Gene Marshall Doll Line History

I have seen Anne Monday's preliminary pages of this book and you are going to want it! 

Gene: Dolls, Outfits & Accessories, 1995-2017

By Anne Monday | Foreword by Mel Odom

In 1995 Gene Marshall burst into the doll collecting world. She stood a glamorous 15 ½ inches tall at a time dominated by the 11 ½ inch Barbie. Created by artist Mel Odom, Gene was presented as a doll for the adult collector, to be redressed and played with by her owners. Gene was so successful that within five years many manufacturers copied her size, launching the era of the 16-inch fashion doll.

Gene is a Hollywood star whose career ran from the 1940s until her retirement in 1961. As such, her wardrobe is replete with outfits from such highly recognized designers as Dior, Charles James, and Valentino as well as costumes from her movie roles, both contemporary and historic, complete with coordinated hats, shoes, gloves, purses, jewelry, and more.

This volume presents a year-by-year photographic chronicle of every Gene release from her debut in 1995 with Ashton-Drake Galleries through JAMIEshow’s latest incarnations in the first half of 2017. In these pages, you will find photos of:

-- Every dressed doll depicting Gene and her friends, from the major editions numbering in the thousands to special limited editions of as little as five dolls.
-- Every outfit and accessory released separately, including closeups of smaller items such as shoes and jewelry.
-- More than 470 pages of full-color photos make this the most comprehensive guide to Gene ever made — an ideal guide for collectors!

This book is on pre-order through September 15. 

ALL PREORDERS will receive a BOOK SIGNED BY MEL ODOM.

• Free Shipping during the Preorder (U.S. only, and for this item only)
• Please order this book by itself, since it has to be shipped later. Purchase other items in a separate transaction
• This book will be printed and shipped in late November or early December (in time for Christmas). The preorder sales will determine the print run.
• Order here: http://shop.dollsmagazine.com/gene-marshall-fashion-dolls-book.html

The cover:

East Meets West Madra and Kingdom Doll Chaucer Exchange Fashions

The first photo shows Madra in her original fashion. I have changed the jewelry. 

The second photo shows Chaucer in Madra's suit. In my eyes, it's a tie as to who wears it better. 

This Asian inspired gown from Rudi Teruel RND Designs is spectacular on Chaucer. Unfortunately my photo does not show that. (Hey, I'm not done learning.)  

On Madra, it is perfect. First of all, the photo is more alive and second, she's got the face and hairstyle to suit the fashion. Madra wins.

Who do you think wears each fashion better?

New Gene Marshall & Friends Dolls by Mel Odom and Jamieshow

The latest Jamieshow Convention was held this past weekend in Chicago and revealed a full compliment of Gene Marshall & Friends dolls.  I am sure that Gene collectors are thrilled at the resurgence of their beloved dolls, now in resin.

All photos by George Gonzalez.

From left to right: Oona, Ivy, Marsha, Trent, Gene, Zita, Madra and Violet.

Attendees could choose either a Gene line doll or a Jamieshow doll for their convention souvenir prior to the event. Marsha was the Gene line souvenir. She has a beautifully done face. I don't know what's going on with the pleats in the front of the dress. Perhaps one has to remove the jacket to see the dress design. I'm hoping to see owner photos of that.

The Jamieshow doll that was available as an option was a Cary Grant doll. He is not shown above but can be seen, along with all of the above dolls at:
http://www.jamieshow.us/GENE-CONVENTION-DOLLS_c_94.html

All the dolls are available either to pre-order or to purchase now. The prices are $495 for each except for Marsha and Cary who are $600.

My personal favorite is Oona. Her face, hair and outfit work perfectly together. She fits right in with the theme of Hollywood Canteen.

Zita is a striking doll. Her sculpt is intriguing and adorable at the same time. She looks like she's always ready to blow a kiss. Her wig cap is lovely.

Another favorite is Hollywood Canteen Gene. She is pure Gene, glamorous and beautiful. Dress and wig cap are well suited to her and the era.

Trent is dressed in a US military uniform and cuts a fine figure.

                          ______________________________________________________

And there's even more!!!!

INTRODUCING THE 2016 JAMIESHOW BASICS COLLECTION

Some old friends join us this year, re-sculpted and freshened up.  Cameron has a new skin tone, and both he and Lee now can wear our exclusive JAMIEshow sculpted wig caps.  Sabina rejoins the group now also able to wear the JAMIEshow exclusive rooted wig caps.  All three of the girls sculpts have been re-sculpted for a fresh look in these 2.0 version.  Available for pre-order now, the first shipment will come in the beginning of July and the remainder by August.

