What Are You Doing This Evening?

If you're dining in a restaurant where there is dancing, wear a dress with a full skirt for ease of movement.  Cocktail ensemble embellished with "fur" cuffs, and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Shadow Song Gene Marshall is from Integrity.  Hair styled by The Couture Touch.

For little dinners at home, wear something easy and effortlessly elegant such as this ruffled skirt from Integrity paired with a knit turtleneck bodysuit from Robert Tonner.  Cuff bracelet is from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from The Couture Touch.  Necklace unknown.  Twilight Rumba Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

For opening night at the ballet or the theater, choose a stylish satin suit such as this one from Integrity accessorized with a feathered hat and matching gloves from D.A.E. Originals, and sumptuous fur from PD Root.  Necklace and earrings are from Madame Alexander.  Heat Wave Violet Waters is from Integrity.  Hair styled by The Couture Touch.

If you're going nightclubbing, look for an outfit guaranteed to turn heads such as this sequin embellished top from D.A.E. Originals paired with a satin skirt with a dramatic velvet flounce from Ashton Drake.  Fur cape is from Dimitha.  Jewels and shoes are from Integrity.  Gloves from PD Root.  Hat and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch.  Sunset Serenade Violet Waters is from Integrity.

If attending a ball, go for all-out glamour with a black velvet gown, "diamond" jewelry, and a luscious fur stole.  Evening ensemble is from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from Integrity.  Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Credits:

Harper's Bazaar, October 1946.

Styling from The Couture Touch.

Sophisticated Summer Dressing

Embrace Summer with a Season Full of Stylish Fashion for Every Occasion.

For a day of shopping or lunch with the girls, iconic fashion model known simply as Barbie selects a chic silk suit from Bellissima Couture.  Gloves are from Mattel.  Hat and purse are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel's BFMC.

The warm summer days ahead call for a versatile, cool cotton striped dress accented with a silk sash.  Dress and jewelry are from The Couture Touch.  Straw handbag is from Mattel's BFMC.  "Friday Night Date" Reproduction Barbie is from Mattel.

Every gal on the go needs a black strapless dress in their summer wardrobe.  Randall Craig's "A La Mode" [turquoise version] silk dress with coordinating knit shrug and beaded necklace will take Barbie from sightseeing to cocktails in style.  Gloves and handbag are from Mattel.  "Gal on the Go" Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel's BFMC.

A Simply Chic Corded Hat for Fashion Dolls

An Easy DIY Project

Actress/Director Ivy Jordan wears a stylish tilted hat of her own creation.  This versatile hat features a corded base that can be trimmed in a variety of ways.

Here's what you will need to make this smart hat:

• Lightweight cardboard.  
• 1/8" wide Butcher's String.  You could also use yarn.
• Circle template.  
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Glue.  I used Elmer's Multi-Purpose Glue for this project.  
• Fabric for lining (Optional).
• Assorted trims.

Fig.1

Step 1:  Trace a circle onto cardboard and cut out.  A 2-1/2" diameter circle was used for Ivy's hat.  However you can make it any size you wish.  Cut a slit to the center of the circle as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap 1/4" and glue in place.  Let it dry thoroughly.

Fig. 2

Step 2:  Apply a thin coat of glue to the top of the cardboard hat base.  I used a small paintbrush to apply the glue working a small section at a time.  Wind the string slowly into a spiral shape tucking the end under as shown on the right in Fig. 2 above.  Tip:  I found it easier to begin winding the string a couple rounds in my hand first, then center it on the base as shown above and continue winding until the base is covered.  To finish, glue the end underneath the base as shown on the left in Fig 2.  Let your hat dry thoroughly.

Fig.3

Step 3:  To line your hat, cut the same size circle out of cotton fabric and glue to the underside, darting it to fit as shown above in Fig 3.  I used Beacon's Fabri-Tac adhesive to attach the lining.  You are now ready to trim your hat as desired.

This stylish hat is also suitable for 1:6 scale size dolls such as Barbie.  A 2" diameter circle was used to make Barbie's chic tilt.  Jacket and scarf were borrowed from Buenos Aires Victoire Roux.  Gloves from Mattel.  Skirt and fur are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Additional Credits:

Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  Her "Smart Set" ensemble [Ashton Drake] is borrowed from her dear friend Miss Gene Marshall.

Hostess with the Mostest

At last, the always glamorous Barbie takes a moment to relax wearing a classic 1950's style hostess ensemble. 

Costume is from the I Love Lucy episode "LA at Last" by Mattel.
 Barbie's hair and makeup were customized by Kert Hoogstraat of Kertkraft.
 Barbie is from Mattel.

A Parade of Spring Hats

Monolithic Studios' iconic film star Gene Marshall selects a few of her favorite hats from the  costume archives.  Enjoy!

Jacket/dress from Ashton Drake. Handbag from Robert Tonner. Hat, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch. Blue Fox Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Jacket/dress from Ashton Drake. Hat and styling are from The Couture Touch. J'Adore Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.  

Suit ensemble from Ashton Drake. Phoenix Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Suit from Integrity. Hat from Buenos Aires Victoire Roux [Integrity]. J'Adore Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Suit and muff from Sandra Stillwell. Gloves and styling are from The Couture Touch. Restyled hat is from Ashton Drake's Song of Spain. Symphony in G Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Happy New Year!

Miss Madra Lord

May your New Year be filled with glamour and good fortune!

