Monolithic Vaults

Sunset on the Seine

2010-03-24T19:47:00.007Z

This is another AD Gene outfit that I got in the salesroom at the Paris Fashion Doll Festival in 2007. it was an outfit made for Violet Waters and is called 'Evening Sunset' and was destined for ebay but when I downloaded the picture I changed my mind!

It is a beautiful copper-coloured satin with a midnight blue lace overlay. The shoes are a bit average (just ribbon slides in midnight blue) and I hated the ridiculous flower arrangement on the veiled headpiece - so that got snipped off - but the dress itself is quite good quality. I think the mesh sleeves could have done with being a fraction tighter as they look a bit too wide, but all in all, the design is really pretty.

The box was the same as all the AD Gene outfit boxes but it did have a 'Violet' logo sticker on it (similar to the oval silver 'Gene' logo) and the hose were more of a tan colour rather than nude to match Ms Waters colouring.

'Color Deal' Ivy is modelling the complete 'Evening Sunset' outfit from AD (minus the flower on the veiled hat and the tan hose).

Ahhhh .... now did I get anything in Paris for Gene in 2010? ... what do you think?!

Off to the Paris Fashion Doll Festival....

2010-03-06T15:15:00.005Z

Getting excited now as I am off to the Paris Fashion Doll Festival in less than three days! Woo Hoo!In the main I am going to attend the two Sybarite events - 'Speak and Spell' on Thursday, 11th March and then 'Disco 3000' on Friday 12th March. Gene and friends have not featured there for years but they do still have Gene items in the sales room on the Sunday.

I always try to bring a little something back for Gene, and my last Paris purchase was the beautiful 'Diamond Evening' in 2008 (I did not get chance to buy anything last year as I literally had 15 minutes in the sales room before I had to dash to the airport!)

In the past the prices for the Gene items have always been very reasonable ... I wonder if they get a hike this year due to the end of the Gene line? Either way, I am sure to come back with something for one of the Monolithic stars!

'Liquorice Crush' Madra is modelling the AD 'Diamond Evening' gown, fur stole by 'Superdoll' and silver peep-toe, sling-back heels from 'Midnight Gamble'. Diamante earrings are by Facets.

Ransom in Red

2010-02-20T17:04:00.003Z

I wanted to post this picture on Valentine's Day but unfortunately could only actually take the shot today as the light has been so bad here (still not great!) but better late than never I suppose!

This is an early Gene outfit called 'Ransom In Red' and it is one that I bought/sold/bought back! It is fabulous fabric, the cut and design are superb and the shoes are nice too,if a little fiddly to get on.

The gown was made for an advertising campaign to promote a fragrance that Gene was advertising - here is the story ...

It was the commercial success story of the 1949 holiday season.

'Ransom in Red', the haunting new fragrance by a renowned Parisian parfum house, took America by storm with a sweeping advertising campaign starring Miss Gene Marshall. Newspapers, magazines, radio and television airwaves were redolent with the sensuous allure of 'Ransom in Red'... and Gene Marshall.

In the commercials Gene was the essence of what the fragrance evoked. Strong yet utterly feminine; tantalizing yet inaccessible; elusive yet beckoning with a siren's irresistible lure. Set above a mere mortals on a white pedestal, glittering with a king's ransom in fabulous jewels, Gene held millions of television audiences enrapt for thirty unforgettable seconds. They watched, spellbound, as her sultry, half lidded blue eyes captured the camera lens. A myriad of images danced across the screen...Gene turning, a close-up of her hand caressing the elegant cut-crystal perfume bottle, a flash of diamonds as she gracefully tilted her head, a mysterious Mona Lisa smile. Then she spoke in a provocative, breathless whisper that riveted attention, those full scarlet lips savoring every word..."Hold his heart captive with...Ransom in Red".

Sales skyrocketed as long lines formed at perfume counters in upscale department stores across the nation. 'Ransom in Red' was at the top of many woman's Wish List - to the delight of many man!

'Ooh-La-La' Gene is modelling the 'Ransom In Red' gown, gloves and shoes. Diamante heart-shaped brooch by 'Facets', ruby and diamond collar and earring by Tonner and Franklin Mint.

Let it Snow!

2010-01-26T22:44:00.002Z

The divine 'Park Avenue Prowl' Gene came to the UK yesterday - all the way from Australia - and let's just say she was glad of that fur coat as it is freezing here at the moment! The snow has melted but the temperatures have struggled to get above zero.

'Park Avenue Prowl' was one of my most wanted Genes and I really thought that I would never get her, let alone get her complete with all the outfit and accessories. I actually like everything in the giftset; the leopard coat is my favourite but the other items are a lot nicer than I thought they would be - I was not expecting to like the sequined corset-style top but it is really nicely done and I was pleasantly surprised.

