Happy New Year!

"Blue Parasol" Gene Marshall wearing Mme. Alexander.
Fur from Ashton Drake. Italian jewels from Camilli De Bellis of Coverdolls.

It's Christmas Time

Have a marvelous Holiday everyone!

Spotted in a NY Art Gallery

Our favorite miniature Hollywood diva immortalized on canvas by a famous artist.

Gene Marshall abstract, circa 1940's.

Well in this case, the not so famous "artist" took a photo of Gene and used the tone curve adjustment in a basic photo editing program to "paint" Miss Marshall. The variations are endless. And you might just come up with something suitable for framing on your own "gallery" wall.

The Versatile Perfect Gift

The dark green silk shantung suit from Gene Marshall's "The Perfect Gift" is surprisingly versatile. It can be belted, paired with a different skirt, and accessorized for a variety of looks. Here are three examples, two from the archives and one new....just in time for a Holiday lunch with the girls or last minute shopping to find; you guessed it....the perfect gift.

A suede topper and fabulous oxfords gives this suit panache.

A killer femme fatale look for Miss Marshall.

Black and white accessories add a touch of chic distinction.

Credits:

Ashton Drake's "The Perfect Gift" was designed by Regina Ganem, Young Designer of America winner.

Filigree Gene Marshall (enhanced with an Integrity articulated body), and Love At First Sight Gene Marshall (restyled) are from Ashton Drake. White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

OOAK hats are from The Couture Touch.

Chic 1940's Accessories: Hat, Gloves, and a Gas Mask?

In 1939, Britain issued gas masks to civilians fearing the Germans would drop bombs containing toxic gas. Men, women, and children were encouraged to keep the masks with them at all times. Of course the resourceful 1940's woman needed a fashionable carrier for her mask.

For the knitter, a pattern for matching scarf, gloves, turban, and a gas-mask container.

From Women's Fair, two smart pattern styles to match your ensemble. Circa 1939.

Love this style from Ideal Home, 1941. Do I see a new handbag in Gene's future?

Thankfully, gas was never used against civilians in World War ll. For more on this fascinating subject, visit the following websites: Find My Past and Primary Homework Help.

The second and third photos are courtesy Vintage Chic.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Holiday turkey gets the couture touch from Barbara Bates.
Circa 1940's.

Miss Lord: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Madra Lord

The black and lilac tulle underskirt from the Gene Marshall costume "Creme de Cassis" comes out of hiding to be paired with the black teddy from "Pin-Up" for a lavish vintage-inspired party dress. The waist is accented with a floral corsage recycled from another outfit and a vintage black velveteen ribbon. Even her stand gets dressed up for the Holiday festivities. Leftover wallpaper and black trim were used to cover the stand. You could also use scrapbook paper, gift wrap, felt, or fabric.

Miss Lord's whimsical cocktail hat is very easy to make and oh so chic. Click HERE for the instructions.

Credits:

• Black Widow Madra Lord [enhanced with an Integrity body], Creme de Cassis, and Pin-Up are from Ashton Drake.
• Doll stand is from Integrity.
• Shoes are from Joe Tai.
• Jewels are from an unknown designer.
• Hat is from The Couture Touch.

Fashion News from Paris

Join us for a fantasy look at two miniature style icons as seen on the editorial pages of our favorite fashion magazine.

Gene Marshall

"Wear them with flair, as a triumphant badge of individuality..."
 declares Vogue about the new bold color choices for Winter, 1936. Monolithic Studios' darling Miss Gene Marshall picks a ripe raspberry wool suit from Robert Tonner. Hat is from Sandra Stillwell, gloves are from The Couture Touch, and jewels are from Integrity. Miss Marshall's hairstyle is from Jim Gaddis.

Victoire Roux

In the early 1950's, Christian Dior moved away from his ground breaking "New Look" and opted for a slim "H" line silhouette featuring a belted jacket and pencil-thin skirt. Paris sensation Victoire Roux wears the jacket from Mattel's 2012 BFMC exclusive "Afternoon Suit" with a black wool jersey skirt. Hat and skirt are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and jewels are from Mattel. Poodle is from Randall Craig.

