Dial "M" for Madra

When Mabel Lorkovic left Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she knew she would never return. And she was right for once in Hollywood that name disappeared. And Madra Lord was born. And the world of movies was never the same. Artist Mel Odom's hot-tempered character first appeared in the doll world in 2000 and has since been an overflowing source of drama in the world of Gene Marshall.

And most dollectors, regardless of their generation, enjoy good drama. And nothing beats good drama like the return (never comeback, please!) of beloved characters. Mel Odom's Gene Marshall who, after a brief hiatus, came back better than ever in her JAMIEshow iteration, could not remain alone in her reign as the ultimate iteration of Monolithic Studios' greatest star. For what fun is a solo game of chess? For veritable dramatic tension, the plot needed a proven Queen B, and no one fit the bill better than fierce beauty Madra Lord. For La Lord is back in translucent resin as a ball-jointed doll and in her iconic fiery red tresses in her "Spotted in Manhattan" fashion!

JAMIEshow's production doll (a limited edition of only 150 dolls) is as beautifully handcrafted as the other dolls in the line and offers the same versatility: change the wig and fashion and the doll transforms. Miss Lord's face-up, created by JAMIEshow with the direction of Mr. Odom, is specific to the character but still neutral enough to permit the actress to wear any color.

In this exclusive feature, Dolldom presents Madra Lord in a wide selection of styles: from the well-accessorized Ashton-Drake produced ensembles to the sassy magic of Retros, La Lord reigns supreme once again.


In the film Hesitations of the Heart, Madra plays an introverted heiress who fears the her fortune will never allow her to find true love. 


Her wardrobe was designed by Edith Head protegé James Bogue for Bogue's Vogues. Phoenix platinum wig cap restyled by Kathy Johnson.


The Lady and The Spider. The film Black Widow was a huge success for Madra in 1942. In a dramatic silver and black gown designed by Joan Greene and Lynne Day, Miss Lord gives her all as the villain of the film.  Both wigs are rooted wig caps by JAMIEshow.


Careful! Her beauty may very well destroy you!


Plaid Plan. Madra is seductress supreme in her Highland Fling gown.


This phenomenal look, designed by Tim Kennedy, was much copied during 1952's Christmas season.


Drama! The film Love's Hell received much publicity when a boudoir scene ordered cut by The Hayes Office appeared during a showing in a Whichita, Kansas theater that mistakenly received the only unedited reels of the film. Much has been said about Madra's déshabillée, designed by Lynne Day.


Scandalous!


Halloween Time! Madra attends Monolithic Studios' party disguised as - she says-  Tallulah Bankhead. For it was said actress who inspired the character of Margot Channing, played by Bette Davis in the film All About Eve. Recycled mink coat by Liz Cole for Retros. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


Happy Talk? Not really. When the girls get together for cocktails at Madra's Bel Air hide-away, one can be sure that dirt will be dished. Madra wears Anything But Nice, designed by Lynne Day, while Marlene (Dietrich, of course) wears separates from Fit for a Queen, also by Miss Day. Miss Crawford wears a recreation of her practice outfit in Torch Song by Liz Cole for Retros. And Gay Carrington in the back keeping silent, also wears Retros.Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


Off to meet Gloria Swanson on Fifth Avenue! In Retros, of course. Liz fashioned an enveloping A-line coat in animal print velvet and a mint green silk sheath belted with the same fabric as the coat.




The important necklace of fresh water pearls and ruby is by Joy Jarred. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


I'm so pretty! In Tonner Doll Company's pleated chiffon gown from the Joan Crawford line, Madra makes quite an entrance at The Red and White Ball benefiting war relief efforts by The Red Cross. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


The movie was to be named The Dawn of She . And Madra was to play the first cave woman sex-pot. But the project ended up being nixed at the last minute. One Million Years B.C. with Rachel Welch upped the ante in a big way.


Nonetheless, Madra got to keep the wardrobe by Joshard. She knew that such figure-hugging marvels were not a dime-a-dozen. Bracelets by Stray Cat Studios. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


At the end of the day, after long hours of shooting,  Madra just wishes to relax at home with her special someone. In Black Calla, produced by Integrity Toys, the actress-turned-bartender prepares a stiff one with the very best gin. Havana Nights Lee by JAMIEshow, in Effanbee's Basil St. James' Shall We Dance tux seems to be feeling the delicious libation.



For more on Madra, visit her at JAMIEshow Dolls.

Noir et Blanc

Noire et blanc. 