The giftset comprises of Gene (naturally!) dressed in a beautiful all-in-one foundation garment in bronze satin, a plum pencil skirt, a tulle cocktail skirt with a bronze sequined top, dark brown leather gloves, a heather coloured chiffon scarf and the most gorgeous bronze glitter strappy heels ... the only thing that disappointed me was the jewellery (which is nothing new!) which was iridescent bronze seed beads.

Here is the official take on 'Park Avenue Prowl' off the website:

Park Avenue Prowl is a fashionable collection of dramatic pieces, designed for maximum variation and impact. A ‘leopard’ coat, collared and cuffed in contrasting ‘fox’ is the starting point for the collection. Beneath this coat can be worn a variety of looks. A pencil thin skirt of umber crepe-backed satin is worn beneath a bronze sequined top, sleeveless and fitted with a notched peplum. Or the same top can be worn with a full skirt of multi-colored tulle, layered in jewel tones and designed to echo the glittering open-toed sandals, strapped and buckled in bronze. A one-piece foundation garment of deep caramel satin sporting attached garters and hose can be worn as lingerie or with either skirt for a duo of daring evening looks. Accessories include black ‘leather’ gloves, a chiffon scarf, and golden earrings matching a jewel-toned necklace of golden and plum beading. Gene’s sleek hairstyle is of a dark chestnut brown and is perfect with her plum eyeshadow and marvelous deep magenta mouth.

'Park Avenue Prowl' Gene is modelling the leopard and fox coat, leather gloves and chiffon scarf from the giftset. The heels are by Tonner and customised with leopard-print fabric by Doll-Scum; the peke belongs to Ivy Jordan and is called Chow Ling.

Vibrant Vision

2010-01-20T13:29:00.005Z

This is the first 'Ivy Jordan' doll that I bought and I did not intend getting any other (but have since ended up with two more - Ooops!).

She is the 'Color Deal Ivy' and came dressed in a coral pink sheath dress (like the dress but hate coral pink!) with a white headscarf, gloves and shoes - nothing special really but I do like the doll and think she is my favourite Ivy. She reminds me of Joan Crawford with her rolled fringe/bangs and she has beautiful brown eyes.

The gown she is wearing is a Madame Alexander creation called 'Vibrant Vision' - I have had it quite a while and it is a favourite gown; what can I say? I am a sucker for tulle I guess!

The shoes that came with it are not that great ... they are black mules with a row of red crystal beads on elastic to keep them on. It also has a strange corset/waist-clincher in what I can best describe as a kind of flowered Swiss/Tyrolean fabric. I never use this as in my opinion, it just adds nothing and totally detracts from the gown. I can't even remember if there was any jewellery with this - so if there was, it must be pretty forgettable! However, I think the gown more than speaks for itself!

'Color Deal Ivy' is modelling the Madame Alexander 'Vibrant Vision' gown. Diamante necklace by Tonner, bracelet and earrings by Franklin Mint.

Reflet D'Argent

2010-01-17T17:29:00.002Z

I've had this Tonner gown for years - it is one of my favourites obviously, as it is still here! It is from their 'Theatre De La Mode' series and is called 'Reflet D'Argent'. It does have a beautiful turban with a big feather plume but none of my Monolithic girls have a suitable hairstyle to go under it, sadly.

With a few exceptions, I love the outfits in Tonner's TDLM series and would like to add a few more. I was very pleased to get 'Glammed Up' Ivy as a nude off ebay - like brown-eyed blondes - and personally, I like her with her hair restyled; the severe updo did nothing for me (or her!)

I think Ivy has a great face and I can't believe she is the same mould as the 'Marsha Hunt' doll which I do not like much. I still think my favourite Ivy is the 'Color Deal' one.

'Glammed Up' Ivy is modelling the Tonner TDLM 'Reflet D'Argent' gown and armlets. Diamond necklace and earrings by Franklin Mint and purse from the 'In The Pink' Silkstone Barbie.

Introducing Zita Charles - Queen bee of the Hollywood social scene

2010-01-10T16:35:00.004Z

As a major star of the late silent era, Zita Louise (as she was then called) was the epitome of the Jazz Age glamour. Known as the "Too Much Girl", Zita forged a reputation as a party girl and was a favorite of the Hollywood gossip columns. Counts and "princes" seemed always to be proposing to her in front of a fountain while the cameras were rolling. Everyone and anyone just wanted to be with Zita Charles! With her vampish look, sassy style and elegant vintage inspired gowns.

Just wanted to post the official intro and Mel's beautiful illustration of Zita, in case it disappears with the website.

The 'Too Much' Girl

2010-01-09T19:08:00.007Z

This is the first 'Zita Charles' doll and she had her introduction in October 2008. Unfortunately for me, she was an FAO Schwarz Exclusive and at well over $250, plus shipping, out of my reach.

