The Girl Can't Help It

She still looks fabulous after all these years!  It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the debut of Mel Odom's Gene Marshall at Toy Fair in February 1995 by Ashton-Drake. Although she was a story-driven fashion doll, it was the Hollywood-inspired costumes that won my heart. Gene, with her intricately detailed, period hairstyles and Vargas-like features, is the perfect mannequin for those glamorous fashions of the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's.

White Orchid Gene Marshall, the resin BJD from JamieShow wears a costume inspired by the 1956 musical The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield. Costume designer for the film was Charles LeMaire. Miss Marshall pairs the bolero jacket from Robert Tonner's "Soir de Fete" evening ensemble from the Theatre de la Mode Collection with the black satin sheath from Ashton-Drake's "Black Ribbon" costume. Hat, gloves, corsage, and earrings are from Ashton-Drake, bracelet is from D.A.E. Originals. Fur and purse are from Integrity.

Happy Anniversary Miss Marshall!

The Essential Jacket

Nothing is more essential to a 1940's wardrobe than a great jacket....well, maybe except for a great hat!  But that's another blog.  Gene Marshall and Madra Lord model three classic and versatile jackets, all from Monolithic Studios' costume vault at Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord means business by layering the jacket from "Doing Her Part" with the black skirt from Sandra Stillwell's "Cover Girl" ensemble and a sheer black blouse from Bogue's Vogues. Fur stole and necklace are from miniature furrier PD Root, Gloves, handbag, bracelet, director's chair and scripts are from Ashton Drake. Film can from Integrity. Hat, earrings, and corsage are from The Couture Touch.

Gene Marshall dons the garnet jacket from the Star Wardrobe Collection and pairs it with the slim black skirt from "Fashion Plot". Ascot and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Fur stole and shoes are from Integrity. Purse is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection, and the dogs are from Ashton Drake. The re-shaped hat is from "Doing Her Part".

Miss Marshall teams the brown plaid jacket from the Star Wardrobe Collection with the jodhpurs from "Turbulence" for a smart ensemble perfect for a weekend in the country. Gloves, earrings, and walking stick are from Ashton Drake, and the paisley silk ascot is from The Couture Touch. Brooch is from Robert Tonner.

The models:

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord is from JamieShow.
"On the Avenue" and "Winged Inspiration" Gene Marshall are from Ashton Drake.