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...

The Star

Legendary Joan Crawford went from MGM to Warner Brothers and then became an independent actress. She adapted and survived. And so does Gene Marshall.

The divine Gene reappears on the scene after a well-deserved break, bidding adieu to the world of vinyl and entering regally into the real of resin. Miss Marshall and her creator Mel Odom have partnered with resin doll maker JAMIEshow and the results of this collaboration are utterly luxurious. After almost twenty years gracing thousands of collections and allowing us to bask in the glow of the Silver Screen, Gene Marshall, the groundbreaking doll of the 1990's, is nothing but a Star Exquisite.



Dolldom celebrates Gene with an exclusive portfolio featuring the acclaimed actress modeling a trousseau of her own selection. Miss Marshall used a simple criteria: the fashions had to ooze glamour, bring back fond memories, be the inspiration of talented friends, and above all, be fun to wear.

Here's to Miss Gene Marshall. Long live The Star.


Phoenix Gene is an IDEX exclusive offering. In this photo she wears Violet Water's Dior-inspired Sunset Serenade, produced by Integrity Toys and a necklace by Joy Jarred.


Pin-Up, designed by Tim Kennedy, was Gene Marshall's first lingerie set. Amazing then, amazing now. This time, Gene chose a raven wig produced by Tonner Doll Company for Anne Harper to update the look. A turquoise necklace by Mode de M matches Gene's eyes.


Tea Time is Gene's favorite interview dress and was designed by Lynne Day. Paired with a black satin top hat with tulle veil, Gene will turn tea time into a glamour fest for everyone at The Plaza Hotel.


In the spectacular Vendôme column gown by Michael Basala, Gene provides the gold standard for a grand entrance.


The face of Phoenix Gene. Hand painted perfection.


In a delightful coat and dress set by James Bogue, Gene is ready for a day in Paris.


Mr. Bogue chose a vintage flower print for this springtime look. The ultimate tough of drama comes from the turban, an accessory that Miss Marshall admits loving.




If by whim Gene's day of museum hoping turns into an evening of champagne cocktails, all the actress needs to do is shed the coat and turban to turn of the sex-appeal.


Confident, seasoned, elegant. A woman's face indeed. Gene's necklace by VJT Designs.


Gene thinks that My Favorite Bow, designed by Tim Kennedy, deserves more attention. She takes matters in her own hands by wearing this sculptural wonder once again.


Fim noir supreme. Gene wears Dark Desire, designed by George Sarofeen and produced by Ashton Drake for Marda Lord, to pose with Trent Osborn. Madra wore it in The Lady or The Spider but it is Phoenix Gene who owns it in this photo.  Pin by Facets by Marcia.


Exotique, an engrossing mystery directed by Ivy Jordan, allows Gene to play the bag girl once again. But what's a bad girl to wear?


For this  film noir project already in the works, Gene wears Retros by Liz Cole and a chunky Lucite necklace by Joy Jarred.


Gene found it amusing to play Morticia Adams in Liz Cole's perfect rendition of the iconic gown. Now, why didn't Trent play Gómez? Necklace by Joy Jarred.


Bon Voyage! In Fit for A Queen's suit, designed by Lynne Day, and a turban by Liz Cole, Gene is the epitome of first class Transatlantic travel.


All jewels on board! Pin on Gene's right lapel by Joy Jarred.The turban drop is a Dolldom creation.


Twilight Rumba? Absolutely. Designed by Doug James (designer of FDQ's J'adore Gene exclusive), the silk sarong-style ensemble is a beaded tour de force.


Allons enfats de la patrie! The ultimate hat for the ultimate face and the ultimate attitude. Hat and dress by Liz Cole for Retros. Crème Orange jewelry by VJT Designs.


Cocktail culture. In All About The Eyes' dress and a chinois hat by Liz Cole, drinks will be both stirred and shaken. Such is the power of glamour. Bar created by Darren Cole for Retros. Pin by Robert Best for Barbie Fashion Model Collection.


Gene celebrates with some of her friends, all ecstatic about her new resin iteration. But where's Madra? In the back of the room, La Lord observes with perhaps more than just a tad of envy. Poor Madra! How long before she too receives the JAMIEshow treatment?

Dressed In Holiday Style

The Holidays. End of the year madness. At Dolldom, Winter is a time to reflect. And to thank the Universe for her generosity and smiles. And for all those genuine doll lovers who share with us their passion and their vision. You know who you are and we thank you deeply and profusely. From the bottom of our hard vinyl, PVC, and porcelain hearts: Thank you for a beautiful year. May we share many more.

In this exclusive portfolio, Dolldom shares the beautiful creations of many companies as well as the awe-inducing talent of the most amazing freelance artists creating miniature perfection for our dolls.




Licorice Crush Madra is resplendent is Retros and Joy Jarred.




All About The Eyes Gene by Integrity models Blossoms In The Snow designed by Tim Kennedy.




The elegance of Tyler Wentworth is much missed. The black and white Signature Statement is a tribute to her style.


Oona, the mystery actress in Gene Marshall's world, goes for holiday cocktail's chez Trent Osborn in Retros and Joy Jarred.




Beautiful Bleuette. This reproduction doll by Raven of Seattle has the patina of an antique model. She models a cat print dress and a brooch - a gift from Joy Jarred.






The intoxicating beauty created by Julian Kalinowski and Liz Cole. These two artists, were they separated at birth? A OOAK Lilly Lalka by Mr. Kalinowski wears seasonal fun by Liz. Once Lalka makes her entrance and takes off her hat and shrug, the essence of elegant sexy impregnates the room.

Vintage Charmin' Chatty by Mattel wears beautiful versions of the McCall's pattern cape and jumper set.




The Hong Kong Set! Mini versions of Barbie and Ken are rare today. When found, they deserve to model fashions that capture their uniqueness. And who better than Liz Cole for Retros? Little Lilli was made a princess recently as she is the original fashion royalty - notice her pout.

May your days be merry and peaceful!