There were various other incarnations of Zita - the next one I think was a Wu Club Exclusive called 'Evening Mist', and then the 'Silhouette of the 30s' and 'Wrap Party' Zitas.

I did toy with the idea of 'Wrap Party' as I liked her outfit, but the only Zita that a truly wanted was 'Azalea Ice' - I just adore the streak in her hair and none of the other Zitas had this fabulous and unique touch - so I could not take the plunge and accept second best, as it were.

Needless to say I was delighted when trawling through the doll board I saw a poster offering a NRFB 'Azalea Ice' for sale for $120! I emailed straight away and although the seller would not ship outside the US, they were happy to send the package to my darling shipping buddy in LA (thank you Andrew!)

Miss Zita Louise Charles arrived before Christmas and as soon as I opened the box, I knew I had done the right thing n holding out for 'Azalea Ice' ... she is the BEST Zita, no contest! Her gown is really pretty and the chiffon drapes really nicely - the shoes are great too - I thought the jewellery was a bit lacklustre but nothing I cannot rectify! Here is the 'official' blurb:

Azalea Ice is the very first Zita Charles doll and is offered exclusively through FAO's online catalogue division. Zita wears a luscious one-shouldered gown with detailing at the bust that echoes the gown's incredible colorful train. Zita comes complete with matching gloves, shoes and jewelry so she is totally prepared to take on tonight's party, wherever it may be.

'Azalea Ice' Zita models the 'Azalea Ice' gown, gloves and heels, Jewellery is a mixture of Franklin Mint and Tonner.

Pink Parasol

2009-12-29T19:04:00.006Z

With the sad announcement about the end of the Gene line in 2010, I have been going a bit 'Gene-ga-ga' and have been on a spend-fest, buying dolls that I like but have passed on for whatever reason. Think everyone is going on a catch-up mission now ... good thing that I am not into the Ashton Drake Genes!

One of these purchases is 'Blue Parasol' who I bought nude (I do actually like her dress but was more than happy to be able to get sans outfit, as she is sold out everywhere)

She really is a beautiful Gene, and my new favourite blonde (well 'Distant Venus' is more silver-grey!) she reminds me of Betty Draper from 'Mad Men'! Maybe 'Liquorice Crush' Madra is Joan??!!

The gown is one that I won at my Doll Club Event last September. It is a Joe Tai dress and is really nicely made - again a bit too long - but I suppose it is better too long than too short!

'Blue Parasol' is modelling a gown by Joe Tai, 'Icicle' necklace, earrings and diamond cuffs by Facets, and mink stole by Dimitha. The crystal chandelier is a Christmas tree ornament.

El Morocco

2009-11-08T17:30:00.004Z

This is an early Gene outfit by Ad called 'El Morocco' and it is one of the AD outfits that I have kept (I prefer the fitted cocktail dresses to the sticky-out ones with petticoats). Even thought it is not a particularly great fit - could do with being a touch tighter - it still looks nice on the dolls.

Well it looks like we will all be enjoying our AD outfits a lot more now as Mel announced on 6th November that he is retiring Gene for good and she will not be produced after June 2010.

Very sad news but 15 years is a good run and I would rather Gene go out with a bang rather than a whimper. There will be one more doll only on general release and she is already sold out at a lot of dealers. The doll is called 'It's a Cinch' and is LE 200 - I've already pre-ordered her! There will also be one of every Monolithic character (Gene, Madra, Trent, Violet, Ivy, Zita and Oona) made for a farewell convention in June 2010. Not sure at this stage is absentee packages will be offered.

Anyway back to the picture! 'Metropolitan Madra' models 'El Morocco' minus the original hat and shoes. Hat by Fil Baldowski (much nicer than the original IMO!) and shoes by Doll-Scum .. here is the story behind the outfit ...

Taking a break from your hectic film schedule, it’s wonderful to go back East to visit family and friends in New York City. But it’s not so easy to go out for a relaxing night on the town as it used to be! Now your fans are everywhere, photographers are your constant shadow, and what you do, who you see, and what you wear...makes the papers and the fan magazines within hours!

Still, Gene tries to be as low-key as possible when she travels home. She likes to stay with her parents in the house she grew up in, where she can relax and just be herself. But to commemorate her father’s 50th birthday celebration, she decides to treat the family to an evening of dinner and dancing at El Morocco, one of New York’s most glittering nightclubs, well-known for its celebrity clientele.

For this special evening, Gene selects one of her most unique, chic cocktail dresses in a rich shade of plum taffeta. The form-fitting sheath has jet buttons, a full overskirt of black tulle, and a velvet bow at the waist...very fashion-forward details for the era! With this dress Gene wears a smart feathered hat with a face veil and carries a matching clutch bag. Two rhinestone scatter pins and a rhinestone and amethyst bracelet add tasteful glitter to a truly memorable ensemble. And Gene’s parents enjoy it all, taking her stardom in stride.

