Homage to an Icon

The recent introduction of Mel Odom's newest denizen of the ever-surprising world of Gene Marshall - Luna Li- at the annual JAMIEshow Doll convention was a much anticipated event. Miss Li joins Miss Marshall, Trent Osborn, Madra Lord, Violet Waters, Oona, Zita Charles, Ivy Jordan, and Marsha Hunt to Monolithic Pictures' roster of stars.

Rumor had it that the new character would be an Asian actress and fans of Mr. Odom's glamorous universe of motion picture titans were chomping at the bit awaiting her unveiling. For an Asian actress character would undoubtedly evoke the unforgettable images of the iconic Anna May Wong.



Miss Wong is indeed the archetype that continues to inspire the worlds of fashion and beauty and it is her story as the first Chinese-American actress that allows us to once again comprehend the challenges that an individual- no matter her notoriety and standing - has had to face due to the harmful effects of racism in the United States. Nonetheless, Miss Wong triumphs by leaving a legacy of character, style, and beauty that will enlighten many generations to come.

To celebrate both Miss Wong for her contributions to film and to societal change and to welcome Miss Li to the limelight, Miss Liz Cole of Retros created two magnificent dresses evoking the essence of Ana May Wong style. Modeling these two tours de force of construction and beautiful adornment, Miss Li pays tribute to the paragon that is Anna May Wong.

For the film Dangerous to Know, Miss Wong wore a sleek black column dress with trompe l'oeil hand beaded necklace and bracelets designed by Edith Head.


 



Liz Retros' version makes Luna glow! Created from vintage black knit and hand beaded like the original, it also features a padded shoulders and mutton chop sleeve design.  Luna wears a "Sherazade" wigcap produced by JAMIEshow Doll.






For the film, Limehouse Blues, Miss Wong wore a gown designed by Travis Banton that more than anything reveals the Western fantasy of Asian beauty. Still, it is as iconic as any other famous gown worn in a motion picture.







Liz Retro's vintage brocaded silk version captures the drama to perfection while leaving all of Dolldom's editors in awe of the degree of detailed handwork involved in the rendition of the vintage lurex dragon silhouetted by hand beading. Miss Li wears a "Lamour" wigcap by JAMIEshow Doll, styled with a fringe.






*Dolldom wishes to thank Liz Retros for sharing her boundless talent and for inventing and maintaining Beauty and Glamour to its highest standards. Dolldom also thanks Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow Doll for lending Miss Li for this photographic portfolio.

Lipstick, Spies, and Everything Nice

It's the movie event of the summer of 1962: Monolithic Pictures Red Lotus! Boasting a cast from both sides of the Pacific, Red Lotus is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat with an exciting plot of hidden identities and high-stakes spying within the ever-so-glamorous world of high fashion and cosmetics. For yes, ladies and gentlemen, the secret of a new lipstick formulation can make competing companies go to the extremes!



A dream of a cast makes this movie even more exciting: Gene Marshall plays a U.S. industrial spy, trying to find formulas absconded by a covert conglomerate in Japan.






The indomitable Madra Lord, in a comic role, is the glamorous and sinister cosmetics mogul Madam Gin!






To the delight of audiences worldwide, Red Lotus introduces the beautiful model-cum-actress Luna Li, in the role of a beautiful and dangerous spy! But aren't all spies beautiful in this sensational new motion picture?






In a cameo role, Trent Osborn plays the head of the International Beauty Rescue, and can only be seen in the film on the black and white monitor in Gene's briefcase!






Don't miss Red Lotus! 
Coming soon to a theater near you!

*Dolldom thanks Mr. Mel Odom and JAMIEshow Dolls for making this entry possible by lending the cast of characters for photography. 

East Meets West

Dolldom celebrates the announcement of JAMIEshow's 2017 convention. Lucky collectors may again get ready for the fun and beauty organized by George González and his team as they host another elegant affair.

This year's theme - East Meets West - promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. In addition, for the first time in five years (not since 2008's The Girls of Dream City, when Oona made her mysterious appearance), special guest Mel Odom will introduce a new character to his line of JAMIEshow Gene Marshall dolls.



Rumors are flying rampant as to who this new star of Monolithic Studios will be? Could it be studio exec Reuben Lillienthal? Or Erik von Sternberg, the director who discovered Gene? Or perhaps Cora Harper, gossip columnist extraordinaire? Maybe we are in for an even greater surprise!

To make the wait until June 23-25 more bearable, Dolldom presents an East Meets West fantasy starring Gene Marshall. Inspired by the art direction and fashions of the Kar-Wai Wong 2001 unforgettable masterpiece In the Mood for Love, starring Maggy Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Dolldom features "Hollywood Canteen" Miss Gene Marshall in a pure silk qipao by Canadian designer Kristoff.







Mr. Kristoff explains: "This Chinese inspired sheath is made of vintage Chinese silk brocade and lined with deep purple silk. It is slit to the upper thigh on both sides so you can pose your doll a la "Jolie". Small weights are sewn inside the corners of the front and back hem so that the dress hangs properly."






A raven bouffant wig by Time of Doll and golden hoops by Joy Jarred complete the circa 1962 look.

Do not miss "East Meets West" in Chicago on June 23rd through the 25th at Chicago's historic Allerton Warwick Hotel, with special guest Mel Odom.