Every Time We Say Good-Bye...

We die a little. Every time we say good-bye to a dear friend, we are forced to stop and reflect on the prospect of loss and immediately grab on to the memories that remain in the dark passages of our brains.

When the friend is a doll - the feelings are perhaps, a tad less devastating, as she (or in this case - they) remains around in all of her stupendous physicality in resin, vinyl, porcelain, or hard plastic.

When Mel Odom and JAMIEshow Doll announced the end of their ground-shaking collaboration, Gene Marshall fans (the hardcore, illuminated ones) once again relieved the farewell scenario, one already played out with Ashton-Drake and Integrity Toys. And many wondered if said collaboration couldn't have lasted a little longer, perhaps with a feeling of I-would-have-liked-to-see-yet-another iteration-or-character.  Dolldom feels that hope should never be lost - another collaboration is always possible and as Odom himself said in a recent speech, there is still one more JAMIEshow Gene Marshall in the works to be offered at the United Federation of Doll Collectors' opening of their new museum wing in 2019 - one that will debut with a showstopping Gene Marshall retrospective.

And then gain, who knows how will Miss Gene Marshall, Star Eternal, will once again transform? In the words of Norma Desmond: "No one ever leaves a star. That's what makes one a star."

JAMIEshow's 2018 Convention closed the show with a bang: a not-to-be-missed set of five new iterations of Odom's-always-glow-brighlty stars comprised of Gene, Mara Lord, Violet Waters, Zita Charles, and real-life movie legend Marsha Hunt. Gene and Madra sport tans - as would be expected of stars who vacation in the desert paradise- but Miss Lord got an extra touch of magic: a sprinkling of freckles that ties her character even more to the also-freckled Joan Crawford.

In this exclusive portfolio, Dolldom pays tribute and expresses gratitude to both Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow Doll for having continued to share the dream that is the essence of Gene Marshall.


Marsha Hunt. Hair by Kathy Johnson


Marsha Hunt models her Palm Springs gown, a real shining star. Hair by Time of Doll by Ilaria Mazonni.



Violet Waters is supremely beautiful with a touch of 1960s mod style.


Violet's vinyl mini dance dress is minimalism at its very best. Wigcaps by JAMIEshow transform her look.



Zita Charles!


The Silent Era movie star dances a tango in her green satin gown. Wigcaps by JAMIEshow Doll.



Madra Lord


Freckled Madra Lord goes green in a LizRetros silk shantung cocktail set, all hand beaded and sewn. Hair by Kathy Johnson.


Gene Marshall


Gene sports a tan - and who does not look good with a tan? Add a white coat by Integrity Toys and more magic happens. Wigcap by JAMIEshow Doll.

JAMIEshow Doll

LizRetros

Dear Santa...

And so begin many letters this time of year. Children kindly asking Santa Claus for that desired toy that will make Christmas day truly special. Doll and toy collectors, regardless of their age, know this feeling very well for they derive the same pleasure and sense of amazement. Is it due to the fact that they maintain the inner child alive and well? Possibly.

As time passes and kids become more mesmerized by the digital world, one wonders if the children of the future will still long to take to bed a much yearned for plush dog or fall asleep anticipating a day devoted to dressing up their elegant new doll? Dolldom believes that they will, for it is impossible for humankind not to be seduced by the pleasures of that which is sensory, and most of all, tangible. At least, that is our hope.

To celebrate the season, Dolldom explores the tradition of writing to Santa Claus. Here's to all who wish!


"Dear Santa, I would very much like a Linus doll, as Linus carries a blanket around, just like I do."
(Linus doll, circa 1962, by Boucher, San Francisco.)


"Dearest Santa Claus, would you bring me a pretty Misty doll? She's tall and fashionable and wears mini dresses so well."
(Glamour Misty doll by Ideal, circa 1965, wears a Poppy Parker dress and a glittery cap by Maryann Roy.)