Licquorice Crush

2009-10-08T18:36:00.003+01:00

This is the second Madra that I have bought - very recently - and I think she is just fabulous! Just goes to show that you need to see a doll for real rather than the promo shots as I just did not like her at all in the promo shots ... she did nothing for me at all!

Well needless to say she grew on me big time,when I saw actual shots of the production doll and I had to have her. I got her from a seller in Australia and although I paid a fair bit over the odds for her, I am really pleased to have her.

The dress is really nice too - sort of a ruched stretchy skirt with a stiff tulle underskirt. The accessories are okay too - magenta satin long gloves, the new style pointed toe stiletto heels and a double-row diamante necklace and bracelet and diamante drop earrings. I am going to get some hot pink jewellery made to go with this as I think it will look a lot better that the diamonds.

'Liquorice Crush' Madra is modelling the 'Liquorice Crush' outfit comprising of black dress, magenta gloves, black stiletto heels and diamante necklace, bracelet and earrings.

Magnolia in Bloom

2009-10-06T15:52:00.004+01:00

I just can't seem to dress Violet in anything but gowns - she always tends to be in an evening gown, which I suppose in itself is no bad thing, but I'd like to think that she goes 'off-duty' sometime!

This is a Joe Tai gown and the first item of clothing I have bought from him. I have bought wigs for my Sybarites in the past with mixed success - the first one was great but the second two were pretty dire.

This gown was from his 'Oscars' range for 2009 and it was pretty reasonable at just over £25.00 so I thought I'd give it a try.

Well the gown arrived and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It is beautifully made and the fabrics are good quality and drape well - it did come with jewellery too which I did not use as I don't think it matches (it was dark amber beads??!) but it was nice to use with something else. My only teensy 'complaint' is that it is a bit too long (Violet has another base under her stand in this shot!) but nothing major all-in-all.

Ooohh! looking forward to the 2010 Oscars already now!

'Color Deal' Violet Waters is modelling a copy of an Elie Saab gown worn at the 2009 Oscars by Evan Rachel Wood. Microphone from the AD 'USO' accessory pack, diamond necklace by Tonner, chandelier earrings stylists own.

Dearhunter

2009-09-28T15:20:00.006+01:00

Now this is the first time I have dressed Gene in a Superdoll outfit - it was out of desperation initially as I have nothing suitable for the theme pic this week (Tweed Indeed) and this is the only tweed-ish outfit I have and that's cheating as it is Prince of Wales check really.

I did/do feel quite guilty but I was very surprised at just how good Gene looks in this! I don't know if it will happen again as I still feel a bit odd about Gene borrowing from the Sybarites but have no qualms about letting the Sybarites use Gene's gloves, scarves - they are such vintage vultures!

'Special Scene' Gene is modelling the skirt, jacket and hat from the Superdoll 'Dearhunter' fashion. Camisole top is from 'Cocoa Crisp', shoes are from Tonner 'Basic Velma', gloves are from DAE 'Business Call' and the cane is from 'Blonde Lace'.

Shades of Autumn

2009-09-22T17:35:00.004+01:00

I refuse to call it 'Shades of Fall' (as per the weekly piccy theme LOL!). It is Autumn to us here in good old Blighty! Madra is making the most of the last of the sun in this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.

'Metropolitan' Madra is just too fabulous and obviously looks great in autumnal shades. Now I am not one for 'home made' stuff but for this dress I made an exception. It is by a lady called Leanne in New Zealand and uses a gorgeous vintage fabric. It is beautifully made and finished - all lined and fits perfectly.

'Metropolitan', Madra is modelling an OOAK vintage silk dress, rust suede peep-toes heels with gold button trim from an AD shoe pack, Skye terrier off ebay, necklace and earrings by Doll-Scum.

Lucky Stripe

2009-09-20T11:36:00.006+01:00

This is another old AD outfit that I have kept. It is really nicely made as it is an earlier AD outfit and the bag is one of my favourites in the whole Gene line; a little circular drum bag in black satin.

The directors chair is also from the AD line of accessories ... those accessories were fabulous and I still have a lot of them. I never did buy any of the furniture due to cost/space purposes but it is really cool.

'Vixen' Gene is modelling the complete 'Lucky Stripe' outfit comprising of dress, picture hat, red gloves, black suede peep-toe slingback heels, drum bag and jet drop earrings. Here is the wording from the Storycard:

"Lucky Stripe is a smartly-tailored afternoon ensemble, circa 1949. The square-necked dress is horizontally striped in black and taupe with long sleeves and a narrow knee-length skirt. To enhance the slim line, Gene's skirt is asymmetrically draped onto one hip with a falling panel of vertical stripes. A large, uniquely styled, black satin hat matches the black satin drum-shaped purse, with a golden bead closure and golden detail on the handle. Short red gloves bring a flash of colour. Outfit includes "onyx" tear-drop earrings and black sling-back shoes."

Soir de Fête

2009-09-04T17:00:00.006+01:00

This is a Tonner outfit from his 'Theatre De La Mode' line and is one of the few Tonner outfits that I have kept. This came on a dressed doll and was pretty expensive at the time ($199.99) in 2002. The doll is long gone now but the outfit stayed!

I would like some more of the the TDLM outfits ('C'est Parfait', 'Swept Away', 'Amethyste', 'Fleurs Du Mal' etc) but they do not appear often and always go for quite a bit. I do have 'Reflet D'Argent' but that's it so far!

'Rose Rogue' Gene is wearing the gown, gloves and shoes from Tonner's TDLM 'Soir de Fête' outfit (there is a black crepe bolero-style jacket and feather hair pin that are not shown). Her evening bag is from the 'Rose Rogue' outfit, black jet choker by Doll-Scum.

My Favourite Brunette ...

2009-09-03T18:44:00.004+01:00

... she is, in fact, my ONLY brunette Gene at the moment but notwithstanding this fact, she is actually my favourite brunette Gene (with 'Park Avenue Prowl' a close second!)

This is the 'theme' picture of this week from the 'Studio Commissary' board and I took this shot today to post on there.

It is quite tricky to do a full shot of Gene without reverting to shooting her just standing up straight, so I was quite pleased at how this turned out. If you are shooting her close-up and not full-length it is not as much of a problem.

'Ooh-La-La' Gene is modelling the complete 'Filigree' outfit ... looking at this now I wish I'd switched the gloves for black ones - they would look so much better! This is the text from the Storycard:

'Filigree' is a stylish cocktail dress circa 1949. A white cocktail dress provides the background for a lattice of lovely black. A flurry of black lace tops the bodice and a black ribbon highlights the back. Gene completes the look with a a scrumptious-looking hat, with black feathers jutting out from the centre of a small cap. Comes with white pearl earrings and thin ribbon shoes.

Sparkling Angel

2009-09-03T18:09:00.004+01:00

I got this outfit just yesterday from a friend who is selling off her Gene collection. She has a lot of very rare items and convention pieces from the AD days and I have to say that a lot of it is very tempting indeed, but I need to focus on saving for the Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2010 so I was quite 'good' but I could NOT resist this gorgeous ensemble!

'Sparking Angel' was an Exclusive for Haute Doll magazine in 2005 (I think?!) and was a dressed doll. I cannot remember the initial cost but I think she was quite pricey and then there would have been the customs fee and shipping on top.

I always liked this outfit but never actually thought I'd ever get it, so I was really thrilled and dressed 'Green Eyes' Gene in it immediately - I think she does look angelic!

It is nicely made and is trimmed with real Swarovski crystals. The hat and mules are gorgeous and the fur on the cuffs is very nice quality too which is important to me (I hated the fur used on 'Goodbye New York!). My only 'complaint' is that it should have had a bag with it.

'Green Eyes' Gene is modelling the complete 'Sparkling Angel' outfit. This is the text from the Storycard

'Sparkling Angel' is a luscious two-piece suit, circa 1945. Gene sparkles in a champagne satin suit, studded with iridescent Swarovski crystals on the jacket's lapels and, as a final touch, fabulous fur trims the sleeves. Iridescent Swarovski crystals also cover Gene's charming matching feathered hat. Gene's drop earrings also feature Swarovski crystal and her clear mules have 'Swarovski crystals on their champagne-coloured heels. Also comes with a creme chiffon scarf and light beige long gloves.

Beautiful Reflection

2009-08-22T23:55:00.004+01:00

I post on a Gene Board called 'The Studio Commissary' and each week they have a photo theme for members to share their pix. This week it is 'White' ... next week it is 'A Beautiful Reflection'.

I do try to do a pic to fit the theme so today I set about trying to get a shot involving mirrors (reflection yes?). This is actually a lot harder than it seems - the mirror(s) always seem to reflect what you do not what them to (usually yourself with a camera for starters).

I decided to try to use the screen from my 'Couture Savage' Sybarite and set up the shot with 'Ooh La La' Gene - inevitably everything but the kitchen sink was reflected in the mirror - Grrrr!!!

I them remembered a shot I did with my 'Summer' Sybarite, using permanent room set I have for the Sybarites. I just did the exact same thing but with Gene. I had to move four other dolls, take down pictures off the walls, move bags that were hooked on the door and remove a light switch with Photoshop (Phew!) but I got there in the end - quite like how this turned out and the Sybarites were okay with Gene using their apartment (well she is Hollywood royalty after all).

'Ooh La La' is modelling the Franklin Mint Liz Taylor 'A Place in the Sun' gown, opera lenght gloves from 'Best Bet' and diamante choker and braclet from Frnklin Mint Marilyn Monroe 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend' outfit. 'Discobum' chaise, 'Couture Savage' mirror screen both by Superdoll, chandelier is stylists' own.