 

 

Here is the link to see and order the basics.

 

http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-BOHO-BASICS-Collection

 

Gorgeous Gene Marshall Holiday Themed Photos by Tom Logan

One of my favorites and a top notch photographer, Tom Logan (CA) posted these photos today on Studio Commissary.  This is delicious eye candy!

Mel Odom's JAMIEshow Madra "Spotted in Manhattan"

In a very unusual move, George put this Jamieshow Madra on sale for 20% off during the Labor Day weekend. Her price dropped from $525. to $420. which caused me to take a second look. Actually, the main reason I became interested was that I had seen so many gorgeous photos of her posted by collectors who already had her.
I went back and forth with the decision for about 24 hours and finally decided to go for it. She arrived yesterday and I'm happy I purchased her.
Her face paint is perfect. The resin is the same silky material used for all the Jamieshow dolls. She will make a great model for my collection of Gene Marshall clothing.
There was an issue with her necklace. I sent a photo to George and within a few hours I received a courteous response in which he told me he'd send a replacement out ASAP. As always, the customer service from his company has been excellent.
Madra comes with a ring that matches her other jewelry. It's huge. It could be worn on a chain.
The dress will need a light pressing as the train is packed folded vertically and you won't see much of the leopard print unless you smooth it out a bit.
I also recommend putting pantyhose on the doll as the strap of the shoes may stain. There's a faint line across one of my doll's ankles. You could also coat the inside of the strap with a strip of something flexible.

In these photos, Madra is posing on a Horsman chaise. The table in the background is CED.
I have her redressed already. Now I have to pick out some wigs.

Jose´ Ferrand, Designer

This afternoon I received a lovely email from Jose´ Ferrand who designed many of the Ashton Drake fashions produced for Gene Marshall and Madra. Here is what he wrote:

Dear Teri,

I was the first (chronologically) of the "second batch" of Gene designers during the Ashton Drake years. Designing for her was the most enjoyable work I had ever done; it was like playing with dolls for a living. Aside from that, she proved to be a much needed balm to soothe the immense pain of losing so many friends to AIDS in the Nineties and provided many hours of quiet solace. I'll be forever grateful to Mel and Joan (Greene) for those years. 

PS: It was nice to see "Belle of the Ball" in purple and green in Sandra's collection.

Jose´ is referring to the images I posted here. I would love to meet Jose´ and hear his story of that time. Perhaps I can get Sandra to invite him to an event. 

Some of his designs (left to right) After Hours, Stardust Memories, Cat Walk, To Have and To Hold:

See more on the Gene Marshall Wiki: Items designed by Jose´ Ferrand

Fashion by Matisse and Madra's Dogs

I've known Brenda Visaya since the beginning of my Fashion Royalty collecting days. Her fashions were always perfect. Seriously, this is doll costuming at it's best. Everything arrives perfectly sewn, ironed and packaged. They are hard to get because once Brenda lists something available, the flock descends on Etsy. I shouldn't even post this here but I have to give credit to this extremely talented designer who goes by the name Matisse.
Gene (IT's vinyl version) is posing with Madra's Dogs.

This is a good eBay story:
I love the Ashton Drake Gene Marshall accessories such as the furniture, lamps and such. The dogs were on my want list but they were always priced in the $150. range and I do draw the line somewhere. The other day I saw them posted for $75. or Best Offer. Just for the heck of it, I offered $50. I did not think the seller would accept. He did. Yay. They arrived yesterday, as described, in perfect NRFB condition.
Compared to Gene's little faux fur dogs called Dottie and Dashiell ("Out For A Stroll") they are fabulous.

JAMIEshow Violet Waters "Satin Doll"

Hardcore Gene Marshall fans and even dabblers like me are over the moon with the release of two new resin characters added to the JAMIEshow Gene Marshall line. I purchased Violet Waters "Satin Doll" who arrived today. This doll is a limited edition of only 50 and was $525.

Someone at the factory was a little confused about the names of the dolls.

The new Madra is called "Spotted in Manhattan."  On the box is a label attributing Violet with both names. I suppose the label person had a GENINUE moment. Long term Silkstone collectors will get the joke.

First - the requisite box shots:

I am glad I didn't have to put these shoes on. What I usually do is tape the extra ribbon to the back of the doll's calf with Scotch 3M Magic Tape. It leaves no residue on the fabric or the doll.

