The Studio Commissary Board's Fifth Anniversary

Although I would not classify myself as a big collector of the Gene Marshall line I have been a participant at The Studio Commissary since it's beginning five years ago.  I discovered Gene dolls after I was already collecting Tonner's dolls and heavily into Fashion Royalty.  I did start buying a few here and there after meeting Mel Odom at FAO Schwarz during a W Club event. Little did I know of the depth and history of the doll.

By the time Integrity Toys was ending it's relationship with Gene, I was very interested. I had joined the Gene W Club which would be it's last year. Collectors did not know that. In 2009 it was announced that the 'end' was near and there would be one last convention in 2010 in Philadelphia. It was a wonderful convention. I'd love to do it again - I would not change a thing.

Sandra Stillwell had (some of) her immense collection of Gene dolls on display.  There are only some of the photos I took in that room (which had terrible lighting. ) I didn't even know Sandra back then and had no idea what her history was with prior Gene events.

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about the Studio Commissary and has turned into my own history with Gene Marshall. 

What inspired me to post this today was the anniversary celebration which just ended on that board. The last "game" played was a question which asked: "What do you love about Gene?" 

Here are parts of the answers.

The people I've met, the friends I've made & the places I've gone because of Gene! 

Her soft, beautiful face, calm expression and the variety of outfits she has. - 

I don't think I can add a thing to what's already been said... I love her lovely vintage world! I>> 

It was love at first sight. And each time I see her it is like that first time 

She's a 3-dimensional version of Mel's unique art--and her sculpts have so much character. -

Her wholesome good looks, peaceful expression and, of course, those clothes! 

She wears the clothes society no longer appreciates and aren't appropriate for my workplace! -

She lets me spend time in a world which contains only kindness and beauty. - 

redressing her - she looks great in everything! 

She take me back to my childhood days of sitting by the fire and making clothing for my 

I love the vintage fashions, and it reminds me of my mom; she was a young woman in the 30s-50s. 

Her beautiful beautiful face which can become so many different personalities 

Her classy outfits and big eyes! 

that a tiny plastic woman can engender so much creativity in so many different people! 

She has the "It" factor as compared to most fashion dolls! 

I love the outfits her and her pals wear.

I have always loved the Golden Age of Hollywood, and she reflects it beautifully. 

The fact that she gives me an opportunity to enjoy elegant, vintage fashions in miniature scale; 

Everything everyone else has said plus a fun stress release for me after long hours of work. glamourous age and she gets to wear -

I'm echoeing the others: vintage fashion, vintage movies, and learning to "play" , and the people >> tory, the fabric, the hats.

To me she represents a world of grace and beauty. I've enriched my knowledge of fashion, history, 

The friends I've made because of her! 

the fashions and vintage hollywood 

Hollywood's Golden Era with the studios creating movie stars!

I love the 30s and 40s era and the movies made during those decades. - 

I love vintage Hollywood and Gene represents that perfectly for me! - 

The vintage style and grace of the dolls and fashions; quality of fashions; 

She was a friend when I needed one very badly.

Her glamour, style, story and her fans - all of us!

Representation of an era of class, sophistication, glamour, and gentility that is 

The fact that she represents a wonderful time period for fashion and glamour. 

I love the people who collect her! When I got involved in this community >> - 

Her connection to the Golden Age of Hollywood & the decades of fashions - 

The glamour and detail of the fashions, and the active "customizing" community>> 

I love every inch of her... -

The era s of fashion she represents. The accsessories! -

The 'Hollywood Glamor'! 

The fashions! -

I can dress & redress her with lovely outfits. No hands-off! -

She reminds me of my mother. I have photos of her as a young>> -

The world of movies she represents and her wonderful fashions! - 

Love the 40s fashions and that she represents the heyday of the big Hollywood stars. -

Her Iconic look & that time period in fashion -

She is the re-creation of old Hollywood glamour and the fabulous >>> - 

Her versatility: she can go from innocent to Hollywood Icon with the change of an outfit! -

The details in her clothing and hairstyles for the eras she represents. -

Gene is the epitome of Hollywood style and glamour! -

She taught me how to love dolls! -

The eras of fashion....I especially love the 30's and 40's. -

The world of fashion, friends & fun she offers.Playtime is COOL! - 

The eras that she represents....especially love the '50s fashions - 

The chord she's struck in all her admirers: love of -

The Studio Commissary