All About Venus

2009-08-20T14:04:00.001+01:00

Since Gene was launched in 1995 there have been a lot of dolls and a lot of outfits - I am glad that Integrity do not overload us like AD started to do (the quality went down and the cost went up!).

At one time I used to buy a lot of Gene outfits (think the most Gene dolls I had was maybe 14) but I had lots and lots of outfits. I sold a lot that I never seemed to redress the dolls in but I still have a fair few to keep Gene and her chums happy!

This is one of the outfits that I always liked - it was originally on a dressed doll (Madra) and was one of the more expensive dolls at the time so I gave it a miss. Well my patience did pay off as I recently got this for a steal (£20!!) from a great seller in Oz and I have to say it was WELL worth the wait ... it is fabulous! The jewellery is great too and that cape is divine.

I am so loving 'Distant Venus' too - she reminds me of the old-style Gene but looks a lot more sophisticated (sorry to all old AD Gene lovers but I think the Wu Gene's just knock spots off the AD Genes - the facepaints are far, far nicer IMO and that is before we start on the clothing and articulation!)

'Distant Venus' Gene (hair restyled by Doll-Scum) is modelling the AD 'All About Eve' outfit. I swapped out the original ivory gloves for the gloves from 'Gold Sensation'. Ivory satin and diamante evening bag by Doll-Scum.

Sweet as Cherry Pie

2009-07-15T17:50:00.005+01:00

This is one of the first Gene outfits that I bought in 1999 and one I have never sold (obviously!). I think it is the shoes that have swayed me to keep it - they are just too cute; red gingham with ankle straps. I've seen it with the skirt and top split and the top looks great with turned-up jeans; must do this sometime.

'Green Eyes' Gene is wearing the 'Picnic in the Country' outfit by AD. Rhinestone apple pin by Facets, and chair from the Gene Patio Set. The basket is a vintage one - the bunch of fruit on the front is an old vintage earring.

Dinner Date

2009-07-14T17:23:00.003+01:00

I got a nude 'Distant Venus' Gene a week or so ago and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE her ... she is fantastic! Her hair colour is a kind of blush grey (if that makes sense) and is beautiful. The style wasn't great as it was long and flowing in a pony tail so I restyled it and did the copious spraying with Elnett to make it rock hard (best way with the Wu Gene hair).

I was not unhappy to have her nude as her gown was not my thing (Sci-Fi) even though it was very nicely done in a retro-Buck-Rogers kinda' way. She is a very elegant Gene and certainly will be more at home in tailored suits and gowns etc... can't see her in jeans or capris.

'Distant Venus' is wearing the Tonner 'Dinner Date' outfit (from the 'Bewitched' range) which is a very beautiful duck-egg blue beaded cardigan and an oyster pink tulle and satin skirt. Her silver pumps are from Tonner (Roxie Hart 'Finale' outfit) and the pale pink purse is from the 'In The Pink' Silkstone doll.

Parfum

2009-07-11T21:26:00.008+01:00

Any glamourous screen siren worth their salt was linked with a cosmetic product of some sort, be it Lux Soap (Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren) or perfume (Ingrid Berman and Audrey Hepburn to name but two) and the trend continues today.

I do not like the majority of 'celebrity' endorsements of late (no reflection on the products) and in particular I loathe the Nicole Kidman/Chanel No 5 ad ... it just makes me cringe every time I see it and hear her say "I'm a dancer" (Arrrghhh!). To me she just has no cachet at all and the same goes, maybe moreso, for another Chanel No 5 endorser, Keira Knightly - well at least she had the sense not to submit us to her atrocious gummy gurn on the ads! In fact, I think that the only recent'ish Chanel/celeb ad that I liked was the Coco/Vanessa Paradis birdcage one.

Not only was Gene the 'leading lady' in this advert, but she was the inspiration for the creation of 'Ooh-La Noir' by Chopard, which is still a classic today!

'Ooh-La-La' Gene is wearing a Tonner gown called 'Mystique', gloves from 'Unsung Melody' ruby and diamond earrings and braclet by Franklin Mint and ruby and diamond necklace from Tonner.

Puppy Love

2009-06-27T16:08:00.006+01:00

On a roll with the old 'pin-up' style shots here! Got this Gene yesterday - she's old to most people but new to me. Great price too ... $70 including shipping and NRFB. She retails at $99 so that was what I'd call a deal Wheee!

She is really, really pretty; her eyes are more of a turquoise blue than the standard Gene blue and her make-up is lovely too. She is called 'Special Scene' and was from the series of three sweater-girl dolls (with Madra and Violet). I initially liked the Madra but did not want her but when someone posted a picture of her on the ICOG board, she went on my list!