Violet is as beautiful as all the promo pictures we've seen. Her eyes are brown. Her eye shadow is violet with a metallic gold highlight. Her lips are coral which matches her perfect manicure and pedicure. She's got the prettiest mouth of any Violet I've seen to date. All in all, she has a truly beautiful face.
The gown fabric has a quality feel and it is well constructed and fitted. The wig cap is well-suited to the era and the hair accessory (what we would call a fascinator now) has a pearl-tipped hat pin that slides right in to her hair and stays on securely. The earrings are aurora borealis crystals set in silver colored metal like the ornament on the ribbon neckpiece.

For the high price of this doll I would have liked a beautiful necklace to have been included instead of the neck ribbon. I removed it as it does nothing for her and looks a little chintzy. A purse and pantyhose are 'missing' as well.  Although I like this doll very much, if this trend continues - high prices with no accessories, I won't buy another.

 Violet comes with a JAMIEshow adjustable doll stand. They are the best stands out there.

Link to JAMIEshow Doll USA: http://www.jamieshow.us/

 _________________

A wonderful Madame Alexander fashion is on it's way to me and I think it will be perfect for Violet. 
"Festiva Paris," whose fashion has been an elusive commodity, is coming. I've been trying to find just the fashion for years to no avail. I finally broke down and ordered the NRFB doll from Matilda Dolls.  Hers was the best price around for the complete doll plus if your purchase is over $50., shipping is free. Works for me. Unfortunately, this version of Paris was released prior to the line's dolls being fully articulated. But no matter, I just want the outfit anyway.

 Madame Alexander fashions are exquisitely well made and stand the test of time...at least they were. I haven't bought anything from this line since Jason got in there and ruined Alex. Sigh.

 _______________________

Spring Dressing

I know lots of collectors who change their dolls' clothing according to holidays, to the season and such. I rarely redress my dolls just because of the weather or time of year. However, there's always a first time. Several of my Gene Marshall dolls were getting tired of what they were wearing and were begging me to get out some springtime frocks for them.
Here is the result.

Fashion Designer: Tim Kennedy : Blue Fox Gene Wearing Somewhere Summer

Fashion Designer: Veronica Alvarado :  Spotted in the Park

Fashion Designer: George Sarofeen  : J'Adore Gene Wearing Will You Marry Me?

Rogue Rose Gene in Sandra Stillwell's Delicate Bloom

Fashion Designer: Timothy Alberts : Dark Desire Madra Wearing Incognito

This entire photoshoot was disappointing to me because I feel the background in the last three images detracts from the dolls. There's not enough contrast and it's too busy with the gazebo and the ivy. It was a good idea that went wrong. The dolls look much better in person.
Not every photo session goes well. I hate when that happens. Perhaps redressing a bunch of dolls at one time is not a good idea. I feel uninspired.

Introducing two new dolls to the JAMIEshow Gene Collection

They're back!

 Madra's edition is 150; Violet's is 50. 

Shipping begins at the end of April through May in two waves. 

Each doll is priced at $525. 

Ordering will begin at 6:00 PM EDT at the Jamieshow website.

http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-GENE-MARSHALL_c_43.html

 Madra Lord was accustomed to causing a scene wherever she went.  She depended on it.  So wearing a slinky, Dior-inspired gown of beige and ‘leopard’ was the logical choice for the Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League of NYC.

The impression was to be that she would be leaving the ladies of the League’s affair for a much dressier, much more entertaining function than theirs.  At five o'clock she was to be notified by her assistant’s whisper that it was time to go, followed by her gracious apology at having to leave so soon and a fast line for the door.  Madra Lord could stand only so much art.  

Madra Lord makes her comeback premiere to JAMIEshow dolls in this iconic dior look.  Dressed in a off white silk dress with faux animal print, and a belt. Her heels are also made of animal print with one strap.  Emerald green earrings, necklace and bracelet adorn her.  Her wig cap is a red updo to compliment those fiery green eyes.  Madra is lovingly sculpted from the original sculpt by Mel Odom.  

“Satin Doll” was the heading above the photo of Violet Waters on the posters announcing her nightclub appearance.  The show had been named for the hit song, with it’s brand new lyrics by Johnny Mercer, as well as the satin-smooth voice of the lady in the spotlight: Violet Waters.  Violet’s pale lavender, silk satin gown was the final claim to the title.  

Violet Waters makes her comeback premiere to JAMIEshow dolls in this iconic look.  Dressed in a satin silk dress with peplum, with an violet in her updo rooted wig cap.  She wears violet strappy high heel shoes and soft pearl earrings and necklace.  Violet is lovingly sculpted from the original sculpt by Mel Odom.  

 

Picture of the Day by Jurrie

Madra says, "Mine, Mine, Mine."

This fine photo was posted by Jurrie Devries on The Studio Commissary today.