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.

Stars In Their Easter Bonnet

A parade of not your traditional bonnets, from smart toppers to floral fancies, the stars choose their favorite styles just in time for Easter.

Ashton Drake's luscious "Paradise in Pink" suit from the Gene Marshall Collection is the perfect fit for Ms. Crawford.  Hat and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from PD Root.  Earrings are from Bogue's Vogues.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur from Mattel.  Awards Night Joan Crawford is from Robert Tonner.

Monolithic Studios' lady director Ivy Jordan pairs the delightful floral hat from Madra Lord's "Jeweled Cat" costume with Miss Lord's "Rich Girl" ensemble, both Integrity.  Brooch is from Facets by Marcia.  Glammed Up Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Chic Carole Landis is a veritable "Lady in Blue" in a stylish turban accented with florals.  A perfect pairing with a simple, tailored dress.  Photo courtesy anthropoetics.ucla.edu.

A whimsical felt tops Gene Marshall's tailored yet sophisticated look.  Jacket and cigarette holder are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, brooch, gloves, scarf, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Diva Madra Lord chooses the jacket from Gene Marshall's "J'Adore" costume and pairs it with black and white for a sophisticated look.  Hat, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Handbag, gloves, and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday Miss Marshall

Gene Marshall

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.

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.