November Seasonal Accessorizing

Add a sequin collar to a basic dress.  A detachable collar is a great way to transition a daytime dress for dinner, cocktails, or the theater.

Monolithic Studios' director Miss Ivy Jordan in the knit dress from "Warmest Wishes", an FAO Schwarz 1998 Fall Exclusive designed by Tim Kennedy.  A detachable sequin collar replaces the original cowl neck scarf transforming this dress from daywear to evening sophistication.  Dress and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, fur muff, and waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  The sequin collar was recycled from another doll.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

A pearl encrusted green velvet tie-on collar from Hattie Carnegie is the perfect addition for a late-day dress.  Photo is from the October 1, 1943 issue of Vogue magazine highlighting new ways to wear new accessories.

July Seasonal Accessorizing

Anne Adams #4881 Pattern

Doll up a basic dress by adding flowers at the neckline and for extra flattery repeat the flowers on your hat.

Ivy Jordan

Embroidered flower motifs, recycled from vintage veiling, were applied in an asymmetric fashion on the bodice of Miss Jordan's two-piece navy dress as well as on the hat trim.  Dress [Ladies Who Launch] is from Integrity.  Handbag is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Earrings from Mattel.  Cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Peplum Panache

Miss Gene Marshall

The dress from Madame Alexander's "Grand Hotel" is transformed with a detachable peplum in a charming summer print.  In addition, the original black bow trim was replaced with the matching dramatic bow recycled from Integrity's "Ladies Who Launch".  Gloves and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from PD Root.  Detachable peplum, hat, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  To Have and To Hold (restyled) Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Set of tie-on peplums in 3 styles from Butterick, circa 1947.

Peplums were a popular fashion trend in the 1940's.  Throughout the decade the home-sewing industry offered detachable peplum patterns as a way to utilize small fabric yardages as well as increase the versatility of a basic dress or skirt.

Butterick dress pattern with a detachable tie-on peplum option, circa 1947.

Credits:

Vintage pattern illustrations from CoPA Commercial Pattern Archive.  Joy Emery, Project Director.

June Seasonal Accessorizing

Welcome summer by incorporating prints into your wardrobe.  Wear dresses in classic dotted fabric.  Brighten a dark solid dress with collars and matching cuffs in cheerful florals.

Jazz great Violet Waters steps out in D.A.E. Originals' delightful pink dress punctuated with tiny black all-over dots.  Gloves and re-shaped hat are from Sandra Stillwell.  Styling from The Couture Touch.  Heat Wave Violet Waters (newly coiffed) is from Integrity.

An advertisement for rayon fabrics shows the extensive range of prints that were available in the 1940s.  Photo courtesy Sew Weekly.

A pink floral collar with matching cuffs revitalizes film star Gene Marshall's basic black dress [Dark Desire].  Dress, belt, waist corsage, gloves, earrings, and newspaper are all from Ashton Drake.  Hat, detachable collar/cuffs, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Warmest Wishes Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Gene Marshall for Victory

Miss Marshall continues to do her part for Victory by graciously appearing in a Monolithic Studios' promotional film on updating a black frock.  Two different looks can be achieved by layering the bolero-style vest borrowed from Madra Lord's Heartless costume with Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress.

Miss Marshall wears the vest in the traditional manner.  Gloves were borrowed from Madra's Dark Desire costume.  Additional accessories include a tweed off-the-face hat and suede belt from The Couture Touch.  The bow at the neckline was recycled from a Robert Tonner hat.  Handbag is from Madame Alexander.  Dress, vest, and gloves are from Ashton Drake.

Wearing the vest backwards gives the illusion of a yoke.  Tiny button detailing highlights the distinctive look.  Asymmetric hat and embroidered gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Belt is from Sandra Stillwell.

Credits:

Cocoa Rose Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Heartless and Little Black Dress were designed by Tim Kennedy.

Inspiration....Illustrated

A wonderful resource for design inspiration, the fashion illustration depicts period styles with clarity in details. Here are two 1940 originals from my personal collection. Enjoy!

Artist: Eunice Moray. Also signed Miss Doctoroff, perhaps an instructor.
Notations indicate that this was a costume suit for the Duchess of Kent, #17, 1940.

Artist: S. Morreale.  Notations indicate the costume is made from doeskin.
The Havelock is of canary yellow silk jersey.  [A havelock is a cap with fabric hanging from the sides and back.]

1940's Swing Style

Recently found in the Monolithic Studios' costume vault, a wardrobe test shot of Gene Marshall in a swing style dress inspired by Tim Kennedy's Rio Rumba gown.

Miss Gene Marshall

A silver and black chevron striped flared skirt with contrast bodice detailing highlight this oh so forties look.  Accessories include a coordinating snood, black suede gauntlet gloves, and earrings; all from The Couture Touch.  "Diamond" necklace is from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from D.A.E. Originals.  Purse and bracelet are from Robert Tonner.  Belle of the Ball Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Green + Brown = Sophistication

The color green symbolizes the bountiful gardens and trees found in nature.   Green, particularly the darker shades, is calming and restful.   When combined with the timeless elegance of a neutral such as brown, green becomes classically chic and sophisticated.

