour to this otherwise quite plain dress. The hem was also decorated with the darker blue lace. This dress fastened at the back with either two round-shaped or square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners (both types have been found on these dresses). For her shoulders had a white nylon floral lace shawl. It was triangular in shape, with the long edge hemmed and the shorter edges decorated with a pleated nylon trim. This outfit came with blue one-strap sandals.
We know of two variations. The first has a bright electric blue lace trim and the other has a violet blue lace trim .
There are also two shawls. The first has a cascading floral pattern similar to the 1979 Sindy ‘Sweet Dreams’ net fabric and the 1980 ‘Baby Blue’ half-slip, but this time in white. The second is a much finer and more delicate floral & cobweb type of pattern. We are not sure if there is any correlation between the variation in dresses and the different shawls, but we can say for certain that the floral cobweb shawl shown here came with a dress with electric blue lace trim. We have also found a variation to the lace trim.
Summer nights (Ref 44342) – Boxed Fashions
Sindy’s boxed dressing gown & nightdress set used a scarlet red & white colour scheme. This set used brushed nylon fabric which is actually quite warm for the summertime.
The sleeveless nightdress was made of white brushed nylon, it was knee-length with a high bodice. It had a deep round scoop neck and the armholes, neckline and hem were trimmed with white nylon lace. A scarlet nylon ribbon bow decorated the bodice and it fastened at the back with one round-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. Her ankle-length, edge-to-edge dressing gown was made of scarlet red brushed nylon. It had half-length sleeves which were trimmed with white rick rack. The same rick rack was used to trim the neckline and the front edges of her dressing gown. For her head she had a matching bandana-style head scarf. It was made from a rectangular length of scarlet red brushed nylon and each edge was trimmed with white rick rack. It could be fastened behind Sindy’s head using the square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. For her feet, Sindy wore white one-strap sandals trimmed with a bright red plush fabric.
White wedding (Ref 44730) – Super Fashions
Confusingly this outfit bore the same name as last year’s bridal outfit, and we have wondered if there was some sort of overlap between the two fashions? It doesn’t help that the trade catalogue also used last year’s reference (44298) for this new bridal gown.
Sindy’s new 1980 bridal outfit returned to the effective use of an ornate overdress with a simple full-length slip or underdress beneath. The underdress was a simple sleeveless floor-length dress, it has a round neckline which was slightly lower at the front and it was made of white finely ribbed silky nylon. It fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. The overdress was made of white nylon netting woven with a bold repeat pattern of a white flower & checkered circle design. This dress had long sleeves with elasticated wrists trimmed with white nylon lace. The bodice had a stand-up collar made of white grosgrain ribbon and it was decorated with a deep V-shaped lace frill. The skirt was made of three tiers. The waist seam and the top two adjoining seams were adorned with the same grosgrain ribbon that was used for the stand-up collar. A white nylon ribbon tied in a classic horizontal bow with long streamers was stitched to the front of the waist. This overdress fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners.This outfit came with a new headdress, a wide scalloped-edged lace headband stitched to elastic tape. Gathered and attached to the back of the headband was a white netting shaped veil. Her bouquet was was made of two large scarlet fabric flowers with white stamens, framed with a white lace doily (made from the same lace as the headdress) and decorated with two baby pink grosgrain ribbon streamers. For her feet we think she wore white round-toed court shoes.
Accompanying this outfit was a matching Gainsborough-style hat made of the royal purple velveteen with a shaped brim made of velveteen which was wide at the front tapering to a narrow brim at the back. The very edge of the brim was trimmed with the narrow cream nylon lace and the same lace was used to adorn the bottom edge of cream taffeta ribbon which was used for the hatband. The hatband had long ribbon streamers. The trade catalogue photo also showed Sindy carrying a matching dolly bag but we have never seen one of these and it is not referred to in the description. The general view, based on those Mint in Box (MIB) outfits that have been found, is that it wasn’t included in the version that actually went on sale. We believe this outfit came with white tassel shoes but we’d be grateful for confirmation on this point?
Nostalgia (Ref 44371) – Super Fashions
Described by Pedigree as “Regency”, although we have to say it looks more Georgian to us, Sindy’s second new Super Fashion for 1980 was another glorious historical gown.
Her floor-length gown was made of royal purple velveteen and cream lace. It was designed to look like it had an overdress cut to reveal the lace underdress beneath. The gorgeous overdress (which was not hemmed) had long sleeves decorated with a wide cream coloured cotton/nylon lace trim. Its full skirt, which was decorated above the hem with two rows of a narrow cream nylon, was fitted and stitched to the bodice using a number of darts which gave it both shape and fullness. The front inset panel designed to give the impression of the underdress or petticoat was made of cream cotton overlaid with a floral patterned nylon cream netting. The square neckline was edged with the cream coloured nylon lace to match the two rows of lace on the purple overdress and it was further embellished at the knee and above the hem with two rows of the wide cream lace which matched the lace trim on the sleeves. This dress fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners.
