Designer Influence

Fashion designers have often looked to Haute Couture for inspiration, and Gene Marshall's own designers were no exception. Her coveted wardrobe features nods to Christian Dior, Chanel, Pierre Balmain, Elsa Schiaparelli, Lucien Lelong, just to name a few.

The House of Patou provided the inspiration for Miss Marshall's stylish suit from Integrity's 2010 Stardust Convention Exclusive "Daily Threads" Gift Set. The milliners at The Couture Touch designed the smartly tailored felt hat to replace the original one. In addition a new belt was added and the jacket peplum was narrowed slightly. Fur muff is from Ashton Drake. Handbag is from an unknown designer.

A trio of Jean Patou ensembles. Photo courtesy Gene Marshall Fashion Sleuth

White Orchid Gene Marshall

And for you that can carry off melodrama....

Definitely not for the un-self-confident is this fuchsia felt hat worn with a reserved gray suit for a punch of color. Inspired by American apparel designer Sally Milgrim, the dramatic South American shaped hat was all the rage in the early 1940's.

Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall

Suit and handbag are from Mark Middendorf. Fur is from Madame Alexander. Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Scarf is from Ashton Drake, and bracelet is from Integrity.

Yellow felt from Milgrim. Photo by Luis Lemus for Vogue, 1941.
For more on Sally Milgrim, you may enjoy House of Milgrim from the archives.

Credits:

White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.
Caribbean Kiss (restyled) Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.