Glamour Puss Redefined: Hollywood Canteen Ivy Jordan

The spotlight is on Miss Ivy Jordan! The talented actress is mostly known for her savvy comebacks and perfect comedic timing. Yet, sometimes society falls trap to a silly dichotomy: wit and sex-appeal may not always come together harmoniously. To challenge this assumption and to regale our readers' eyes,  Dolldom had the honor of hosting Mel Odom's Miss Ivy Jordan in her "Hollywood Canteen" iteration as manufactured by JAMIEShow Dolls. The results of the fun modeling session are but pat one of a series of entries celebrating the beauty of Miss Jordan and several of her Monolithic Studios' colleagues.
Today we feature Miss Ivy Jordan, Glamour Puss. As a blonde (very platinum) Miss Jordan's deep indigo blue eyeshadow pops and her deep red lips (that pout - so Garbo!) exude you-can't-kiss-me attitude. Who knew? Here she is: Miss Ivy "Vee" Jordan, ultimate glamour puss.


In Marlena's wig, restyled by hairstylist extraordinaire Kathy Johnson, Miss Jordan models her "Hollywood Canteen" skirt and Gene's "Promenade" blouse by Tim Kennedy.


"Hollywood Canteen" Ivy Jordan's fashion consists of two separate pieces that expand the mix-and-match possibilities. The blouse is shown in this photo accompanied by the skirt from "Afternoon Off" designed by Doug James. Ivy loves her platinum grey wig issued on "Hollywood Canteen" Gene Marshall. 




Vogue! Miss Jordan cuts an impressive figuere in "Fashion Plot" designed by Tim Kennedy.


Curves for days! In Liz Cole's in-the-jungle vintage raw silk gown, Miss Jordan will make the ultimate star entrance. Wig restyled by Kathy Johnson.


Goddess! In Timothy Alberts, "Blue Evening", Vee is nothing short of stunning. A rare beauty, indeed.


"Claudette" wig cap in platinum grey adds even more drama to the color palette.

Doll, wig caps, and some of the fashions featured are available at JAMIEshow Dolls
Liz Cole for Retros
Wig restyle by Kathy Johnson (Miss Johnson may be contacted via The Studio Commissary board.)

Grand Dame Zita Charles

The world of Gene Marshall is a richly textured realm filled to the brim with the lore of Old Hollywood, back when the studio system ruled the film industry. Mel Odom poured his love of classic American film into the creation of his Gene Marshall line and the rest is part of the history of fashion dolls.

Zita Charles is one of the seven characters created by Mr. Odom to populate Gene Marshall's world. Miss Charles came into production while the Gene Marshall line was being produced by Integrity Toys. Here's her biography as she was presented in 2008:

"As a major star of the late silent era, Zita Louise (as she was then called) was the epitome of the Jazz Age glamour. Known as the "Too Much Girl", Zita forged a reputation as a party girl and was a favorite of the Hollywood gossip columns. Counts and "princes" seemed always to be proposing to her in front of a fountain while the cameras were rolling. Everyone and anyone just wanted to be with Zita Charles for her vampish look, sassy style and elegant vintage inspired gowns."

This year, JAMIEshow and Mr. Odom bring Miss Charles back as a resin ball-jointed doll, much to the delight of a steadfast fan base. Already sold out, "Poised for Success" Zita Charles is, like her other JAMIEshow friends, a luxurious, hand painted doll ready to transform with wigs and dress. Like her other six predecessors, "Poised for Success" Zita Charles fulfills the company's philosophy: one doll will yield as many transformations as the collector can envision.

In this Dolldom exclusive, Miss Charles is the quintessential grande dame of Old Hollywood style.




Le rouge et le noir. Miss Charles models a classic look by Meg Fashion Doll and a silver "Sofia" wig cap by JAMIEshow.


Wrap Party. Zita and Gene celebrate the end of shooting in elegant style.
Miss Charles wears the Integrity Toys-produced "Wrap Party" while 'Holiday Gala" Gene borrows "Heart of Gold" from Ivy Jordan. Miss Charles hair by Time of Doll.


They had faces then.


Beautiful Hostess. In a Joshard lace and satin set, Miss Charles entertains at home. Her wig cpawas restyled by Kathy Johnson.


Valentina! In a Joshard gown with red lace overlay, Miss Charles is Cupid's Muse. Wig cap restyled by Kathy Johnson.


Fifth Avenue Fun! "Poised for Success" and a Retros hat provide Miss Charles with the right combination of class and sass. Purse by Bambola.


Pin by Marsha Friend.


Arrival at the Premiere.  Miss Charles causes and sensation in "Parfait" while Trent escorts her in his elegant formal attire produced by Ashton-Drake.



Miss Charles wig cap restyled by Kathy Johnson.

Unforgettable

Unforgettable beauty. Unforgettable Gene Marshall.




Mel Odom's grand lady of cinema, in her exquisite "Phoenix" iteration produced by JAMIEshow Dolls, models one of her most iconic looks from the Ashton-Drake period.


Designed by Dolly Cipolla, the circa 1957 gown is a tribute to floral beauty.

In a wig restyled by the magical Kathy Johnson and with jewelry by VJT Designs, Miss Marshall is the epitome of not-to-be-forgotten glamour.



 Story Card by Ashton-Drake:

"New York City has always held a soft, sentimental spot in its worldly heart for Gene Marshall. After all, she was 'discovered' there working in a movie theater (which all the local point to with pride). Plus, her family is from Cos Cobb, Connecticut, and that's close enough for New Yorkers to consider Gene a hometown girl. So New York was thrilled when Gene came 'home' to film PERSONAL SECRETARY in Manhattan. All throughout shooting, the media kept anticipation at a fever-pitch with feature stories about Gene on-and-off camera. When the night of the premiere came, New Your City celebrated as only the Big Apple can. Massive spotlights swept the sky outside the same movie theater that Gene once worked as an usherette. The excitedly buzzing crowds were held back by velvet-roped stanchions, while mounted police stood by. A platinum silver limousine purred to a stop at the head of the red carpet, and out stepped Gene. She uncurled from the shadowy limo like a sleek, curvaceous feline, wearing a sultry mermaid gown of rich Dubonnet wine that lovingly graced every contour. Her platinum hair shone like sterling silver in the flashbulbs, and her acclaimed smile was as dazzling as her jewelry. With hundreds of fans cheering her. Mom and Dad in the front row, and lavish bouquets in her hotel suite form four well-known leading men... this night was unforgettable for both Gene and New York City."

Falling in Love Again

It happens. And when it does, it's a wonderful feeling. Love regained. In love once again with someone already loved.



JAMIEshow's Marlena doll is a Dolldom treasure, much loved and enjoyed. Nonetheless she the perfect illustration of that falling-in-love-again occurrence. Her wig cap, blonde and shiny, arrived just a few days back from the beauty salon of Kathy Johnson, hairstylist to Miss Gene Marshall and one of the most popular names in reconstruction of hair. Mrs. Johnson is a treasure in the fashion doll collecting community for her unique ability to sculpt hair and to tame out-of-control tresses. When Dolldom's editors saw Marlena's refreshed wig cap, there was no doubt that the event ought be commemorated with a photo portfolio. And a song. Perhaps one of Marlene Dietrich's iconic tunes. We could not be more in love. Thank you, Mrs. Kathy Johnson!



Falling in love again
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
I can't help it

Love's always been my game
Play it how I may
I was made that way
I can't help it

Men cluster to me
Like moths around a flame
And if their wings burn
I know I'm not to blame

Falling in love again
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
I just can't help it

For information on how to contact Kathy Johnson's appointment desk, please leave us a message below.

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.