Showing posts with label Gene Marshall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gene Marshall. Show all posts

3/14/2020

Kingdom Dolls: Lizzie Mills and Envy

In this photo, Lizzie is wearing an older Gene Marshall fashion produced by Ashton Drake. It fits perfectly.



I recently acquired a new editing program for my laptop called PhotoScapeX. I prefer editing images on my computer as opposed to using my phone. It's available in the App Store. I'm going to need to go through their tutorials. Sigh.
Just fooling around, I created this.




8/23/2017

Gene Marshall Doll to Retire for the Third Time

It has been announced that the current Gene Marshall line, produced by Jamieshow, will be retired in 6 months at the 2018 Jamieshow Palm Springs Convention. The event is being called "A Fashion Retrospective & Farewell to Gene" and takes place February 16-18th at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa.

                                     



Here is the link to the announcement. Note: if the link goes nowhere, just copy it and paste it in your browser address window. Blogger is not working properly for me for some reason.

http://mailchi.mp/jamieshow/jamieshow-news-updates-2018-convention-news?e=[UNIQID]

7/12/2017

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:

6/28/2017

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?

10/27/2016

Halloween With Viola and Savile

I am so glad that my Kingdom Doll ladies can wear so many other doll's clothing. With the Tonner (Tyler) sized stuff, I do have to pin the backs. With this particular Gene gown, the fit was perfect - just slightly shorter than I would have liked but no one else would see that.

In these photos, Viola is wearing Tonner's Wicked Witch outfit minus the cape. I have her in Morgana's wig.



Savile is wearing an Ashton Drake for Gene black and silver lace gown. It's so perfect.


The neckpiece is from Joy Jarred. It's very strange and I love it.

Here they are side by side.


Savile, again.




2/26/2016

Walking the Runway with Kingdom Doll Star and Jamieshow Zita

Every year at this time, collectors get a doll or two ready for the Oscars. This year I have chosen Kingdom Doll Star and Jamieshow Zita as my two representatives to the event.

Star is wearing a gorgeous Tonner fashion, "Venus Rising," a wig by Ilaria (that I wish I had in multiple colors) and silver Sybarite shoes.
The flowing chiffon cape-sleeves of this outfit are separate pieces and have floral embellishments at the shoulder. Unfortunately, Tonner designers thought it would be a good idea to sprinkle glitter (YES, GLITTER) on these flowers, thereby taking the classy level down to 0. In spite of that, it looks beautiful in pictures.
I had to do some temporary stitching to take in the bust and torso area for Star. It takes a little longer than pinning but it's neater and I don't stick myself every time I hold the doll. 
Part of the popular "Gowns by Anne Harper" line, the outfit included rhinestone earrings, bracelet and dark green pumps, retailed for $114.99 and was a limited edition of 100 pieces.



Original Tonner promo photo:

Whoever designed this line and the Hollywood Legends/Glamour Collection through 2009-2011, needs to come back. Overall the fashions were beautifully designed and executed.

See for yourself: http://www.tonnercollectibles.com/aharper.htm

________________________

Jamieshow Zita greets her fans. She is wearing Ashton Drake's "Love in Bloom," designed for Gene Marshall by Regina Ganem in 2001 as a dressed doll.  The retail price was $195.
Opera length gloves and matching clutch purse were included but not shown in my photo.
I adore the ribbon embroidery on the sheath and on the removable train. 
The jewelry is Franklin Mint, shoes are IT Gene and wig is Jamieshow.


 Original Ashton Drake promo photo:


_________________________


Waiting to be interviewed:



2/08/2016

Black Lipstick Gene, Wigs and Props

I was fooling around with Black Lipstick Gene yesterday. She got tired of the 1940's look and I had a modern wig just waiting for a bald head.

It's a Monique Gold wig (http://store.monique.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=monique&Category_Code=WIG-MGC&Product_Code=&Search=&Sort_By=disp_order&Per_Page=-1.)
The wig is called Jade #415 and it's priced at $19.  Gene wears size 4-5. It comes in 7 colors and 5 sizes. 

I do not recommend them for someone who is used to hard cap wigs from Ilaria, Chewin, Patta and the like. You will find that these wigs have a lesser quality fiber and construction. They are not well-styled right out of the box. Their benefits are the lower price of $12-$27 each depending on size and style and they do have a stretch band inside so the fit is more flexible. They come in a very wide variety of colors and styles.

Be prepared to do some styling, perhaps with a hair product and pointy snips in order to get the look you want. I was not pleased with my results as I feel the top of the wig is too pouffy. I would have had to do some thinning.

If you're good at it - this is definitely a great way to go for quantity and choice.

Her glasses are by Horsman for Urban Vita.


 The wonderful drafting table is a Tonner Tyler furniture item. The clip on lamp works. The drawer opens as does the top of the table which is held in an angled slant by a rod you pull up inside. The stool comes with the set.  Recently a nearly new set sold on eBay for $50.99. The seller also included the Design Essentials set which is adorable. Tonner furniture is perfectly scaled for our 16" dolls. It never looks too small.


The sweater Gene is wearing is a handmade product from Retros. The buttonholes are real working ones. I love this item. I purchased the jeans from Marlbe last year. It was a very small edition from Marcelo Jacobs.


The platform sneakers she is wearing are from Ficon. Sadly, I broke one of the zippers. These are fitted inside to support a fashion foot with a built-in wedge. I'd buy a replacement pair in a minute if I could find them.

Another item in this photo that I've used zillions of times is the CED folding screen. There are two in these photos. They are wood with three panels that depict scenes in Italy. The screens are two-sided making them incredibly useful and easy to customize if desired.  Folding screens are an essential tool for a quick photo set-up. They're also easy to make from foam core board.


1/15/2016

Introducing Mel Odom's "Heart of Gold" Ivy Jordan

The much awaited appearance of Ivy Jordan was announced today by Jamieshow Dolls. For those not familiar with the name, Ivy Jordan is a character in the Gene Marshall line-up. The back story is that she was Gene's best friend and ally in Hollywood and was first produced in 2008 by Integrity Toys as part of their "Colour Deal" collection.
"Heart of Gold" is a 16" resin BJD and the first Ivy produced by Jamieshow Dolls.



Ivy is a limited edition of 125 and will be available for pre-order on January 15, 2016 at 6PM Central Time.  The price is $450.  payable in full or with FuturePay. Shipping will be the first week in February.



Here is the link to the full announcement which also contains a link that will go live at the stated time.
http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=723f87002a100e3e930eb1312&id=0b1bdc67b3&e=fdfffcdaf2

All images on this page are copyrighted by and the property of Jamieshow Dolls.

12/23/2015

2015 Holiday Wishes

Black Lipstick Gene Marshall is my model for Special Appearance Violet Waters' pearl and sequin covered gown.





Sending sincere wishes to all my readers for a joyous, toy-filled and memorable holiday.




12/18/2015

JAMIEshow Mel Odom's "Poised for Success" Zita Charles

I did say when it rains, it pours and look what's on the horizon now - Zita Charles in resin from Jamieshow Doll. She is so adorable that I knew immediately I'd be ordering her.
Here is the description from the Jamieshow website:

"POISED FOR SUCCESS"
Zita Charles Dressed Doll
“Poised for Success” was a frothy comedy in which Zita Charles, in a comeback role, was once again allowed to run wild with her comic flair. As the widowed owner of a modeling agency, her character “Vera Swan” spends her days playing cupid and trying to find suitable husbands for the girls in her agency, so she can “retire with a clear conscious”.   Depending on the famous Zita Charles ‘light touch’, it was a delightful exercise in mistaken identities and fast-paced, drawing room comedy.  Zita effortlessly reminded the American public of just how much they’d been missing her.

Zita wears a pencil slim, navy suit, featuring a shell pink, shawl collar and cuffs over a cream blouse, self bowed at the neck.  Her navy and cream, spectator pumps also sport jaunty bows and a veiled, portrait hat completes the chic afternoon look.  Her titian hair is tied in a soft curl in back and features the famous silver streak that became the trademark of Zita’s comeback films.  It was her one concession to getting older on film.

Zita is a 16" Ball Jointed Resin Doll, made and painted entirely by hand.
Made of our exclusive J-Resin® which is hypoallergenic.

Ltd Edition of 125
Pre Order Item
Shipping January 2016
$450.


To order:
http://www.jamieshow.us/JAMIEshow-Poised-for-Success-Zita-Charles



11/14/2015

JAMIEshow Mel Odom's "Holiday Gala" Gene Marshall

Jamieshow with Mel Odom debuted their newest resin Gene Marshall doll today. She's called "Holiday Gala."