This classic combination of light and shadows shows that opposites indeed attract. Inspiration for our new entry: the black and white organdy blouses created by Lori Lyon for JAMIEshow's  Ready-to-Wear line, currently available from their boutique. Paired with skirts and a gown from other sources, the looks evoke a bit of Karl Lagerfeld's sensibility for Chanel.

 

Who better to model such dramatic couture than the top gals of Monolithic Studios? Mel Odom's dames, produced in BJD form in soft and silky resin by JAMIEshow.

Enjoy the show!


Violet Waters enchants in JAMIEshow Ready to Wear Demure Blouse. 
Black mermaid skirt by Tyler Wentworth. Necklace and bracelet by Joy Jarred. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.
 

Miss Madra Lord is a woman torn between two worlds: one evoked by the wild magnetism of the leopard print skirt by Byanca Evans, the other by JAMIEshow's  Ready to Wear Provocateur Body Suit. 
Short lace gloves also by Miss Evans. Pin from The Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni. 


A sensational look for a premiere: JAMIEshow Ready to Wear Provocateur Body Suit is worn under a sequin strapless dress by Liz Cole. Wig by Ilaria Mazzoni.


Scintillating!


Seductive!


Sensational!

All Hallows' Eve 2013

It's that time of year! Dolldom's very special tribute to the best of all holidays. For at Dolldom, Halloween is imbued with the images of Halloween celebrations of old, those based on vintage and antique postcards that portray the magical powers of the Earth, right before cold Winter comes to lay us all to sleep. It's a time for dancing and singing to the Harvest Moon around a crackling bonfire, for carving turnips to hold candles with which to find our way home at night, for reading ghost stories while drinking one's spirit of choice, and for turning into ghouls and goblins by means of an artful disguise.

For this year's celebration, Dolldom enjoys the presence of old and new friends who come together to partake of a good vintage Halloween time. So grab a fistful of candy corn and enjoy the fun.


Bruja bella. Nothing like a glamorous woman in orange and black to define Halloween magic. Tonner's Déjà Vu line introduces basic Emma Jean McGowen, who in Retro's sensational witch costume and Joy Jarred's jewelry, is nothing but the essence of fashion witchcraft!


A classic vampire film is de rigueur this time of year.


And Phoenix Gene Marshall by Mel Odom,produced by JAMIEshow, is our beautiful and eternal beloved.


In her Retros' Morticia Adams dress, cluster of diamonds nekclace and spider bracelet by Joy Jarred, and raven beehive by Ilaria Mazzoni, Phoenix Gene Marshall is the ultimate vamp.



But wait! Here comes the enchantress of all. In her royal blue gown with batty sleeves, also by Retros, J'adore Gene casts the ultimate fashion spell. Her necklace is by Joy Jarred. Her blond pompadour wig by Ilaria Mazzoni for Time of Doll.


You MAY kiss her hand now.


Emma Jean McGowen, the inimitable heroine from Tonner's Déjà Vu line, models a curve hugging sheath by Liz Cole for Retros and a witch hat by Peggy Feltrope. Jewelry by Joy Jarred. The little ghost costume was created by Our Sweet Creations.


Boo! Sad Sally is here!


Wilde Imagination's big eyed girl with the vivid orange cotton candy hair is the ideal poster child for vintage Halloween.


Look into my eyes....and suddenly the air turns cold, cold as ice...


Who is the magnificent apparition who stands in the middle of the ruins?


It's Wilde Imagination's One More Time Evangeline Ghastly in her ethereal gown, perfect for flying through the midnight sky in search of her beloved.


Vintage seven and half inch Genevieve doll is a Japanese beauty made of very malleable vinyl. For this classic Halloween scene, Genevieve models a Retros dress with gathered neckline and full skirt. Her Salamander Poliwogg friends all agree that she is the cutest witch of all. Felt hat also by Retros.


A Gotham Halloween, you say?


But of course! Barbie and Ken, in their original vintage sculpts, impersonate Catwoman and Batman, circa 1960's.


Trick or Treat! The Poliwogg Pumpkin Twins salute you on Halloween!


What would Halloween be without the quintessential scary old witch?
This fabulous lady boasts a uniquely expressive sculpt. Witch Polywogg by Salamander.


And she's ready to fly away on her broom along with her half moon charm.


Mel Odom's Madra Lord closes - and some say - steals the show in her purr-fect and ever so seductive sheath with pussycat print fabric by Retros and a classic witch  hat by Peggy Feltrope. The Enid Collins purse reproduction is also by Retros. Madra's big pumpkin is from Target.

This is Halloween!