Star Exquisite

Star Exquisite

A Tribute to Miss Gene Marshall on Her Twentieth Anniversary 

"I loved the name Gene because it was not only the name of one of my favorite movie stars but the basic unit of human characteristic. I decided Gene would be about being human." - Mel Odom

Mel Odom's Gene Marshall, elegant Silver Screen goddess, has made the world hold its breath with her beauty, charisma, and acting talent ever since her debut in 1995. And just like legendary star Joan Crawford, who went from MGM to Warner Brothers and then became an independent actress, Miss Marshall has adapted to the many changes in the fashion doll collecting market in order to continue to share her magic. After twenty years gracing thousands of collections and allowing us to bask in the platinum glow of her cinematic life, Gene Marshall, the groundbreaking doll of the 1990's, is nothing but a Star Exquisite.

Ethereal
Like a blue angel, an early "Monaco" by Ashton-Drake, models "Blue Goddess" designed by Tim Kennedy.




Studio Meeting
An early "Red Venus" by Ashton-Drake models a suit by Tonner Doll Company and a cape and turban set by Liz Cole for Retros.





"All About The Eyes" Gene by Integrity gives "Red Venus" a try.

"I made Gene because I wanted her as a doll, and there was nothing like her in the market. She was everything I wanted" - Mel Odom

Full Circle
Integrity's "It's A Cinch" brought back the early look of grey eyebrows and deep red lips, perfect for a black and white film.

Petit Trésor
Integrity Toy's miniaturized version of Gene, part of the "Hollywood Royalty" proves that Gene Marshall can rule at any scale.

 




Doll Perfected
For many, JAMIEShow's "Phoenix" is the ultimate expression of The Gene Marshall Mystique and perhaps the most refined version of the doll.Phoenix wears "Brave New World," a design from Sandra Stillwell's "Radio Days" convention in 2012. JAMIEShow wig cap restyled by Kathy Johnson.

 

Thrills and Chills 

JAMIEshow and FDQ collaborated on "J'adore," a saturated color beauty in smooth resin. Trent and Gene starred in Albert Smirnoff's thriller, The Northest Northpoint.

 

 Au naturel  

JAMIEShow-manufactured Trent Osborn and "White Orchid" Gene play lovers who eschew society for a life lived in the midst of nature. Wardrobe designed by Liz Cole for Retros.

Happy 20th Anniversary, 

Gene Marshall!

A Very Full Day

Miss Gene Marshall (her 12.5 iteration from the Hollywood Royalty series by Integrity Toys) visited Dolldom recently to model something other than the lingerie with which she had been manufactured. A homage to Ashton-Drake's Pin-Up model, Midnight Lace (Item #MG001, limited to 250 dolls, IT Direct exclusive) proves to be a versatile mannequin de mode as well as actress. For this Dolldom exclusive feature, Miss Marshall wears fashions meant to satisfy the demands of a star's very busy day.


 

Gene commences the day with elegant foundation garments from The Barbie Fashion Model Collection's A Model's Life.


Miss Marshall arrives at Monolithic Studios in a vintage jersey sheath by Liz Cole for Retros and a tutti frutti rhinestone necklace by Joy Jarred. Straw hat from Muffy Roberts Silkstone Barbie doll.
 

To discuss directors and co-stars for film projects in the works, Miss Marshall enters Reuben Lillienthal's office in Integrity Toys' Hometown Hollywood fashion (Item #MG004, limited edition of 320, IT Direct exclusive). Dolldom's stylists edited the fur and feathers to focus on the precisely cut suit . White gloves and a simple silk pillbox hat are the only additional accessories. 


Tea time! Gene sits with columnist Cora Harper for an interview in a very proper cotton dress and black velvet hat by James Bogue for Bogue's Vogues. Bracelets are vintage Joy Jarred.


Dovima is sick. Gene steps in for a late afternoon photo session for Quality magazine in a black crepe jersey dress and red suede platform pumps by Zhang Young.



But what about evening?


To celebrate Trent Osborne's birthday, Gene opts for black by Bogue's Vogues. And boy,  does she look smashing in it!


A velvet veiled bandeau by James Bogue adds an air of dramatic mystery and a rhinestone bracelet from the Barbie Fashion Model Collection supplies the sparkle.


The black organza dress is a standout, proof positive of James Bogue's tailoring genius.

And what about those gala premieres?


For the premiere of Madra Lord's latest melodrama Heaven Won't Allow, Gene arrives in a pink angelic froth gown from The Barbie Fashion Model Collection.

Once home, Gene can relax!


Gene will end her day in black chiffon and lace, courtesy of The Barbie Fashion Model Collection, Lingerie No. 5.