Here is the description from the website:
Dressed in a hostess outfit consisting of a Silver and Lavender Damask bodysuit and a silk satin wrap skirt tied with a lovely diamond brooch at the waist.  Platform shoes and Fuchsia gloves.  Gene has beautiful blue eyes and a blonde rooted wig cap, fuchsia lips, nails and toes.  All served in a lovely dressing room box, with dressing table, stool and mirror, box converts to a wardrobe with two poles and comes with 4 hangers.  

Ltd Edition of 125
Pre Order Item
Shipping beginning of December
Price: $550.
 



I like the soft lavender pastel tones of the hostess ensemble but the fuchsia gloves totally overpower everything. Cover up the gloves when you're looking at the first and third photos and you can appreciate the total image. The shoes are wonderful.
The dressing table, bench and mirror in the doll box is a great idea.  
 

 
Gene's face has a lovely soft look. 
__________________________


8/25/2015

Sandra Stillwell Presents: Convention Wrap-Up

The fashions from Sandra's recent "Bellissima Italian Style" convention held in Chattanooga, TN is now cataloged on her website with pictures and prices along with a description of the activities from the event.

There are 49 fashions if I counted correctly. Several are available in multiple color ways.  There are 4 wigs to pre-order. I know three of them are made by Ilaria but I'm not sure about the 4th.  They're all being sold for $90., including the last one which does not look like a hard cap wig.
It has been confirmed that all the wigs are made by Ilaria. 





My favorite fashions are
"Pucci Capri Breeze" @ $140.

"Visconti" @ $175.
and "Luminoso" @ $160.


All the fashions and wigs are created to fit the Gene Marshall body, vinyl or resin. In some cases, of course, the fashions will fit other similarly sized dolls.

You can see all the fashions available to buy now and to pre-order at Sandra's site:
http://sandrastillwellpresents.blogspot.com/p/bis-sales.html



All of the photos were taken by Joan Greene. 
I have taken the liberty of brightening and sharpening a bit.

6/06/2015

Chaise from Tonner Convention and Kingdom Doll Eira

I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it. Tonner's props and furniture are simply the best and always have been. They're always fully scaled and fabulous for photography.  It sold out shortly after going up for sale on Wednesday but I got my order in while I was on the treadmill at the gym. Now that's determination (aka obsession.)

Took some quick iPhone shots of Black Lipstick seated on the chaise.



Love the doll, the chaise and the outfit which is from Sandra Stillwell's "Radio Days" convention.
The jewelry is Franklin Mint.
_______________________________________________

As expected, Kingdom Doll's Eira, a very limited edition, sold out almost immediately leaving several collectors moaning and groaning. ( I could also say 'pissing and moaning' but I'll be diplomatic outside of the parentheses.)

Cheer up because the next doll up, Orbit-seen below, is a larger, though limited edition, and she is another beauty.


That's not to say she'll last long once available. The usual suspects will complain and condemn Kingdom Doll for not making enough, blah, blah.

When the new GenX Solitaire went live on Superdoll's site, she didn't last long. Of course, a few people were disappointed they missed her but I didn't see venom-tinged remarks aimed at the company. When Mansion came and went very quickly, there were no angry collectors posting on Prego about Superdoll's business practices. Superdoll doesn't even tell anyone a specific time a doll will go live! You have to keep checking the site and hope you find it ready to buy.
With Integrity Toys, you know when to contact your dealer after seeing a doll. It's called NOW. You don't get time to think about what you really want because if you hesitate, the doll will be sold out. You have people emailing every single dealer, trying to get the dolls any way they can. Ultimately, the disappointed collectors complain about the dealers, favoritism and canceled orders. 

When Mattell posts a Platinum Barbie for sale the site crashes or they cancel the sale and then hold it a few days later without broad announcements of the new date. 


5/29/2015

Comparison Photos: Violet, Oona, Madra, Gene and Trent

Anne Monday was gracious enough to allow me to repost her excellent photos which compare the newest resin Jamieshow Gene Marshall line to earlier releases.
The new versions are on the right except in the case of Grey Lady Gene.

Violet
 Oona
 Madra

 Grey Lady Gene (On the right is the original vinyl version.)

Trent