A Grand Occasion

 Mel Odom's Gene Marshall turns 30 this year and to celebrate the occasion, United Federation of Doll Clubs is holding a lunch-and-learn event at their headquarters in Kansas City on April 5, 2025. Dolldom is honored to contribute to this gala party with a celebratory presentation meant to convey our love and appreciation for the gal who made collecting fashion dolls fun again! 

As a tribute to Miss Marshall, Odom, and our readers who may not be at the event, here's Dolldom's tribute to the star who made collectors' eyes shine once again! Here's to Gene Marshall!

Note: Click on images to enlarge. 

 

Photoplay, Circa 1957

Dolldom's editors recently discovered this never published Photoplay story featuring Gene Marshall and her pal Violet Waters modeling shoes for an upcoming film. The beautiful pumps, manufactured by LizRetros (who also designed the wardrobe) as an exclusive for Monolithic Studios, featured a low vamp and a virtuoso stiletto heel. Both actresses enjoyed modeling and taking home a pair!















The film was a hit!

LizRetros' Boutique - for shoes and all other forms of beauty and glamour!

Rosina's Fashions' Runway Fantasy

Creator of the label Rosina's Fashions, Rosina Haskell is very much smitten with the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. With style heroines, such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, most of Rosina Haskell's collections are based on these icons fashion styles. Although her creations focus mainly on 12"-inch dolls, Mel Odom's Gene Marshall - in all her iterations - is one of the British designer's favorite stars. Ms. Haskell explains: "With Gene, I go back to the 1940s and 50s and can indulge in the creation of voluminous skirts, fabulous ball gowns, smart suit ensembles and loads of matching accessories."

As for her creative process, Ms. Haskell allows the textile to do most of the guiding. She adds: "I mainly use lightweight fabrics such as cottons and silks were possible, but if I see a suitable pattern that just begs to be sewn into a 50's bell dress or slim sheath dress, well I just go to town on it."

Ms. Haskell loves to experiment and explore new ideas and enjoys collaborating with her customers as it is in these exchanges that she finds the most fun in what she calls "this passion of mine". Rosina's Fashions website is a treasure trove of ideas and her open invitation to talk and create something special and unique makes Ms. Haskell one of Dolldom's most respected artists.

For more information and eye candy, visit Rosina's Fashion's.


Mel Odom's Violet Waters, produced by JAMIEshow sings of love in Rosina's Fashions' silk brocade qipao.


"Golden Gossamer" is Ms. Haskell's tribute to 1960s' evening glamour.


An early Ashton-Drake-produced Gene Marshall is perfection encased in its golden lace cape.


But so is a JAMIEshow-produced "Hollywood Canteen" Gene Marshall!


"On Holiday" is a classic full skirt with knit top ensemble, perfect for early fall outings with the addition on a green neckerchief and felt beret. Ashton-Drake-produced "Lucky Stripe" Gene Marshall is sensational in it.


JAMIEshow-produced "Phoenix" adds a touch of coquettish flair with her hand-on-hip pose.


"Press Release" is JAMIEshow-produced "Phoenix"Gene Marshall's favorite day look. White polka dots on navy cotton provide a classic palette. Straw hat by Richard's Originals on e-Bay.


A "Shanghai Siren" Gene Marshall by Ashton-Drake, on an Integrity Toys' Gene Marshall body, gives the look a try and runs with it too!


Smart suits are hard-to-find due to the work that their construction requires. Rosina's Fashion's wool version is a winner on "Winged Inspiration" Gene Marshall, produced by Ashton-Drake, with it's matching velvet collar and pocket details. Feather fascinator by Richard's Originals on e-Bay.


But wait! So sensational is the suit that JAMIEshow-produced "Hollywood Canteen" Madra Lord demanded to model it for a Life magazine article.


"Asian Dreams" is a beautiful qipao in graphic cotton sateen worn by an Ashton-Drake-produced "Simply Gene Platinum" Gene Marshall, restyled by Pink Bubbles Doll Spa.

To close Rosina's Fashions runway fantasy, JAMIEshow-produced "Cool Breeze in Vegas" Oona dons the sensational qipao.

For more information and eye candy, visit Rosina's Fashion's. 

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.