A Holiday Greeting

Christmas with Madra Lord - 1950's

Dateline Hollywood, 1955:  Madra Lord arrives at the Studio Christmas party in the flirty red chiffon dress from "Best Bet".  The versatile attached scarf was wrapped asymmetrically and secured at the waist with a matching red rose "corsage".  Dress, gloves, and beaded purse from Ashton Drake, shoes from Integrity, diamond and ruby bracelet from Robert Tonner, earrings and cigarette holder from The Couture Touch.

Ashton Drake's "Top This" Madra Lord has been enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

Evening Dresses, Mid-1940's

Nothing to wear to your next Holiday party?  Here are four elegant evening dresses from the mid-1940's to inspire you.

An elegant gown by Emmett Joyce, circa 1947.  Photo by Joffe for Vogue Studio.

Sophie Original dress with fabulous matching gloves.  The pure silk fabric is a Contemporary Artist Print from Onondaga Silk Company.  Circa 1947.  Sophie Original was designed by Sophie Gimbel.  She was a Sak's in-house ready-to-wear designer from 1931 - 1969.  She specialized in formal clothing for day and evening.

Another Sophie Original in yarn-dyed surah silk.  Note the matching gloves again.  Photo by Rawlings for Harper's Bazaar, 1946.

A Vogue Design for Dressmaking pattern # 6012 shown in a gorgeous silk nylon net.  Jewelry from the Petit Musee.  Photo by Horst for Vogue, 1947. 

Christmas with Madra Lord - 1940's

Attending an art auction to benefit the Allied Relief Fund, Madra Lord shows her creative flair by pulling together pieces from the wardrobe department at Monolithic Studios for a relaxed yet elegant ensemble.  Her top is from "A Lady Knows", slacks from "Blonde Lace", hat from "Daily Threads", fur from "C'est Moi", purse from PD Root, shoes from Joe Tai, and gloves from The Couture Touch.  Miss Lord's necklace consists of two pearl necklaces layered together.

Madra Lord, "Flame" from Integrity's Stepping High Collection, re combs her bangs into a sleek rolled style to complement her fabulous new hat.

Madra's inspiration was this 1941 photo from Vogue Studios of a shirred print turban and matching half-moon bag.  Both made of brilliant blue, satin brocade in an antique Oriental pattern.  From the Millinery Shop of Talbert, Madison Ave.

"Mrs. Miniver Rose"

Illustration by Eric

For the red of the flowers in her hat, for the red on her lips and nails - a new shade, the "Mrs. Miniver Rose" lipstick and nail polish from Revlon.  A new Fall hat from Lilly Dache. 

Mrs. Miniver, a 1942 William Wyler film starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, was based on the fictional English housewife created by Jan Struther in 1937 for a series of newspaper columns.  The WWII based drama won 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress.



1942 Ad for Revlon's
"Mrs. Miniver Rose"

"In the impersonal stillness of a motion picture theatre, we in America have met Mrs. Miniver and loved her completely.  And like the gentle old station-master who grew the beautiful Mrs. Miniver Rose and said, so staunchly, "There'll always be roses," we at Revlon know there'll always be women like Mrs. Miniver.  And so, we christen our proud new color of nail enamel and lipstick the "Mrs. Miniver Rose"......as a small, shining tribute to gallant women the whole world over."



Christmas with Madra Lord - 1930's

Pure Hollywood Glamour....."Golden Riviera" Madra Lord poses for a Christmas at Home feature for Silver Screen Magazine wearing the Asian-inspired, black kimono dressing gown from Franklin Mint's Titanic Wardrobe Collection.  Earrings from The Couture Touch.

Holiday Shopping

Remember when we dressed up to go shopping?  "Trace of Lace" Silkstone Barbie returns from an afternoon of Holiday shopping dressed in the classic suit from "The Boulevard Fashion" Set from the 2001 BFMC.  OOAK hat and fur scarf from The Couture Touch, jewelry and shopping bag from Mattel, gloves and handbag from Integrity. 

