Star Exquisite

Star Exquisite

A Tribute to Miss Gene Marshall on Her Twentieth Anniversary 

"I loved the name Gene because it was not only the name of one of my favorite movie stars but the basic unit of human characteristic. I decided Gene would be about being human." - Mel Odom

Mel Odom's Gene Marshall, elegant Silver Screen goddess, has made the world hold its breath with her beauty, charisma, and acting talent ever since her debut in 1995. And just like legendary star Joan Crawford, who went from MGM to Warner Brothers and then became an independent actress, Miss Marshall has adapted to the many changes in the fashion doll collecting market in order to continue to share her magic. After twenty years gracing thousands of collections and allowing us to bask in the platinum glow of her cinematic life, Gene Marshall, the groundbreaking doll of the 1990's, is nothing but a Star Exquisite.

Ethereal
Like a blue angel, an early "Monaco" by Ashton-Drake, models "Blue Goddess" designed by Tim Kennedy.




Studio Meeting
An early "Red Venus" by Ashton-Drake models a suit by Tonner Doll Company and a cape and turban set by Liz Cole for Retros.





"All About The Eyes" Gene by Integrity gives "Red Venus" a try.

"I made Gene because I wanted her as a doll, and there was nothing like her in the market. She was everything I wanted" - Mel Odom

Full Circle
Integrity's "It's A Cinch" brought back the early look of grey eyebrows and deep red lips, perfect for a black and white film.

Petit Trésor
Integrity Toy's miniaturized version of Gene, part of the "Hollywood Royalty" proves that Gene Marshall can rule at any scale.

 




Doll Perfected
For many, JAMIEShow's "Phoenix" is the ultimate expression of The Gene Marshall Mystique and perhaps the most refined version of the doll.Phoenix wears "Brave New World," a design from Sandra Stillwell's "Radio Days" convention in 2012. JAMIEShow wig cap restyled by Kathy Johnson.

 

Thrills and Chills 

JAMIEshow and FDQ collaborated on "J'adore," a saturated color beauty in smooth resin. Trent and Gene starred in Albert Smirnoff's thriller, The Northest Northpoint.

 

 Au naturel  

JAMIEShow-manufactured Trent Osborn and "White Orchid" Gene play lovers who eschew society for a life lived in the midst of nature. Wardrobe designed by Liz Cole for Retros.

Happy 20th Anniversary, 

Gene Marshall!

Pelo Italiano

In pursuit of the perfectly scaled head of hair, Dolldom meets gifted artists who comprehend the utter relevance of proportioned hairstyling, as this element alone will make or kill a doll. Much to our delight, Italian wig maker Ilaria Mazzoni of Time of Doll, crafts wigs using a hard cap and applying the best quality Saran or mohair fibers directly to it. This method and her meticulous manipulations of hair fibers allow her to achieve styles that will make a doll look supremely well styled and yes, even more beautiful.

Not unlike the hirsute creations that graced the heads of the mythical dolls of Le Théâtre de la Mode, Ilaria's wigs are veritable gems of hair couture and as such very much worth the investment.




In this exclusive portfolio, Dolldom shows how Mel Odom's Gene Marshall, produced by JAMIEshow transforms with these beautifully crafted styles.Modeling fashions by Liz Cole for Retros and jewelry by Joy Jarred and Mark G. Harris, the eternal star of Monolithic Studios exemplifies the ultimate chameleon of style.

Brava, Ilaria!






The classic bob. In beautifully rich brown makes Phoenix Gene a more coquettish presence.


In her silk qi pao by Retros and necklace by Joy Jarred, Gene is classic chic.






A blonde pompadour with chignon gives Gene the 1940's elegance that many of her period fashions require. 


In her vintage silk and tulle cocktail dress by Retros, Gene gives us sparkle supreme.






A raven chignon and beehive combination will allow Gene to play villains and perhaps even a vampire.


But in this silk dress by Liz Cole for Retros, Gene is all eye candy. Necklace by Mark G. Harris for Mode de M. 