The Models:

• Blush Gene Marshall, enhanced with Horsman's Vita replacement body made especially for Gene, is from Integrity.
• Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

Happy Halloween

Adele Jergens, circa 1940s.
Photo courtesy Vintage Everyday

Autumn Gold

The rich, warm colors of autumn, when paired with black, create a striking combination. Two of Monolithic Studios' striking stars, Madra Lord and Ivy Jordan, graciously agree to model their favorite daytime looks for the season.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord pairs the gold blouse from Sandra Stillwell's "Cover Girl" ensemble with a black wool crepe skirt, and a luxurious fur cape from Affordable Designs by Denis Bastien. The gold lame purse is from PD Root. Skirt, hat, gauntlet gloves, belt, and pin are from The Couture Touch.

Ivy Jordan

Miss Jordan chooses smartly tailored pieces paired with a basic black dress. Plastron, hat, gauntlet gloves, belt, and earrings are from The Couture Touch. Dress and necklace are from Ashton Drake. Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.

Credits:

C'est Moi Madra Lord and "V" for Tea Ivy Jordan are from Integrity.

Gene Marshall Does Her Part For Victory

1940's store window display featuring Gene Marshall mannequins.

Miss Marshall lends her star power to promote patriotism by preserving valuable resources while building a stylish wardrobe. From updating existing pieces to creative accessorizing, the women of the 1940's were encouraged to do their part for victory.

Update a classic jacket with a new skirt made from old trousers.

Add interest with clever trimming.

Credits:

Miss Marshall's jacket, gloves, and handbag are from Ashton Drake. Skirt, turban, scarf, and brooch are from The Couture Touch. Halo hat is from Mattel. Fur is from PD Root. Love, Paris doll and Filigree Gene head are from Ashton Drake. Green suede tilt topper is from The Couture Touch. "Alligator" train case is from Robert Tonner.

Build Your Own Wardrobe was published by The American Thread Company, New York, 1943.

Change a Suit.....to suit any Occasion

It's time to fall in love all over again. Little worn fashion pieces can often be easily transformed to give them new life. Consider the original Sparkling Sepia suit from Integrity Toys.

Even a small change, such as removing the jacket collar, can yield a smart, versatile, and sophisticated new look.  Miss Gene Marshall, Monolithic Studios' star extraordinaire, models Sparkling Sepia restyled for the late 1930's period.

Fur-trimmed and fabulous! Miss Marshall is perfectly attired for an elegant dinner for two. The fur trim was recycled from A Woman for all Seasons suit. The removable trim is attached with a couple of Gene hat pins for added versatility. Floral hat is from First Stop Chicago, and cigarette holder is from Anything but Nice; all from Ashton Drake. Brooch is from Mattel, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.

A marvelous fur cape from Affordable Designs by Denis Bastien adds drama to this sophisticated traveling ensemble. Teal scarf with attached brooch is from the FAO Schwartz Exclusive Warmest Wishes by Ashton Drake. Hat, gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch.

For weekends in the country, the skirt from Sparkling Sepia is paired with the top from Ashton Drake's A Lady Knows. The neckline detail was made from the original jacket collar. Brooch is from Robert Tonner. Fur is from Sparkling Seduction by Ashton Drake. Hat, gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch. Handbag is from an unknown designer.

Credits:

• Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.
• Love, Paris Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake. She is wearing the Contessa wig from Monique in chestnut brown, size 5-6. Wigs and other doll accessories are available at the Facets Boutique.

Star Entrance Gene Marshall

An Updated Suit for the New Season

And a new personality to go with her new clothes achieved by a smart new coiffure.

Gene Marshall

A fresh look at an old yet favorite suit for those cool, crisp Autumn days ahead. "Reporter In Red" suit is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection. Hat, belt, and jewels are from The Couture Touch. Scarf is from Mattel and gloves from D.A.E. Originals.  Hello Hollywood, Hello Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake. Her new, curly coif is courtesy Monique's Brittany wig in Light Ginger, size 5-6.

Wigs along with other doll accessories are available to purchase at the Facets Boutique.

Gene's Rejuvenating Day at the Salon

This is a story of a beautiful star saddened by her ever increasing sallow body. With options dwindling, what's a gal to do? A day at the salon for a body transplant might just be the answer.

Ready for her treatment to begin.
Photo courtesy History in Photos

Beginning the face softening procedure. 
Photo courtesy Mashable

And in no time, Miss Marshall emerges refreshed with a new and improved body. Not only does she look and move like a supermodel but even thinks she's a bit taller. And her skintone is just the way she likes it. Now she is off in search of the perfect fashion for her new look.