Christmas with Madra Lord - 1920's

An early publicity photo of Miss Lord wearing the swanky ensemble "Tea with Coco" from The Devereaux Sisters Collection by Robert Tonner.  OOAK cigarette holder from The Couture Touch.  Madra's bobbed hairstyle, popularized by silent film star Louise Brooks, was all the rage during the Twenties.

Photo courtesy of mothgirlwings.tumbir.com

Louise Brooks emulating Silhouette of the 1920's Madra Lord.....or is it the other way around?

Christmas with Madra Lord

Madra Lord was born Mabel Lorkovic in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  As long as she could remember she wanted to be a movie star.  Determined to make her dream come true, she saved her hard earned money and moved to California.  Somewhere between Wisconsin and Hollywood, Madra Lord was born.  Madra is an anagram for "drama" and is the Celtic word for "fox"; two words that certainly describe Miss Lord.  Her film career began in the silents as an extra.  With the rise of talkies and eventually color, Madra's husky voice and fiery beauty made her a star.  Throughout the years, Madra Lord reigned as the Queen of Hollywood.....well, at least until a talented newcomer burst upon the scene.  But, that's another story.

To celebrate the beauty and style of the Queen of Monolithic Studios,  join me each Saturday, December 1 - 22 for Christmas with Madra Lord.  Each week, a different decade, beginning with the 1920's and ending with the 1950's.

Biographical source:  Gene, 3rd Edition by Carolyn B. Cook, published by Hobby House Press, Inc.
Illustrations by Donna Mehalko.

Matador Hats

The Spanish influence on fashion in the 1940's included whimsical matador-style hats to accessorize suits and dresses.

Miss Gene Marshall accessorizes her daytime ensemble with the hat from her matador costume she wore in the 1943 film Sea Spree for her flamenco dance number "Song of Spain".  OOAK silk dress and gloves are from PD Root.  Hat, fur, and purse are from Ashton Drake.  Gene is a restyled "Monaco" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

Photo by Horst P. Horst

Two society ladies model matador hats, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy craigleaper.wordpress.com

Photo by Horst P. Horst

Another view of the same photo shoot.  Modelling these delightful matador hats are the future Mrs. William Paley (Babe) and the future Mrs. Ronald Tree.  Artwork by Goya.
Photo courtesy onlyoldphotography.tumbir.com

Two Balenciaga hats inspired by the costume of the matador.  Photos courtesy the-coveted.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo courtesy newstimes.com

The Furred Hat

The perfect counterbalance for an untrimmed coat, a dinner suit or dress.  From the Millinery Salon at Carson Pirie Scott & Co., Chicago.  Source: Vogue, October 1, 1943.

Cover Girl

Film Star Miss Gene Marshall is featured on the cover of the November 15, 1941 issue of Vogue that was inspired by the Surrealist style of the early Forties.

Credits: OOAK floral tilt hat and suede gloves from The Couture Touch, earrings from Ashton Drake, gold cuff bracelet from Facets by Marcia, pearl bracelet from D.A.E. Originals, gold engraved compact from Mattel.  Model: "A Lady Knows" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

And the photo that inspired the cover....

Photo by John Rawlings

Shades of Red, 1949

Venetian red velvet suit, scarf, and hat.  Suit by Adele Simpson.  Jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Guava red wool suit, challis blouse, bowler hat; all by Christian Dior.

Photo by Coffin

Tomato red worn with black: rayon velvet dinner skirt, black wool jersey beaded top.  By Larry Aldrich.  Love the surprise of the fabulous shaped hat!

Photo by Horst

Ruby red all the way: French silk velvet, street-length suit by Kraus.  Jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Source:  Vogue, September 1, 1949.

