Introducing Zita Charles - Queen bee of the Hollywood social scene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'.