Charmed Traveler by D.A.E. Originals

Hat and belt are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and bracelet are from Ashton Drake. Shoes and "alligator" train case are from Robert Tonner. Circa late 1940's.

Feather in Her Hat from the Anne Harper Collection
by Robert Tonner

Jewels, gloves, and phone are from Ashton Drake. Circa 1940's.

A Woman of Means from Sandra Stillwell's Hollywood Ahoy Event

Hat is from The Couture Touch, fur from Mattel, and shoes from Robert Tonner.  Jewels and gloves are from Ashton Drake. Scottie dog is from PD Root. Circa 1930's.

Ahh...There is nothing like a day at the salon!
Photo by Nina Leen for Time.

Now she just needs some more clothes. Oh, wardrobe......


Credits:

• Essentially Gene Blush is from Integrity. (Photo courtesy Gene Marshall Wikia.) 
• Miss Marshall's custom hairstyle is from Jim Gaddis.
• Vita replacement body for Gene Marshall is from Horsman.

Society Column

"Constance Morgan is young, rich, and a little spoiled. Mayhem ensues, when on a lark, she takes over the society column at a newspaper owned by her best friend's father." Thus is the premise of Monolithic Studios' 1941 comedy starring Gene Marshall as Constance Morgan and Ivy Jordan, stepping in for Madra Lord who developed a case of laryngitis, as best friend Edna Black.

Smart and stylish suits are the costumes of choice for our incomparable leading ladies.

Miss Gene Marshall

High style is the headline of the day. A marvelous black suede topper accented with Persian lamb add drama to Miss Marshall's ensemble. Suit, hat, and color-blocked gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch. Fur stole is from Integrity. Scarf is from Mattel. Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.

Miss Ivy Jordan

Miss Jordan is all business wearing a sharply tailored, pin-striped suit from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection. Accessories include a delightful striped tilt hat with matching gloves, and a blouse accented with an oversized bow; all from The Couture Touch. Fur is from PD Root. Handbag is from Ashton Drake.

Cast

White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Moss Rose Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

More Scene Stealing Fashion for Fall, 1940s

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall's Town and Country suit becomes a show stopper with the addition of a fabulous suede tilt topper accented with vintage feather detailing. There were many hat styles during the 1940's, but none more sophisticated than the tilt topper. The traditional topper was a stiff silk hat worn by men for formal day and evening occasions. Milliners took the distinctive style and fashioned it for women in various fabrications and trims.

Photo by Richard Avedon for Vogue, 1946.

A Regency Dandy Suit, designed by Morris Kraus for the Suit Salon at Bonwit Teller in New York, is topped with a marvelous tilt hat with a unique crown shape. A simple, narrow hat band and veiling complete this smart style.

Gene Marshall

The same topper gives chic distinction to the dress from It's A Cinch. Additional accessories include gloves from D.A.E. Originals, bracelet from Ashton Drake, handbag from PD Root, and belt from The Couture Touch.

For more on tilt hats, you may also enjoy the following posts from the archives:
Tilt Hats, Part 1
Tilt Hats, Part 2

A 1940's Tilt Topper labeled NY Creations.
From the author's personal collection.

Credits:

Shanghai Siren Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is from Ashton Drake.

"Town and Country" suit ensemble and "It's A Cinch" fashion are from Integrity. Additional accessories for Miss Marshall's updated "Town and Country" look include leather gloves and scarf from The Couture Touch.  Handbag is from Ashton Drake.

Miss Marshall's OOAK tilt topper is from The Couture Touch.

Scene Stealing Fashion for Fall 1943

Miss Gene Marshall

Two legendary stars of Monolithic Studios show their distinctive fashion style just in time for Fall.

Gene Marshall

The accent is on high-style as Miss Marshall updates The Little Black Dress with striking accessorizing. Hat, gloves, corded handbag, belt, earrings, and shoulder cape are all from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder is from Mystyna. Dress is from Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord

Doing Her Part to looking smart, Miss Lord pairs a classic, fitted jacket with a slim black skirt. Note the dashing accessories starring a simply chic hat. Jacket, gloves, handbag, and earrings are from Ashton Drake. Top and skirt are from Sandra Stillwell. Fur is from miniature furrier PD Root. Hat and brooch are from The Couture Touch.


Roll Credits:

Blue Belle Gene Marshall and Siren In the Night Madra Lord are from Ashton Drake. Both have been enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity.