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 

 

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.

"J'Adore" Gene Marshall

She's nabbed Violet's lavender ensemble, added some jewels by Facets and a hard cap wig by Cheryl Wood. There is something so innocent about this doll. I like her a lot.

A closeup of her sweet face:

And just because I like them...her hands.

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.  

 

MetroDolls Event Part I

Today we attended what felt like a mini doll convention in Iselin, New Jersey. This complex event was put on by the MetroDolls doll club. The members worked very hard to coordinate and pull off a luncheon that was very well attended not only by doll collectors but also by professional doll designers and artists. In addition to Robert Tonner who was the featured speaker, Doug James, Mel Odom and Paul Pham were there. Designers from all over the world sent in stunning creations for the charity auction.
The charity auction items.

The table centerpiece:

Various Club Members and Other Doll Stars: Doug James, Adrian, Carmel, Ed Haley, Mel Odom, Mike Basala, Cindy Lorimer, Paul Pham, Tim, Bob, Laurie Lenz and Robert Tonner.

Competition Entries:

-------------------------------------------->>More in MetroDolls Part II