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.

Heart of Gold

Mel Odom and JAMIEshow are a wondrous team. The collaboration of these two great names in fashion doll history continue to expand the world of Gene Marshall in its ultimate resin incarnation. Hand painted faces combine with Old Hollywood styling and the results are stunning.

In this last post for the month of January, Dolldom profiles the inimitable Ivy Jordan in her "Heart of Gold" fashion. An unmistakable success of a total look, Miss Jordan is worth her weight in gold in this gorgeous lamé gown wand what has to be the most glamorous accessory this year: a golden turban.

Viva Ivy Jordan!

With One Look

With One Look
by Andrew Loyd Webber

With one look I can break your heart
With one look I play every part
I can make your sad heart sing
With one look you'll know all you need to know

With one smile I'm the girl next door
Or the love that you've hungered for
When I speak it's with my soul
I can play any role

No words can tell the stories my eyes tell
Watch me when I frown, you can't write that down
You know I'm right, it's there in black and white
When I look your way, you'll hear what I say



Yes, with one look I put words to shame
Just one look sets the screen aflame
Silent music starts to play
One tear in my eye makes the whole world cry



With one look they'll forgive the past
They'll rejoice I've returned at last
To my people in the dark
Still out there in the dark...

Silent music starts to play
With one look you'll know all you need to know





This time I am staying, I'm staying for good
I'll be back to where I was born to be
With one look I'll be me!

JAMIEshow's "Poised for Success" Zita Charles

Ivy's Turn

Extra! Extra! Mel Odom's Ivy Jordan reaches new heights! Yes, you've read it right! Miss Gene Marshall's dear friend now forms part of the JAMIEshow family becoming a resin ball-jointed beauty! Delighted and surprised fans cheer as the witty actress and director makes her early 2016 entrance in the fashion doll world dressed to kill in gold textured lamé in the amazing "Heart of Gold" ensemble.

Miss Jordan visited the Dolldom photo studios for a project soon to be revealed in the pages of Fashion Doll Quarterly and sat after hours for these exclusive portraits that we feel honored to share with you, dear readers.

The world of Gene Marshall continues to grow in beauty! Congratulations to Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow for another sensational achievement.

Trent's Turn

The magic and the wonder! Mel Odom's Trent Osborn will be offered once again, this time as a high quality resin BJD by JAMIEshow Dolls.



What promises to be the ultimate version of Mel Odom's original bad boy and matinee idol, JAMIEshow's Trent will offer the same hand painted uniqueness as the female stars: Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, Violet Waters, and Oona. Dolldom applauds Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow for keeping the dream alive and for offering the highest-quality versions of the unforgettable characters of Monolithic Studios.

To celebrate and whet the appetite for this upcoming marvel, here are some of Dolldom's exclusive photos of previous versions of Mr. Osborn by Ashton-Drake and Integrity Toys.

Who's That Girl?

In Hollywood, not all stories are fully documented. Some remain mysteries and as such provide dollectors with a canvas onto which to project a wonderful world of intrigue, drama and fun. In the richly developed world of Mel Odom's Gene Marshall, Oona stands out for the absence of a biography. The best rumors (started by a trustworthy source) is that she was an alien saved by Violet Waters and an unidentified man.

Regardless of her origins in our vast universe, Oona is a beauty. And to us, Oona makes the ideal character to portray a facet of Hollywood that is as iconic and perhaps sometimes more fun than its mainstream. For in this Dolldom exclusive, Oona embodies the Queen of the B-Movie. Subversive and unabashed, Oona took on projects that Gene Marshall and Madra Lord could not - due to their established personalities at Monolithic Studios. From science fiction to exploitation films, Oona did it all and loved every minute of it.

Mel Odom's Oona joins Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, and Violet Waters in JAMIEshow Dolls' realm of  beautifully-crafted resin ball-jointed dolls.

Come discover the world of purple-eyed Oona and find out why she has such a cult following...


As Ermenegilda the gypsy fortuneteller in Feline Folk, Oona played a woman who turned into a tigress when her libido was aroused.


Her wardrobe was designed by Liz Cole for Retros. Wig from the Anne Harper line by Tonner Doll Company.


The Prince and The Pussycat


In this comedy of errors, Oona played a strip-tease artist who captured the heart of a charming prince. Wardrobe by Retros. Jewelry by StrayCat. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


Cheery Cherries! For a pin-up poster, Oona donned a playsuit by Byanca of Houston and a wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.



 Dark and moody... horror flick!


For The Creature from The Deep Creek, Oona sported figure-hugging couture that accentuated her dynamic dimensions.  Polka dot dress by Byanca of Houston. Two piece bathing suit by Liz Cole for Retros. Jewelry by StrayCat.


Oona auditioned for the role of Lola Foley in The Night, Nurse. The part went to her friend Gay Carrington, so no hard feelings arose.



Oona enjoyed doing wardrobe test photos in the famous uniform by Liz Cole for Retros. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


In between film projects, Oona modeled sensational jewelry by Joy Jarred.


The beautiful scale of the baubles suited Oona's big personality. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


Even when going to the liquor store, Oona exuded high glam.


She-Devil? Absolutely.


Her favorite role was one of her most controversial. No one expected her to take over hell in Hot Punishment!


The movie was banned in many cities which only exacerbated the desire of all to witness what happens when poor unfortunate souls descend to the depths of despair.


Oona was thrilled to work again with Liz Cole for Retros.


Everyone knows Tura Satana made Faster, Pussycat, Kill, Kill! figurative and literally. But Oona was a close second choice for Mr. Russ Meyer who decided on Miss Satana due to her natural gifts.


Oona's figure was artificially enhanced by a trendsetting brassiere created by Byanca of Houston. The contraption made the point loud and clear.


In a planet in a galaxy far away...


Queen Amígdala reigns supreme.


Oona's foray into the science fiction genre, Planet of the Babes was a feast for those who love comets and curves.


Whoever Oona really is matters little. Her ability to camouflage and metamorphose makes her inhabit a special place in our hearts.

Resources for readers:
Liz Cole for Retros
Time of Doll Wigs
JAMIEshow Dolls
Joy Jarred Jewelry
Byanca of Houston