A Christmas Hat for Gene Marshall

Appearing on the cover of the December issue of Dea, an Italian fashion magazine, Hollywood film star icon Gene Marshall debuts a delightfully festive Christmas tree hat.  Her black cashmere coat is from Robert Tonner.  Fur muff and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, silk jersey ascot, earrings, and bow pin are from The Couture Touch.  Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Miss Marshall's personal wardrobe stylist used a green pipe cleaner as the base for her whimsical hat.  Trimmings included a miniature red tinsel garland, greenery accented with berries, a red bird, and a recycled bow.  In the still above, a gold pipe cleaner tree is ready to trim.  Begin shaping the hat by first measuring approximately 4-5/8" from one end of a 12" long pipe cleaner.  [Measurement can be adjusted depending on head size.]  Form a circle and secure the end by overlapping 1/4".  Continue winding into a spiral as shown above.  Decorate as desired.  The hat is attached with one of Miss Marshall's "hatpins".

The Magazine Covers

As Hollywood began to influence style and design, film stars often appeared on the covers of noted fashion publications.  Monolithic Studios' style icons Gene Marshall and Madra Lord have been seen on a variety of covers, from popular women's journals to movie star fan magazines.  While supporting the war effort, Miss Marshall generously graced the covers of European fashion periodicals.  From the archives, here is a look back at their favorites.  Enjoy!

The Madra Lord Covers:

The Gene Marshall Covers:

Next Time:  

Miss Marshall comes out of retirement to appear on the cover of an Italian fashion magazine just in time for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Victoire Roux

Wishing you a Thanksgiving and Holiday Season filled with joy!

First Look at Fall

Hot off the press, the July issue of Mademoiselle looks ahead to fall.  It's required reading for the new season's colors, fabrics, silhouettes, and design details.

Cover girl Barbie wears the timeless cardigan style jacket and matching slim skirt from Mattel's American Airlines Stewardess (#984) with the blouse from her "Walking Suit" ensemble.  The original bow has been replaced with one borrowed from Gene Marshall's collection.  Handbag is from a Gay Parisienne reproduction.  Fur from PD Root.  Hat and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Dusk to Dawn Barbie is from Mattel.

Spotted in a fashion ad, Hollywood film star Gene Marshall models a chic suit from Sandra Stillwell inspired by a Betty Rose design.  Gloves and scarf are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag and bracelet from Integrity.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Shanghai Siren Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

And the news from Paris....

Mademoiselle Victoire Roux is featured in the magazine's editorial section highlighting the latest hats from Paris.  Blouse is from Bogue's Vogues.  Hat, fur, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

The Shirt Off His Back

Gene Marshall takes the shirt right off Barbie's main man and teams it with a slim red skirt for a casually chic look.  Pulling it all together is the belt from Ashton Drake's Warmest Wishes with a gold-tone buckle added.  Ken's sport shirt is from Mattel's 1962 Fashion Pak that was available in two color choices.  The original buttons and snap closures were removed and a tiny straight pin discreetly secures the front.  Accessories include a hat and earrings from The Couture Touch.  Necklace from PD Root.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  The skirt is from JamieShow's J'Adore Gene Marshall costume.

Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Window Shopping

The Couture Touch recreates a spring display inspired by the wonderful department store windows of the 1940's and 50's.  The mannequins, bearing a striking resemblance to film stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord, have been dressed in their finest spring regalia.

The Costumes:  Left - Shirtwaist dress is from Sandra Stillwell.  Belt from Integrity.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Purse from Mattel.  Right - Suit and jewels are from D.A.E. Originals.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Hat from The Couture Touch.  Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard.  A mannequin head, looking very much like star Zita Charles, displays a delightful floral hat from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.

The Mannequins:  White Orchid Gene Marshall and Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord are from JamieShow.  Azalea Ice Zita Charles is from Integrity.

4 Ways to Wear My Heart's Song

Designed by Bob Lange for Ashton Drake's 2001 Gene Marshall Collection, My Heart's Song features a black and white halter dress with wonderful chevron stripe detailing and a turquoise jacket trimmed with the same fabric as the dress.  Here are 4 different looks,  two from The Couture Touch archives and two new ones modeled by film stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord.

Miss Marshall pairs the jacket, hat, gloves, and purse with the black satin strapless sheath from Ashton Drake's Black Ribbon for a chic 1950's ensemble.  A hair ornament becomes a corsage.  Belt is from Embassy Luncheon.  Bracelet is from Facets by Marcia.  Earrings from Robert Tonner.  Marceline Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

The dress sans the jacket looks summer fresh with simple accessorizing for a fabulous Forties look.  Hat and belt with waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves and jewelry are from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from Robert Tonner.  Fit for a Queen Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

This stylish late 1940's ensemble begins with layering the top from Ashton Drake's A Lady Knows over the halter dress.  A dramatic bow borrowed from Mattel's Walking Suit Barbie is added to the neckline.  Belt, handbag, and snood are from Ashton Drake.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Madra Lord steps into her film noir role wearing the dress worn over an organdy blouse from Bogue's Vogues.  Turban, gauntlet gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  The brooch was made from a hair ornament.  Handbag is from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Inspiration

Vintage sewing patterns are a wonderful source of inspiration for costume designers and wardrobe stylists.  The pattern illustrations are an invaluable resource for period detail including combining colors and accessorizing.

Two fashionable styles from Simplicity, circa 1941.  A simply chic dress with a two-piece look and a stylish peplum suit.

4 fabulous looks from 1940's McCall Patterns.  Clockwise from left:  A suit with a fly-front jacket, a contrast Redingote, a unique cape style, and a classic collarless jacket.  [Love that hat!]

A smart grey suit from McCalls, circa 1952.  Note the use of brown and pale yellow in the accessories that gives this suit a look of elegance and refinement.

A classic 1950's three-piece swing style ensemble from McCalls.  Love the tweed with contrast lapel and cuffs.

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.