The Shobijin

Please, play video and allow Mothra's song to accompany you as you read. 

Embedded in the minds of so many who, as children, enjoyed the mysterious world of the Yoko Tanaka film, The Shobijin and Mothra's song become an invitation for playxploration at Dolldom with the company of Licca-chan and her friend Izumi-chan and, of course, the magic of LizRetros.

LizRetros, priestess of Beauty * Glamour, summons the spirit of The Luminous Fairies with a magnificently unique and über-detailed giftset of fashions and figures made to fit the first generation Licca-chan body dimensions. LizRetros' selection of daffodil-yellow vintage satin with flocked flower print for the mini-dress is enhanced by the addition of a vintage lace overskirt. The design, original, captures the essence of both The Shobijin as well as Licca-chan's late-1960's fashion look. 





But what would The Shobijin be without crowns? 3-D printed diadems, painted matte gold, are LizRetros' inspired answer. 

But hold on! There's more! 

How are the two friends to play The Shobijin without their monstrous film peers? 

Well, LizRetros solves that issue with a set of 3-D printed and hand-painted miniatures that will bring hours of fun to Licca-chan and Izumi-chan's Infant Island rêverie.

To inquire about commissioning your own OOAK Shobijin giftset, contact LizRetros via her boutiques on Etsy or e-Bay. 

Sweet Winter Home

When winter comes- be it with rain or snow- little beings stay dry and warm indoors. This year, to begin its annual celebration of wintertime, Dolldom features a humble and most welcoming folk art dollhouse, circa 1936.






It's the sweet home of several porcelain mignonette dolls by Swedish artist Katarina Karsberg and one big and fluffy Abominable Snow Monster by Liz Retros.


Poc (Secret Summer Chibi doll) is the self-proclaimed homebody of the group. He likes to stay indoors and daydream.


Liz Retros' Abominable Snow Monster guards the entrance and keeps Puli and Tipi (two mini Myling dolls) company as they enjoy the side garden.


Wico (a micro Myling doll) welcomes you at the entrance. His tiny baby doll has been sitting on the vintage bench outside waiting for you too.


Puli pouts...


...cause Tipi taunts her.


Little snowman Casper hides behind a vintage bottle brush tree.


But wait! Who are these two peeking out of the side windows?

It's Memen and Tomori (two Marbles dolls) playing hide and seek!


And nearby, under the Christmas tree, Jesusa (a medium Myling doll with closed eyes) sleeps the afternoon away.

Katarina Karsberg's magical world, where Myling, Marbles, and Secret Summer dolls live.
Liz Retros' boutique, where Beauty and Glamour reign supreme.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome

Every movie studio needs at least one: a tall, dark, and handsome star. At Mel Odom's Monolithic Studios, Trent Osborn incarnates this idealized type. 


Trent Osborn's biography was documented in his splashy Ashton-Drake debut back in 2001:

"Born Theodore O'Bannion, young "Teddy" was quite the little neighborhood Romeo, stealing kisses from beneath the playground Pollyannas' pipe curls. He also always had a flair for the dramatic, prodding his playmates into staging elaborate pirate adventures on the bounding waters of the ponds in Philly's most prestigious parks - much to the chagrin of the local police force!

After graduating from high school, he longed for adventure, even working as a truck driver to escape the city limits. But soon he discovered the local theater groups, where he was quickly spotted by a casting director for the Theatre Guild and whisked off to The Great White Way. His refined good looks, coupled with a certain aura of reckless abandon, brought him role upon role - and the attentions and intentions of an army of beautiful young actresses and debutantes.

After playing the gamut of juvenile roles on Broadway, Teddy, now known as Trent Osborn to the New York theater goers, was brought to Hollywood in 1935. A mainstay at Monolithic Studios, he appeared in scores of films, and his most frequent leading ladies included such glamorous stars as Gene Marshall and Madra Lord.

As flamboyant a figure in Hollywood nightlife as he was on the screen, Trent Osborn broke countless hearts. But when he turned on those bedroom eyes, everyone from starlet to seasoned veteran melted at a glance."

Mr. Odom's protomacho (as the concept is referred to in the literary world of Gabriel García Márquez) was a success since his inception for finally in the fashion doll arena of the 21st century there was a male movie star, and one that descended from the stunning works of Mr. Odom's exploration of male beauty.

Mr. Odom's collaboration with JAMIEshow Dolls continues to permit the evolution of his beloved characters, now in the non-toxic Smooth-J resin that the company uses for the manufacture of all of its dolls. The JAMIEshow iterations of Mr. Odom's characters are exquisitely stylized and realized (by hand) making them luxurious mannequins to model fashions and to play out the collectors' fantasies of The Golden Age of Hollywood. They are also heirlooms in their own right as well as unique effigies for the non-dollector to display.


In this exclusive photo portfolio,  JAMIEShow's Trent Osborn reaches the apex of masculine style and beauty as defined by the art of his creator, Mr. Odom. Dolldom congratulates Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow for yet another successful collaboration. May you keep surprising us with more beauty!

Mel Odom's Monolithic Gang as manufactured by JAMIEshow Dolls

L to R: Violet Waters, Oona, Trent Osborn, Madra Lord, and Gene Marshall.

Wardrobe test photo for When You Have It. JAMIEshow's wool plaid pants, vest, and cotton shirt paired with a black bow tie convey timeless style.


For the film In the Hands of the Lonely, Trent surprised audiences as a blond.


His pin-stripped suit, produced by Ashton-Drake, is knows as "Neat as a Pin."


Prince Albert? No, Prince Charming!


The success of his blond style led to a reappearance in Kingdom of Love. His "Royal Military" fashion was designed by George Sarofeen.




Acapulco Antics! Trent and Oona danced and sang in  Maracas for My Love filmed in Technicolor in beautiful locations in Mexico's famed resort. The wardrobe by Liz Cole for Retros featured animal prints and plenty of hand beading.


The famous kiss scene that got gossip columnist Cora Harper's knickers in a twist.


Trent is an expert maraca player.


The film How High, Society? allowed Trent to show off his athletic prowess in the many polo scenes.


Men everywhere copied the style, wearing cashmere sport coats over jodhpurs, even when not at the country club.


Varying the look with a plaid jacket by JAMIEshow made the look even more irresistible.




In "Cabana Capers" Trent showed off his swimmer's physique in DAE Original's "Calypso Nights"


L'exotisme!


For a party celebrating Twenty Century Fox's 20th anniversary, Trent arrived dressed as aristocrat Major Rama Safti from the film The Rains Came.


This traditional Indian style was worn in the scene of the Maharaja’s reception for Lord Albert and Lady Edwina Esketh. Swoon is the word!

Secret Agent? Absolutely! Trent took on the bad guys in Stirred, Shaken, and Straight Up in the classic white dinner jacket fashion "Dinner for Two" issued at 2003's "Derby Dreams" convention.

Perhaps now that the Trent body has been sculpted, could JAMIEShow and Mr. Odom be preparing the appearance of director Erik von Sternberg (he who discovers Gene!) in tridimensional form?

Dolldom hopes so.

Illustration of Erik von Sternberg by Mel Odom

Délice en miniature

When artist Joey Versaw set out to create the latest version of his doll character Mary Magpie, the first 3D printed fashion doll, he was envisioning the multiple possibilities that this technology afforded him. How about creating Mary Magpie not only as an eleven and half inch doll but also issuing a miniature version, as small as the vintage Dawn doll by Topper is?

And so the mini version of Mary Magpie was born. At her reduced size, Mini Mary is also hand painted by Mr. Versaw, a painstaking process when one considers that her head is less than an inch wide. Boasting molded shoes in the style of vintage doll goddess Bild Lilli, Mini Mary is ready to wear many fabulous fashions created by Mr. Versaw or borrowed from Dawn's closet.

Yet, the fun of Mini Mary does not stop at redress. Boasting a wardrobe of 3D printed wigs in a myriad styles and colors, Mary does more that just look pretty in a different fashion. With a white pompadour wig, Mini Mary becomes Marie Antoinette. What fun! What versatility!

To prove the point, Dolldom's editors dressed Mini Mary in a new gown by fashion maven Liz Cole, whose Retros label packs our editorial closets. In a gown of verdant green to match Mini Mary's hand painted eyes, Mini Mary acquires a different persona by virtue of her wig change.

You be the judge!
 

Mini Mary welcomes you to her wig party in a shantung silk and tulle cocktail dress by Retros and her original bob style wig.


Falling in Love Again? A bit of Miss Dietrich, perhaps?


Maleficent? Could be!


Lauren Bacall? Absolutely!


No More Cake! Just petits fours for this lady of the court.


Coquettish Charm! The side buns impart a playful attitude.


1940s Fantasy. This deep red wine up-do has a sensational widow's peak.


Romantique. This side-parted style with cascading curls is pure 18th century elegance.


Waving Away! The Undulation Marcel gives off a decidedly 1930s vibe. Shades of Mrs. Simpson?

For more on Mini Mary visit her at her fabulous boutique! 

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.