"Santa! Love you! I am hoping for a glamour queen this year - Ivy Jordan is her name- and she will be styled by Pink Bubbles Doll Spa!"
(Mel Odom's Ivy Jordan doll, manufactured by Integrity Toys and restyled by Bobby Taylor of Pink Bubbles Doll Spa. Dress by JAMIEshow.)


"Hello, Santa Claus, I have an empty dollhouse! Would you be so kind as to bring me a Twinkie doll by Marx? She comes in a set with many plastic dresses, wigs, purses!  Thank you for being kind!"
(Marx Toys' Twinkie doll, circa 1965, originated the concept carried on by Polly Pocket.)


"To Santa: I would like a Tressy doll with a perfect do - styled by Pink Bubbles Doll Spa! One day, when I'm big, I'll also be a star hairdresser!"
(American Character's Tressy dolls, circa 1964-1965, restyled to perfection by Bobby Taylor, wear a Marirose dress and a leopard coat by Rowena.)


"Dear Santa, a pretty Bleuette in a Retros knit set is the doll of my dreams!"
(OOAK reproduction Bleuette doll by Raven in a knit set by Liz Cole for Retros.)


"My dads say it's okay to get a dog, as long as he is made of plush! I'd prefer a living one but we won't be able to adopt one until I'm older. In the meantime, dear Santa, this vintage Kamar, will be my best buddy!"
(Vintage Kamar Bulldog, circa 1967, was made of velvet plush in Japan.)


"I'm in love with old Hollywood actresses! Bette, Joan, and Mel Odom's Madra Lord! I'd love, dear Santa, to play movie drama with my own JAMIEshow Madra Lord in a James Bogue dress!"
(JAMIEshow-produced version of Mel Odom's Madra Lord, circa 2014, in a set by James Bogue.)


"I'd like a mini me doll. This Effanbee 8-inch Mickey looks a lot like me! Thank you Santa!"
(Effanbee's "Most Happy Family" Mickey, circa 1959, was produced in 8-inch size." 


"Skipper is Barbie's sister. She is a fun loving girl from Willows! Dear Santa, please, could I get one with pale lemon blonde hair?"
(Mattel's Skipper, circa 1964, in her original swimsuit is ready to take photos with her Tammy camera.)




"Dear Santa, I'd like a Silkstone Francie doll to look like Twiggy cause she's been styled by Pink Bubbles Doll Spa! Twiggy is the best fashion model in London and Francie wants to look like her!"
(BFMC "Kitty Corner" Francie doll, circa 2012, wears a vintage Francie clone fashion, made in Hong Kong. Her hair, styled by Bobby Taylor, reproduces the iconic style of the iconic Twiggy.)


"I dream of  a little girl and her Yeti friend! The little girl is a Myling doll and the Yeti friend is by Retros. They are an unlikely pair but they have fun together!"
(Mini Myling porcelain doll by Katarina Carlsson, circa 2014, is protected by Liz Cole's Yeti plush doll.)

"Dear Santa, I've been a very good boy, I've done all my homework, fed the cats, and taken care of the vegetable garden. Would you bring me a glamorous Séverine doll? One that looks like Carmen Dell'Orefice in a Sylvia Campbell beaded gown? I'll be on cloud nine!"
(Platinum white Séverine doll by Julian Kalinowski wears Sylvia Campbell's reproduction of a Japanese market exclusive beaded dress.)

Happy Holidays!

All Hallows' Eve

All Hallows' Eve at Monolithic Studios!  The stars of Mel Odom's universe gather for a Halloween party that promises to produce many a grand photo op for the adoring public. The mood is festive and the costumes are nothing but vintage Halloween glamour. Modeled by the resin, ball-jointed models manufactured by JAMIEshow Dolls, the designs, handmade by Liz Cole for her Retros label, serve as proof of the artistry, creativity, and expertise of the Seattle designer.



Violet the Sorceress!

Slinky and ever so blue. Jewelry by Joy Jarred.


