Monolithic Studios' Holiday Soirée

It was an evening of stars...in the sky, as the rains stopped, and inside Studio A where Monolithic Studios' execs hosted their annual end-of-the-year bash to celebrate their top money making actors. Closed to the press, the party was meant to allow the merrymakers a relaxed time. Still, Dolldom brings you an exclusive portfolio of photos (taken by one of Cora Harper's undercover paparazzi) that captures the essence of the festive and glamorous mood.

Hair Heaven

Sometimes, a doll needs a master's touch. Factory styles may have the best intentions, but execution may leave a bit to be desired. From scale to flyaway strands, the factory style may in fact be the kiss of death for a potential superstar.

Kathy Johnson's fame as stylist to the stars reached Dolldom's ears and through a bit of networking, her magic fingers came to save a bevy of models that had lingered uncelebrated due to their mess of tress.

In this exclusive, Dolldom celebrates the elegant hairstyle as envisioned by Kathy Johnson. A paragon of scale and painstaking attention to detail, this fashion staple has every curl perfectly formed and every chignon tightly gathered. If a mythical star asks for a more elaborate vision, this one too will delightfully soothe the most acutely affected obsessive-compulsive. Such is the talent of Mrs. Johnson.

With not a single strand out of place,  Kathy Johnson's tours de force are bound to redefine hairstyling standards for many collectors.




Jeweled Cat Madra Lord is the quintessential mannequin de mode in the signature Kathy Johnson chignon with curl. Is there anything that she cannot model?




A bouquet of platinum curls substitutes the chignon in this delicate style for Lone Star Convention Gene Marshall lingerie doll. The epitome of femininity.



Viva Italia! Chi è la bella donna?


It's Fringe Festival Ivy Jordan in a versatile style that will take her from cappuccino to Campari effortlessly. Dress and Enid Collins bag by Retros.




The Jamieshow wigcap receives the Kathy Johnson treatment. Inspired by Vertigo's Madeline Elster's famous style, this platinum wonder transforms White Orchid Gene from brunette vamp to angelic ingenue.


Marlene? Yes, the Goddess herself!


Kathy Johnson's styled Madame Alexander's Shanghai Express' model in the mythical star's late 50s look. Brava!






The show closes with Tawny Gene Marshall. The suntanned star sports the signature curl and chignon style. We ask our readers to consider her utter chic: the sporty look of sun kissed skin plays foil to the classic chignon in a deliciously unexpected mix. Earrings by Joy Jarred.

Visit Kathy Johnson for more of her stylish creativity.

Little Known Hollywood Story

Back in 1964, Madra Lord was intent on staying on top. That meant appealing to a younger audience. If Bette and Joan had ventured into the realm of "le nouveau horreur" in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,  why couldn't she - she who looked so much better than the other two aging divas? On a particularly balmy evening, while sipping a very dry Martini in her private booth at The Formosa Café, she learned from one of her secret informers about an  underground project in the works. Directed by relative newcomer Russ Meyer, the flick was meant to capitalize on a new formula that included angry dames and fast cars. Known as much for her volatility as for her love of her Bugatti Royale, Madra was certain that she would be cast.



La Lord went to designer friend Byanca Evans of Byanca of Houston for fashion advice. Byanca proposed a sexy and still proper black lace dress. Madra was delighted with the idea and added Byanca's net stockings and gloves for that peek-a-boo effect. One of Byanca of Houston's leopard envelope purses and voilà, she had the look.



Madra was certainly beautiful, her red hair as fiery as her temper, yet the director was underwhelmed, for Mr. Meyer had a very specific look in mind.







Madra never gave up. She had fought her way to the top and knew what it took to stay there and in the limelight. At 1:11 am Central Time Zone, Miss Evans received a call from Madra explaining the situation in her inimitably dramatic way. Byanca assuaged her fears with a soft and reassuring: "I'll take care of it." The next day, by cocktail hour time, La Lord received a box carrying the secret arsenal.







The rest, as they say, is history. La Lord got the part but later turned it down when she learned that several key scenes would be shot in the Mojave Desert. "I'm not wreaking havoc with my skin" - she exclaimed while smoking a cigarette. The part went to Tura Satana.

Miss Evan's work is the stuff of legend.





She's Houston's and Hollywood's best kept secret...