'Special Scene' Gene is wearing her original outfit and shoes, pink stole in the hatbox is from 'Blue Evening'. The hatboxes, shoes boxes and ornament boxes (tied with pink organza ribbon) are all from the AD Gene line. The white Maltese terrier is from ebay.

Cognac Evening

2009-06-24T20:10:00.005+01:00

Way back in 1999 discovered Gene, I proceeded to buy pretty much every regular line outfit, with the exception of the more 'fancy dress' type ones such as 'Bolero' and 'Song of Spain' etc which are not really my type of thing. Well some have stayed and a lot have gone but I always loved 'Cognac Evening' and for some reason it always went sky-high on ebay and has always been one outfit that I wanted but was never successful in obtaining.

So, almost 10 years down the line I have finally succeeded in adding 'Cognac Evening' to my collection, thanks to a very sweet friend and I was worth the wait! The style and fabric are gorgeous (I think ADs attention to detail and quality slipped during the later years) with it being an earlier outfit. Sadly, the ribbon tie shoes that came with it have faded to an olive green colour (quite nice actually and still usable with something else!) so I've used the shoes from 'Champagne Supper'.

'Cocoa Crisp' Gene is modelling the cocktail dress, hat and beaded clutch from 'Cognac Evening'. The mesh gloves are from 'Blue Fox' and the shoes are from 'Champagne Supper'. Earrings are OOAK by myself. Trent is wearing 'Formal Introduction'.

Sheer Glamour

2009-06-24T17:13:00.003+01:00

This is 'Special Appearance' Violet Waters and is the only AD Violet that I have kept. She does have a beautiful hair-do (40s rolls) and face and I must get her a new 'Wu' body sometime.

I always seem to want to dress Violet in gowns and do not have any pix of her in anything other than gowns so I must try to take some of her looking more casual.

This gown is a Tonner gown from one of the very first Sydney Chase dolls called 'Sheer Glamour' and I think the pale yellow looks great against Violet's skintone. Tonner do have some nice gowns and I still have about five of the earlier Sydney Chase dolls that I can't part with. I think the newer Sydney leaves a lot to be desired though!

'Special Apperance' Violet is wearing the Tonner 'Sheer Glamour' gown, opera-length gloves and heels (not seen). The microphone is from the AD 'USO' accessory set and the white mink stole is by Dimitha.

Leopard Lounge

2009-06-13T17:09:00.003+01:00

I am really finding it a challenge to pose Gene after the Sybarites! This is about as 'bendy' as she can get but I think she doesn't look too wooden here, choosing her tunes!

'Green Eyes' Gene is wearing the 'Hi-Fi' capris, shell top and cardigan. Leopard-print scarf is from 'Safari' and the leopard-print shoes are by Tonner (can't remember the name!). Her fab gold charm bracelet is by Fil Baldowski as are the records - with the exception of the 'Blue Evening' album which is also from 'Hi-Fi' . The chair is the Tonner Bordeaux chair that I re-upholstered in leopard-print velvet and the 'Panther' lamp is Gene's own.

Poison Ivy Envy?

2009-06-08T22:35:00.010+01:00

The Batman villainess, Poison Ivy, was originally modelled on the most famous 50s pin-up, Bettie Page, and could kill with a single kiss (releasing toxins from her lips that varied from hallucinogenic to lethal) so I think Madra Lord is a very inspired choice to play her!

Madra certainly looks like she is getting into character with her bright red hair and green gown - do you think she killed her fur stole with a kiss maybe? If I was casting she would definitely be the top of my list to play Poison Ivy, no question!

'Metropolitan Madra' is wearing a Tonner gown from the Wizard of Oz line - I think it's called 'Emerald City Elegance' (but I could be wrong). White fur stole is from Superdolls 'Couture Savage' Sybarite, diamond cuffs are by 'Facets' and earrings are stylists' own.

Golden Goddess

2009-06-07T17:42:00.003+01:00

This is the first Integrity Gene that I bought from a Dealer - I had not bought a Gene for a good six years but 'Green Eyes' just spoke to me!

This is the first ever Gene with green eyes and I think she is so beautiful - very Rita Hayworth looking with her dark red hair. Actually, the hair was a complete nightmare to style and I spent quite a while trying to get it sleek like the official promo pic. When I was happy with it it got sprayed to some tune and should not budge very easily now!

'Green Eyes' Gene is wearing a Marilyn Monroe/Franklin Mint gown called 'Happy Birthday Mr President' (obviously a copy of the gown she wore during the world famous moment where she sang for JFK). The gown is really nicely made and is adorned with 100s of tiny crystals. The necklace and bracelets are also by Frankin Mint and from a jewellery set called 'Diamonds are a Doll's Best Friend' ... FM does fabulous doll jewellery.

Voyage Rouge et Noir

2009-06-03T22:11:00.003+01:00

Still on the theme of journeys/luggage/suits here, mainly due to the fact that I have had 'Vixen' Gene dressed in the 'Cherry Smash' suit for months on end (hope those red gloves have not stained!) and thought I'd take a photo before I changed her.