Waiting with Baited Breath

Since "Unforgettable" Gene Marshall lost her original evening gown to her rival Madra Lord (and I have it on good authority that Miss Lord is NOT giving back the gown); she has been waiting with baited breath for a new costume.  And here it is: "Waiting with Baited Breath", a circa 1940's suit ensemble from Robert Tonner's Dick Tracy Collection.  A fabulous suit is just not complete without the addition of gloves.  OOAK suede gloves from The Couture Touch, earrings from Integrity.

Old Photo Effects

Here is an easy and cool "old photo" effect that's perfect to enhance your pictures of your favorite fashion doll divas.  It makes your photos look 100 - 150 years old.  To demonstrate, Monolithic Studio's stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord pose for publicity shots.

 

 

"Queen of Hearts" Gene Marshall looks stunning in the black velvet and satin evening gown "Priceless".  Both doll and ensemble from Ashton Drake.  Gene's articulated body from Integrity.

 

 

 

"Jonquil" Madra Lord by Integrity is "Unforgettable" in the sensational Gene Marshall gown of the same name from Ashton Drake.  I love the combination of the "old photo" effect with the "old" wall backdrop from Rai-Hing.

 

 

This photo of "The Walking Suit" Barbie doll looks like it came from an old newspaper clipping.  OOAK hat from Joshard.

 

Click HERE for Wanokoto Labs/Old Photo Effects.  The website is in Japanese, but you can select English at the upper right-hand corner of the site.  You can download photos from your computer or from a URL address.

 

Click HERE for backdrops from Rai-Hing. 







Elegant Evenings Ahead

Photo by Rawlings

For those elegant evenings ahead, a fabulous profile-collared, silk faille coat.  To wrap close or swing free and wide over any amount of evening dress.  Charles James design, 1947.

Source:  Vogue, August 1, 1947.

Invitation to Murder

Gene Marshall and Madra Lord are invited to an historic country estate for a week-end filled with mystery and suspense.  But what they find is an invitation to Murder!

"A Lady Knows" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake wears the Dior inspired ensemble borrowed from Moss Rose Ivy Jordan by Integrity.  Of course I gave it my own Forties spin by replacing the original pink scarf with one made from a vintage men's silk tie, and added a suede tilt topper and oversized fur muff, all from The Couture Touch.  The wonderful oxford shoes are from Integrity, gloves from Robert Tonner's "Feather In Her Hat" costume from the Ann Harper Collection, bracelet from Facets by Marcia, and the earrings and brooch from The Couture Touch.

"Top This" Madra Lord from Ashton Drake wears the black suit from Tonner's Theatre de la Mode "Le Petit Ensemble Noir" Collection.  Accessories include the high crown tilt topper and beaded guantlet gloves from The Couture Touch, and snood from Ashton Drake's "Fascination" Violet Water's costume.  Fur muff and pin from Integrity.

Credits:
Table from CED.
Telephone from Ashton Drake's "A Hot Day in Hollywood" Accessory Set.

Both dolls have been enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

How to wear FUR, Part 2

New ways to wear FUR in the daytime.  New ways to wear FUR for late afternoon cocktails.  More FUR Fancies for Fall modeled by the stars of Monolithic Studios.

Jazz Singer Violet Waters wears Zita Charles' stunning "City Sleeker" cocktail suit paired with a luxurious fur stole wrapped as a magnificent over-sized muff and an unexpected fur-trimmed handbag.  Fur from PD Root.  Hat and gloves are from D.A.E. Original's "Grand Marnier" ensemble.  Necklace and earrings from Madame Alexander, and bracelet from Integrity.

Director Ivy Jordan wears the classic pin-striped suit from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection with the lace-trimmed blouse from Ashton Drake's "Blonde Lace" costume.  Worn the traditional way, a fabulous fur stole from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.  Hat from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from an unknown artist.  Jewelry from Ashton Drake.  Gloves from Integrity.