 For more information, visit Ilaria Mazzoni's Flickr site.

Suits Me Fine

Mel Odom's Gene Marshall as produced by JAMIEshow continues to evolve and in so doing enchant collectors and fashion aficionados.  With J'adore, an exclusive dressed doll offered by Fashion Doll Quarterly, Dolldom ensues its exploration and enjoyment of the most iconic in mid 20th century fashion as modeled by this most recent iteration of the famed star of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

J'adore Gene features left side glancing eyes and an enhanced treatment of her eye make-up with high color blue on the brow bone and a touch of gold to the lid. The lips are a deep red luscious and her titian tresses, elegantly coiffed in a chignon wig cap, impart a different feel from the first issue - Phoenix- offered at IDEX 2013 at a special luncheon with Mr. Odom.




Patricia Henry, editor of FDQ, chose to dress Gene in a suit. Miss Henry explains: "I immediately thought of Dior as inspiration for the fashion. JAMIEshow, did, too, so it seemed an organic step to move from Phoenix Gene, a cool blond in ice blue, to J’adore a fiery redhead with a suit to match." Lucky Gene once again is dressed by master designer and doll creator Doug James in this immaculately executed suit.





Dolldom's exclusive photos of J'adore aim to highlight her exquisite beauty and personality. If Phoenix Gene comes across as ethereal, J'adore, with her slightly higher-arched eyebrows, communicates a bit more temperament and attitude.  The fact that JAMIEshow dolls are hand painted by artisans, it is possible to anticipate that no two J'adore or Phoenix Gene dolls look exactly alike.


To expand on the theme of the suit that Miss Henry chose for her exclusive Gene, Dolldom gathered the very best in suits for this exclusive spread -from Ashton-Drake fashions to the very best by Retros. Styled to enhance the cut and fit of this sartorial staple, these suits allow us to examine a woman's allure and power in what used to be considered male-only fashion.

Let the adoration begin!


Ashton-Drake's The Perfect Gift, circa 1947, was designed by Regina Ganem.  Dolldom's stylists traded the flower bandeau for a silk turban by Liz Cole for Retros and a long faux fur stole by Tonner Doll Company. 


The corsage was originally intended as a pin for the suit's lapel. Now, it adorns the turban. Notice the gold drop on Gene's upper lid.


Following the Barbie doll's suit, Gene wears Gold and Glamour, a Charlotte Johnson design from 1965.


Gold and Glamour reproduction photo courtesy of Mattel.



Juli in the United Kingdom designed the set using vintage textiles to match the patina and feel of the vintage original. 


The 1940's film noir vibe is the realm of fashion maven Liz Cole whose Retros line of clothing graces many Gene collections. Only Retros will hand bead a suit with such artistry. The kimono sleeves and functional buttons exemplify the talent of the artist. The turban is made of knit fabric with Lurex threads. Earrings by Chez Manu, Dolldom's exclusive joaillier.


To top the suit, Retros crafted a full length mink coat using recycled mink. Even the lining is recycled from the original garment. Gene's attitude fits the mink crown hat perfectly.


A coquettish silhouette for a suit?


Why not!


Pink with Envy, circa 1952, was designed by Bob Lange for Madra Lord's debut collection. J'adore owns it now.


Of course, Dolldom had to revisit Love, Paris, produced by Ashton Drake. The very first New Look look for Gene was released in 1999 and was accompanied by a sweet storyline: the master himself, Mr. Christian Dior, was a Gene Marshall fan and gifted her with the luxurious ensemble.

Love, Paris, circa 1947, was designed by José Ferrand.

In the movie Montage, Gene is spectacular in a Balenciaga inspired dress and jacket wonder crafted in red wool and silk jacquard lining and cravate. Gene's painting is an original artwork by Mel Odom and was part of the ensemble.


Smart Set, circa 1948, was designed also by Mr. James.

Dolldom congratulates Fashion Doll Quarterly and JAMIEshow for giving collectors yet another dreamy take on the legend of Gene Marshall.

Now, the anticipation begins for JAMIEshow's White Orchid!