Much to my shame, I have never had the two sets of luggage (Paris Fashion Doll Festival Exclusives from 2000 and 2001 I think?) out of their boxes; they are really cool and very nicely made and happened to fit with the red and black theme.

'Vixen' Gene is wearing the complete 'Cherry Smash' suit and is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2001. 'Color Deal' Ivy Jordan is wearing a white blouse and black pencil skirt by Tonner, shoes by Fashion Boulevard, houndstooth bag by Tonner, hat from Gene's 'Embassy Luncheon' outfit and the super-cute Scottie dog pin is by Fil Baldowski. Ivy is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2000. The two dogs are Gene's beloved terriers, 'Dottie and Dashiel'.

They look pretty laden down - you'd think stars of their importance wouldn't have to carry their own bags would you?!

"Hello Hollywood, Hello!"

2009-06-02T18:51:00.007+01:00

'Hello Hollywood, Hello' was my very first Gene doll way back in July 1999 - the doll is long gone but I have kept the outfit. At the time I told myself I would only buy one Gene (was also tempted by 'Red Venus') and maybe a few outfits (yeah, yeah, yeah!).

Between then and now, I have sold nearly all my AD Gene dolls and a fair few outfits and but I have kept my favourites - this doll and outfit being one of them! When Integrity relaunched Gene I started to like her again and bought one from a friend who was an avid Gene fan and collector, but she was not keen on the Integrity take. Again, I said, "I only need one" but I now have 4 Genes, 1 Madra, 1 Violet and 1 Ivy - Hhhmmmm!

'Heart of Hollywood' is wearing 'Hello Hollywood, Hello'. Hatboxes from the AD Gene line.

Vargas Girl

2009-06-01T22:28:00.002+01:00

This Madra is the BEST Madra ever (IMO!) ... I just love her tomato-red hair and the style is fantastic too. The hair on the Integrity Gene line is a lot softer than the AD hair but it is a nightmare to keep in check and I am always amazed when people brush out the 'gunk' as they call it - I wanna' keep that 'gunk' exactly where it is to hold the hair ... the more 'gunk' the better! I even add 'gunk' to the existing 'gunk'!

Felt inspired after flicking through a book of old-style pin-ups - they are pretty tame by today's standards but far, far more tantalising with their stockings and suspenders and bullet bras! This is quite a smouldering pose with Madra in her lingerie, maybe taking a call off a mystery suitor - who knows??! I want to do some more of these pin-up shots and have lots of ideas for both sexy and cheesecake ... I found it a challenge to get this pose to look natural so I will have my work cut out with a straight-legged AD Gene - watch this space!

'Metropolitan Madra' is wearing the 'Boudoir' Gene lingerie. The phone is from the 'Hot Day in Hollywood' accessory set. Chaise, cushions, leopard print fur rug and diamond chandelier earrings, stylists own.

Gene IS Blonde!

2009-05-31T21:33:00.008+01:00

Gene Marshall, to me, is blonde - I know she has had every hair colour imaginable, even pink, but I see Gene as being a natural blonde. The studio have obviously given her some help here with a touch of peroxide but I think she is pretty fair-haired to begin with.

Having said that, I wouldn't like Gene to not have the option of changing her hair colour as that would be pretty boring for both us and her but I do tend to have more blonde Genes than any other colour! I really want a nice brunette/raven haired Gene now but the two that I do like are pretty hard to find and expensive as they are an FAO Exclusive and a Wu Club Exclusive ... I think I'll just hang-fire and see what the rest of 2009 brings!

'Vixen' Gene is modelling the 'Ladies Who Launch' outfit - one of my favourite suits and maybe the best shoes yet!

Smouldering Seduction

2009-05-31T21:12:00.006+01:00

Even though the Sybarites are my main passion, I do still 'dabble' in Gene (love vintage fashions and the glamour of the 30s/40s/50s eras). About a week or so ago I bought this gown off ebay specifically for Violet - it was a steal at around £17.00, even if it did reek of smoke and cheap perfume - Ugh!

Anyway, I got round to dressing Violet today in this gown and I think she looks beautiful in it. It is not an official Gene gown but is off a Tonner Daphne Dimples doll called 'Smouldering Seduction' - I had to check their archives (and was shocked to find that the dressed doll originally retailed at $229.99!)

I felt like taking her picture and even though the Integrity Gene line have articulation, I found it quite a lot different to photographing the Sybarites (who are natural-born poseurs and can adopt the most life-like of stances). I want to try and do 'more' with Gene and her fellow studio friends/colleagues, hence this blog!

'Color Deal' Violet Waters is modelling a Tonner gown called 'Smouldering Seduction'. Microphone from the 'USO' accessory pack, earrings by Doll-Scum.