Miss Waters' coif by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.

Oona's takes on The Addams Family

It's her turn to play Morticia! Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Oona is ready for her moonbath. Necklace by Joy Jarred.

Devilish Madra



Burning hot in a figure hugging pant set, La Lord is sexiest devil of them all!



Glamourous Witch

Red and black and sparkly! For no one said that flying on a broom had to be anything less than fashionable. Hair by Ilaria Mazzoni.


Miss Marshall ("Phoenix" model) is as sweet as a Red Hot and black liquorice.

Enjoy a glamorously spooky vintage Halloween 2014!

Mood Violet

A golden voice in an imperfect world born.  Violet Waters, the famous jazz star, was celebrated as such in her country, yet much more revered in Europe. Her story is not unlike the lives of many of other talented artists such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Lena Horne who faced great challenges and triumphed by the sheer force of their artistic gifts and resolve.
Violet Waters joins Gene Marshall and Madra Lord once again as the reigning beauties of Monolithic Studios thanks to the collaboration of artist Mel Odom and JAMIEshow Dolls. In her "Satin Doll" iteration, Violet is perhaps at her most gloriously exquisite.

For this Dolldom exclusive feature Miss Waters, in all their "Smooth-J" resin gorgeousness and non-toxicity, poses wearing some irrefutably memorable fashions and hair designs. The past and the present meld to offer dollectors a gift of beauty, unadulterated and enjoyable playtime, and of course, music.


Special Appearance. Violet Waters wears her very first gown and her trademark orchid.


The gown, designed by José D'Saenz, is delicately beaded in iridescent sequins and pearls.


At Radio City Music Hall, Violet enchants in "Evening Sunrise" designed by Tim Kennedy. Violet's wig is by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Spring Offering. Violet wears "Jonquille" and desgin by Integrity Toys first issued for Madra Lord. Dolldom believes that on Miss Waters, the look evokes a more exquisite flower. "Phoenix" wig cap by JAMIEshow Dolls.


Chanson d'automne.


Violet wears the classic "Autumn Lace", one of many gowns produced by Ashton-Drake for the famed singer.


Mystère. Violet appeared in the Jean Cocteau film Les passe-temps terribles along with Trent Osborn. Her wardrobe was designed by DAE Originals. In this still from the film, Miss Waters models "Simply Smart" in rich chocolate brown.


What A Swell Party! Monolithic Studios' stars unite to wish studio chief Reuben Lilienthal a happy birthday. Miss Waters intones the customary song in "Twilight Rumba" designed by Doug James.


Transatlantic Voyage. In "Mood Indigo" designed by José Ferrand, Miss Waters boards the Queen Mary with her band. First stop: Paris, City of Lights!


Once in Paris, a wonderful new look: :"Undulation Marcel!" Rooted wig cap by JAMIEshow Dolls.


At sunset. A serenade.

In "Sunset Serenade" created by Integrity Toys, Violet sings of golden love.


Bloom Boom! Violet Waters was asked to model "Garden Party", a Deborah Silva design inspired by Jacques Fath, at a fundraising luncheon benefiting Central State College's scholarship fund, where her father was a literature professor.


Freshwater pearls by VJT Designs.


Danseuse. Miss Waters poses for a publicity still wearing "Dance with me" designed by Lynne Day and produced by Ashton-Drake. Her wig is by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Living Sculpture. Miss Water's elegance and poise make Integrity's "Main Feature" gown a real main feature. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Les cocktails. Violet dons designer Timothy Alberts' sensational "Crème de Cassis" at a press conference to announce her singing engagement at Café Carlysle.


Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.
 

At home. For an intimate soirée with friends, Violet celebrates in Retros' golden wonder, designed by Liz Cole. Retros also designed the cocktail hat. Miss Waters' golden peacock necklace by Joy Jarred. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Heading Home. Violet visits her home town in a design by Studio Commissary host  Michael Basala. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.