Gene Marshall will definitely make a grand entrance in her favorite little black dress accessorized with sumptuous fur and blue accents.  Dress is from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" Madra Lord costume and shoes are from Integrity.

This smart boucle shoulder cape is accented with blue and black, color-blocked suede gauntlet gloves and a blue wool felt topper with dramatic fur trim.  A luxurious over-sized fur muff with tails complete the look.  OOAK cape, hat, muff, gloves, belt and earrings are all from The Couture Touch.

Models: 
Restyled "Heat Wave" Violet Waters, "Moss Rose" Ivy Jordan, and "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall; all from Integrity.

Persian Partners

Photo by Rawlings

These Persian Lamb partners are perfect for a chilly Autumn day.  Laced spats (LOVE), and a Breton brimmed hat.  Both designed by Tatiana du Plessix. 

Source:  Vogue, October 1, 1943.

Mileage For Your Money

Photo by Horst

Mileage for your money and wizardry for your wardrobe.  In the Fall of 1941 money was still tight and war was looming.  Vogue magazine dedicated it's October 15th issue to helping women get the most value for their money.  Featured on the cover:  A sensational wool suit from Carolyn Modes accessorized with a fabulous black fox muff and hat.

Photo by Horst

What better way to cut costs:  Make your own clothes, or have them made.  Pictured is an elegant brown wool coat lined with the same bright blue as the dress accented with a blue wool and nutria hat and huge nutria muff.  An exclusive Vogue Patterns Design.

1941 Ad for Lord & Taylor

There's a new look for Five O'Clock and On - Golden wool dinner jacket and bag encrusted with shiny black sequin and braid embroidery.  Another new look:  The tight gloves under loose bell sleeves.  Elegance and discretion for cocktails, for dinner, for restaurant dancing.  From Lord & Taylor.

Photo by Rawlings

Putting on the Ritz in this super-sophisticate in rose and purple.  Quilted silk satin jacket and shoulder bag.  Clinging silk and wool crepe dress, newest up-to-the shoulder jersey gloves.  Traina-Norell Design.

The Evening Story

Illustration by Rene Bouet-Willeumez (RBW)

Long, lean and lovely.  The prettiest tunic that's really a scarf!  Copper-silk tulle tunic, sequin embroidered, over a slim column of copper silk crepe.  An original design from Bergdorf Goodman.

Source:  Vogue, October 1, 1943

How to wear FUR, Part 1

What's new for Fall of 1942?  A little fur, a lot of Ingenuity.  Monolithic Studio's Miss Madra Lord and Miss Violet Waters demonstrate 4 ways to wear FUR this Fall. 

The canvas:  A well-tailored, houndstooth jacket from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection paired with a black velveteen skirt from Bogue's Vogues.  Lace-trimmed blouse from "Hello Hollywood Hello" suit ensemble.  Shoes from "Bandolier Morado" by Sandra Stillwell.

Here's a technique for twining your stole:  slung backwards, winding up as a muff.  Fur from PD Root, hat and gloves from The Couture Touch, jewelry and cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.

You can never wear too much FUR:  here worn as a shoulder drape and paired with a matching muff.  Fur from PD Root, hat from Ashton Drake's "First Stop, Chicago" suit ensemble, gloves from The Couture Touch.

A stole, spiralled to form dramatic arm bands of FUR.  Fur, hat, and purse from PD Root, gloves from Ashton Drake.

A fur neck scarf for warmth and style.  Fur scarf and earrings from The Couture Touch.  Hat and purse are borrowed from an ooak Barbie doll ensemble, artist unknown.  Embroidered gloves from The Star Wardrobe Collection by Ashton Drake and eye glasses from Horsman.

Models: 
A restyled "Siren in the Night" Madra Lord from Ashton Drake enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.
"Sunset Serenade" Violet Waters from Integrity.

Set:
Table from Retros by Liz Cole.
Telephone and scripts from "A Hot Day in Hollywood" Accessory Set by Ashton Drake.