The green top and coordinating cardigan from Ashton Drake's Hi-Fi costume is paired with the brown skirt from Press Conference for a smart look perfect for an active day of errands.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch is from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection.  Handbag from D.A.E. Originals.  Necklace and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

The form-fitting sheath from Ashton Drake's Stormy Weather costume set comes out of hiding to reveal a delightful brown and green print.  Accessories include a brown velveteen pillbox accented with a dramatic feather, brooch, and earrings, all from The Couture Touch.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

A brown afternoon frock with soft draping details is accented with green suede embroidered gauntlet gloves and a matching fur-trimmed hat, all from The Couture Touch.  A simply elegant look just right for dinner and cocktails.  Fur stole is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Source:

Fashion and Color by Mary Garthe.

Something New from Something Old

After WWII the country continued to face a period of economy.  Re-modeling hats became popular as there were several publications dedicated to creative hat making.

In the News:

Miss Violet Waters

While attending a creative hat designing demonstration at a recent meeting of The Thursday Club, jazz singer Violet Waters proudly shows off a new hat made with the help of author and millinery instructor Miss Dorothy Nugent.  An old brown felt disk hat is re-shaped and accented with floral millinery and the green ruffled trim re-cycled from Miss Waters' "My Sunday Chapeau".  A frothy confection promising Spring can't be far behind.

Credits:

Sunset Serenade Violet Waters appears courtesy Monolithic Studios and Integrity.  Miss Waters' hat, dress, gloves, and jewels are from The Couture Touch.  Fur and handbag are from PD Root.

The Dorothy Nugent Course in Creative Hat Designing was republished by Bramcost Publications in 2009.  This rare work was originally published in 1947.

A Season For Color

Anticipating warmer days ahead, Monolithic Studios' lady director Miss Ivy Jordan heads to her favorite dress shop to check out the new arrivals for Spring/Summer 1946.

Black and white accent a delightful floral print cotton dress, perfect for a day of shopping or lunch with the girls. Dress and hat are from The Couture Touch. Gloves, corsage, and bracelet are from Ashton Drake. Hatbox, shoes, and earrings are from Robert Tonner. Handbag is from Randall Craig.

Miss Jordan, newly coiffed, is from Integrity.

Say Hello to Summer

For the best dressed gal in town.... A crisp, summer-cool frock to take our favorite miniature star through her busy day.

Gene Marshall

A vibrant print, flirty peplum, and interesting trim detail highlights this circa 1940's two-piece cotton dress. And to top it all off, a black felt hat styled to complement Miss Marshall's pompadour.

Credits:
OOAK dress and hat are from The Couture Touch.
Gloves, jewelry, and chair are from Ashton Drake.
Handbag is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.
Film Fatale Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is from Ashton Drake. Coif is from the salon at The Couture Touch.

Step into Spring....

with a stylish trio of daytime fashions.

White Orchid Gene Marshall

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall wears a reproduction of a Theatre de la Mode Paquin design by Robert Tonner, circa 1946.  "Portland" is a rich brown linen dress accented with a white collar and banding detailing. A marvelous, matching, off-the-face breton hat highlights Miss Marshall's lovely features. The embroidered gloves, train case, and chair are from Ashton Drake.

Paquin, 1946
Photo by David Seidner.

Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall chooses a sleek dress style, based on a 1945 Vogue sewing pattern, in a delightful abstract print. OOAK dress, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Shoes are from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Fur muff and jewels are from PD Root.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire Roux

With a nod to Barbie's original "Career Girl" (1963-64), Joshard creates a smart suit ensemble worn by fashion diva Victoire Roux. Topping the ensemble is a divine hat from The Couture Touch. Poodle is from Randall Craig. Chair is from Retros by Liz Cole.

The Models:
White Orchid Gene Marshall, wearing the Hutton auburn wigcap, is from JamieShow.
Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake. Hair restyled by The Couture Touch.
Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

Queen of the Dance

From 50's Rumba to 40's Swing

Gene Marshall

The Couture Touch pays homage to Tim Kennedy's Madra Lord costume "Rio Rumba", circa 1956. Keeping the chevron stripes and those marvelous cap sleeves, the original dress is re-interpreted as a 1940's swing-style ensemble. Ashton Drake's Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is ready to dance the night away. Shoes and handbag are from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection. 

Rio Rumba
Photo courtesy Gene Marshall Wiki

Photo courtesy Hemline Quarterly

Not only is Miss Marshall revered as the Queen of Hearts, but also Queen of the Dance.

