Forever Joan

What's in a name? 

J o a n  C r a w f o r d

A Hollywood icon. Also a survivor of sorts who, in spite of reaching the pinnacle of popularity in early 20th century cinema, worked assiduously to remain relevantly active during her lifetime. 

As we close 2022, what remains of Joan Crawford? Simply put, it's a legacy of grit and style. For Joan Crawford had style, one that to this day continues to be referenced: from the magnificent Letty Lynton gown to the sharply silhouetted suits of Mildred Pierce to- sadly - the reductionist grotesquerie of Mommy Dearest (that's Faye Dunaway, let's clarify, not Joan Crawford). 

In 2008, Tonner Doll Company introduced a doll in the likeness of Joan Crawford. Wildly popular, the doll and fashions evoked, not copied, the essence of Crawford's style in some of her most memorable roles. Extremely hard to find today, the Joan Crawford Collection doll serves as a metaphor for the star's lasting power, for though Crawford is in Hollywood Heaven, her essence lives in vinyl and PVC effigies in collections around the world. Joan Crawford is still hard at work serving glamour fantasies galore.

For this Dolldom exclusive, a "Ready for Wardrobe" doll, embarks on a fashion extravaganza. From Tonner's Théâtre de la Mode to LizRetros's hand-beaded silk shantung suits to Tyler Wentworth, this is the ultimate tribute to a woman of style, a fashion icon, an original: Joan Crawford. 

Studio arrival

Tyler Wentworth's "Casual Luxury" coat and slacks pair beautifully with "Urban Sport's" beige turtleneck.

Lunch at Warner's 

Brenda Starr's "Just My Type" suit and NuminaDoll's tangerine bib of bows. 

Opening scene

LizRetros fashioned a broad-shouldered, hand-beaded suit to wear over a black faille blouse by JAMIEshow Doll. Picture hat drama from Brenda Starr's "Evening Noir". 

À la française

Tonner's Le Théâtre de la Mode offerings were beautifully modeled by Tyler Wentworth. On Joan Crawford, these tributes to French Haute Couture during Second World War become even more mythical.  

Luxe, calme et volupté...

In Tonner's Théâtre de la Mode "Fleurs du Mal", Joan is pure poetry. 

Le rouge et le blanc

"Jungle Red" is a showstopper. Based on Crawford's look in the film Susan and God, the pleated gown is magical draping. 

Academy Awards Ceremony

In this fashion fantasy, Joan Crawford walks the red carpet in Tonner Doll's "Soire de Fête" from the Théâtre de la Mode Collection.

And the awards goes to...

Gay in Hollywood: Wardrobe Fun

Gay Carrington, Hollywood star and fashion icon, will soon star in a sensational new ghost story drama. But before the actress can begin the consuming work of emoting for the cameras, there must be wardrobe try-outs with fashion shoots that the publicity department will later use to promote the film.

For the main scene (from which the movie poster and other advertising images will be harvested) Miss Carrington chose a LizRetros silk suit embroidered with abandon and a pair of hand painted pumps, whose trompe l'oeil animal print is one of the key elements in the film's plot.

For this Dolldom exclusive, Miss Carrington poses in character and provides hints as to the film's mysteries.

Credits:

Miss Carrington's make-up: Vincent Anthony Studios

Wardrobe: LizRetros

Hair: Bobby Taylor of Pink Bubbles Doll Spa

Dolldom thanks Miss Gay Carrington for allowing the use of the unofficial, fan made Gay Carrington doll.

Vogue (Monolithic Studios' Remix)

What are you looking at?
Strike a pose
Vogue

Greta Garbo, and Monroe
Deitrich and Miss Madra Lord

Marlon Brando; Jordan, Vee

On the cover of a magazine

Gene Marshall; Harlow, Jean

Picture of a beauty queen
Zita Charles, Fred Astaire

Ginger Rodgers, dance on air

They have style, they have grace
Rita Hayworth gives good face
Oona, Katherine, Marsha too

 
Violet Waters, we love you

Ladies with an attitude
Trent Osborn's in the mood

Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

Vogue

Vogue with Mel Odom's iconic Gene Marshall 

and friends as manufactured by JAMIEshow Dolls.

In Her Eyes

Close-up photography for the Publicity Department demanded an early call. The sun had not arisen yet when Miss Gene Marshall, the Star of Monolithic Studios, arrived behind tinted glasses, a colorful Italian silk kerchief, and a slim tweed dress, ready for the camera, always the ultimate professional.



What occurred once the lights were directed towards her face is the stuff of legend. When she opened her eyes, we all had to catch our breaths. The magic of Gene Marshall's eyes was real. Eyes of blue, eyes of a beautiful soul.

The preceding photos feature a wonderful Gene Marshall doll. This example carries a fascinating story, best narrated by her creator, American artist Mel Odom:

"I had this doll privately made to show Ashton-Drake how beautiful Gene could be with glass eyes. The main reason we didn't do her that way was the lack of beautiful 'glass' eyes. The colors in these eyes were custom, featuring pale blue whites (sclera) and intense pigmentation giving them great depth and that feeling that they are following you. But at $20.00 or $30.00 a pair, the price made them impossible for production. The ones available for actual production weren't right for Gene. Later, we tried at Integrity Toys too, they just weren't as expressive as the painted ones."

Dolldom hopes that a future iteration of Gene, manufactured by JAMIEshow Dolls will feature the perfectly crafted glass or urethane eyes that translate Mr. Odom's stunningly stylized vision of iconic Hollywood magic. After all, third time's a charm!

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

Wolf Whistle

You know you don't have to act with me, Steve. You don't have to say anything, and you don't have to do anything. Not a thing. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and... blow.






Model: Lauren by JAMIEshow
Fashion: Tonner Doll Company
Hair: Time of Doll Wig