1980 Mix n Match fashions
1980’s colour scheme was green and white, and a number of these garments appear to use the same patterns as 1979 but using updated colours and fabrics. There were still eight different packs which could be used to create 84 different fashions and the trade catalogue described them as “The low price, high value play theme”. The combinations of skirts, tops, trousers and jackets continued.
The international numbers displayed in previous trade catalogues for the ‘Mix n Match’ range were not shown.
Ref 44054
A trousers and skirt set. The straight-legged trousers were made of dark green drill cotton with a white contrasting top stitch down the side of each leg. It had fly opening and fastened at the waist with a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. The skirt was made of cotton and was a fashionable three tier skirt consisting of two white tiers with a contrasting green & white gingham check patterned tier in the middle. The seams of the tiers were trimmed with white nylon lace. The skirt had a sewn-on waistband and fastened at the back of the waist with a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. This set came with a pair of white one strap sandals.
Ref 44055
Another trousers and skirt set. This was a pair of white cotton trousers with a dark green contrasting top stitch down the side of each leg. The trousers had a fly opening which fastened at the waist with a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. The dark green drill cotton skirt skirt was A-line in shape made up of three panels with a sewn-on waistband. It fastened at the back with one sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. The front of the skirt was decorated with a white top stitch which highlighted the front seam and provided the impression of two hip pockets. This set came with a pair of white tassel shoes.
Ref 44056
A top and bag pack. This top was white cotton ribbed towelling sweater. It had a round neck and fashionable long batwing sleeves. The neckline, cuffs and waistband were finished with a very finely ribbed white stretch nylon. The top fastened at the back of the neck with one white square-shaped metal snap fastener. The bag was described as a “shopping bag” and it was made of the dark green drill cotton with a single shoulder strap and a sewn-on side pocket made from the contrasting green and white gingham check cotton. The edges of this bag were decorated with a white overlock stitching.
The back of this bag was plain dark green making it even more interchangeable for use with other ‘Mix n Match’ fashions.
Ref 44057
A third trousers and skirt set. This skirt was made of white cotton with a box pleat at the front and a faux-fly opening picked out in a dark green top stitch. This skirt also had a sewn-on waistband which fastened at the back with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. It came with a pair of straight legged trousers made from the green & white gingham check cotton. The trousers had a fly opening which fastened at the waist with a sewn-on square-shaped metal snap fastener. A pair of white round-toed court shoes accompanied this outfit.
Ref 44058
This set consisted of a jacket and top. The long-sleeved tailored jacket was made from thick white cotton. It had a sewn-on collar and turned back lapels made of the same material. The collar, lapels and front edges of the jacket were decorated with a dark green top stitch. The dark bottle green top was made of nylon. It had long sleeves with sewn-on cuffs, a high turtle-neck and waistband. It fastened at the back with one square-shaped metal snap fastener.
Ref 44059
Described as an “anorak”, this year’s casual jacket was made of a thick dark bottle green drill cotton. Its long sleeves were decorated with green & white gingham check cotton cuffs with the same gingham used for a sewn-on collar. It fastened at the breast with one sewn-on square shaped metal snap fastener and it had a drawstring waist which tied with a silky white cord.
Ref 44060
Two tops. The first was a loose fitting blouse made from the green & white gingham check cotton. It had short sleeves and a small sewn-on collar. It opened down the front and fastened with two square-shaped metal snap fasteners. The second top was made of white stretch nylon emblazoned with a green “Sindy” printed across the chest. It had half-length sleeves and it fastened at the back with one square-shaped metal snap fastener.
Ref 44061
Another tailored jacket and scarf set completed the ‘Mix n Match’ line-up for 1980. The long-sleeved edge to edge jacket was made from dark bottle green drill cotton. It had a sewn-on collar and turned back lapels. The neckline, lapels, edges of the jacket and end of the sleeves were decorated with a contrasting white overstitch. Accompanying this jacket was a white nylon shaped cravat.
Fashion Accessories (Ref 44395)
“Boots, shoes, beads, hairbands, scarves, jewellery and jewellery box, to turn any Sindy outfit into a showstopper.”
Sindy’s new set cleverly reused some of her previous fashion accessories together with a few new ones to provide her with a top-to-toe accessory solution.
Pictured in the trade catalogue were her two pairs of knee-high boots in white and brown, a pair of brown tassel shoes, yellow slip-on mules, blue one-strap sandals, and red slip-on mules (although they were actually her red round-toe court shoes). For Sindy’s head there were two plastic Alice bands in brown & white (although again they were actually red & white), and two large triangular cotton headscarves – one white with red polka dots and the other a plain chambray blue (you can just see it peeking out beneath the polka dot scarf in the photo above). There were the two sets of love beads in red, white & blue and in plain white, two of Sindy’s heart-shaped cut-out Sindy “S” medallions – one for Sindy and the other for her owner (the same as those which came with the ‘You & Sindy’ boxed doll), and a pretty new choker with a brown & white plastic cameo stuck onto a white satin ribbon with an image which looks suspiciously like the Queen’s head used on 1970s coins. This set came with a white jewellery box with red lining.