Gene Marshall

Violet Sizzles in Summer Stock

Miss Violet Waters

Backstage at the rehearsal for her newest summer stock theater production, Monolithic Studios' resident jazz singer Violet Waters sizzles in a costume styled by The Couture Touch. Madra Lord's green top from Integrity's Stepping High Collection is layered over the versatile black sheath from Ashton Drake's Black Ribbon ensemble. Miss Lord's striped turban, also from the Stepping High Collection, is fashioned into a jaunty beret-style hat. Shoes were borrowed from Integrity's Olympia Gene Marshall. Gloves and corsage are from Ashton Drake. The re-coiffed Heat Wave Violet Waters is from Integrity.

Happy Memorial Day!

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall salutes the men and women who valiantly serve our country.

Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall wears the stylish dress from "My Hearts Song" accessorized with short black mesh gloves, and gold and pearl star jewelry; all from Ashton Drake. The delightful tilt hat is from The Couture Touch, and shoes are from Robert Tonner.

Lucky is the Lady

Miss Madra Lord, circa 1940's

While taking a break from filming in Monte Carlo, Monolithic Studios' diva Madra Lord tries her luck at a casino wearing Gene Marshall's "Lucky Stripe" dress and making it her own. The original striped panel was removed and a belt and floral accent were added to highlight the asymmetric pleating. Black suede gauntlet gloves, a marvelous slouch hat, and sumptuous fur add drama to this 1940's ensemble. Additional accessories include a beaded drawstring bag from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection, and necklace/earring set from Ashton Drake. Gloves, hat and bracelet are from The Couture Touch. Fur from Hunter-Goldblatt. Metropolitan Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The original "Lucky Stripe" afternoon ensemble was designed by Tim Kennedy for Ashton Drake's 1999 Gene Marshall Collection. It was based on this 1946 Lucien Lelong dinner dress illustration by Rene Gruau.

"Montage", 1948

Suspense and intrigue in the world of art.

In this 1948 film noir classic, Gene Marshall stars as the glamorous owner of a renowned New York City art gallery who purchases a mysterious portrait painted by her father. Who are the shadowy figures now following her?  And who kidnapped her father?  Could all this intrigue be linked to the painting?

Gene Marshall

For her film role, Miss Marshall wears an updated version of Ashton Drake's "Secret Sleuth" costume. The cape was shortened and the shoulder seams were given a subtle reshaping. The dress was narrowed for a slimmer silhouette. A new hat and fur muff add drama to this chic ensemble. 

Gene Marshall

Credits: The marvelous, high crown black wool felt hat with contrast is from The Couture Touch. Fur is from Mattel. Shoes from D.A.E. Originals. The original "Secret Sleuth" was designed by Tim Kennedy, based on an authentic period design from Valentino's in Hollywood, CA. Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Now Is the Time for Prints

When your clothes suddenly look dreary. When you whimsically wish for a little color. Then the time is right to add a print dress to your Fall wardrobe.

Monolithic Studios' diva extraordinaire, Miss Madra Lord, asked (or rather demanded) her stylist design a new dress to wear with her favorite asymmetric suede and straw topper. And after all, a star has to look fashion-forward even on her day off. As luck would have it, a trip to the local fabric store yielded this delightful and perfectly scaled print fabric. Dress, suede gauntlet gloves, and topper are all from The Couture Touch. Fur muff and handbag are from PD Root. Metropolitan Madra Lord was a 2007 MetroDolls Exclusive dressed doll.

Early 1940's fabric advertisement
Courtesy sewweekly.com

1940's fabric advertisement
Courtesy thelifenostalgic.com

During the 1940's, rayon was the fabric of choice and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. At just a few cents per yard, a woman could update her wardrobe with a stylish new dress.

The cost of Miss Lord's dress: $1.27   Even a diva can look smart on a dime!

Transitional Dressing

A classic sheath in a great color + a change in accessories = a look that easily transitions from late Summer to Fall beautifully.  Removing the original teal chiffon scarf and pin from the dress designed by Tim Kennedy for the FAO Schwarz 1998 Fall Exclusive "Warmest Wishes", reveals a flattering silhouette featuring a jewel neckline, dolman-sleeves, and working pockets. This style was common in the late 1940's and continued well into the 1950's.

Miss Gene Marshall's rich make-up palette complements the rust-colored, knit sheath topped with an unusual-shaped, crown-less, suede hat. Additional accessories include a suede belt, brooch and earrings, all from The Couture Touch. Gloves are from Ashton Drake's "Winged Inspiration" ensemble, bracelet from Integrity, and handbag from an unknown artist.

Perfect for the crisp Fall days ahead: a tweed shoulder cape and coordinating green suede topper with feather accent from The Couture Touch. Bracelet from Facets by Marcia, green leather clutch from PD Root.

Ashton Drake's "Blue Belle" Gene Marshall has been enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

"The Lady or The Spider"

Gene Marshall, who replaces Madra Lord in "The Lady or The Spider", tests a costume for a scene from this 1942 film noir about a black widow suspected of murdering her third husband. 

The original black crepe dress from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" is updated with dramatic accessories from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder is from Madra Lord's "Anything But Nice" costume. J'Adore Gene Marshall borrows the brunette wig cap from White Orchid Gene.