Happy New Year!

Miss Madra Lord

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

Season's Greetings!

Miss Madra Lord

Wishing you a season filled with beauty and a heart filled with joy!

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.

A Hollywood Christmas

It's Christmas time and the stars from Monolithic Studios are celebrating in style.

A restyled White Hyacinth coat keeps diva extraordinaire Madra Lord cozy and stylish while Christmas shopping.  Hat and coat are from Ashton Drake.  Gloves, belt, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The always glamorous Zita Charles wears a simply chic black jersey gown from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur wrap is from Mattel.  Jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Parfait Zita Charles is from Integrity.

Everybody's favorite star Gene Marshall relaxes at home in the restyled peignoir from her film "Red-dy for Love" (Ashton Drake).  Bracelet is from Integrity.  Destiny Gene Marshall, re-coiffed and enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Director Ivy Jordan all set for the holidays in a gray wool suit accented with mauve and brown tones.  A striking hat tops her smart ensemble.  Suit from Integrity.  Embroidered gloves and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Hat is from The Couture Touch.  Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Jazz great Violet Waters poses for a wardrobe test for a scene in her new holiday musical "Winter Baby".  Hat, skirt, and fur "collar" are from A Woman for all Seasons.  Top and shoes are from A Lady Knows.  Fur-trimmed gloves are from Blues in the Night.  All Ashton Drake.  Fur muff is from Integrity.  Belt and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Sunset Serenade Violet Waters is from Integrity.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Victoire Roux

Wishing you a Thanksgiving and Holiday Season filled with joy!

1940's Hats, Furred and Fabulous!

A stylish leopard-trimmed tilt topper with matching muff-bag by Otto Lucas.  From British Vogue, 1941.

 Sophisticated, high-flared tricorn by John Frederics.  From Vogue, 1942.

From the Millinery Salon at Carson Pirie Scott & Co., Chicago.  From Vogue, 1943.

A Fur Drama

On Stage Today - Dramatic Fur-Accented Fashion.  Our Leading Ladies are Gene Marshall and Madra Lord.  Now On With The Show......

Gene Marshall

A fur scarf adds dash to Miss Marshall's re-styled herringbone suit.  Additional accessories include a dramatic tilt topper, brown leather gauntlet gloves, and a suede handbag matched to the fur.  Suit, handbag, and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Fur scarf, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord's suit takes a dramatic turn with dyed-to-match fur trim.  Suit ensemble with re-styled collar is from Robert Tonner's Anne Harper Collection.  Gloves and bracelet are from Ashton Drake.  Scarf and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

Madra Lord

Luxurious fur trim gives glamour to Miss Lord's wool felt hat.  Fur wrap is from furrier to the stars PD Root.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

A touch of fur can lend drama and sophistication when costarring with a suit ensemble or a fashion accessory such as a hat.

Cast:

Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Careless Kisses Madra Lord is from Integrity.
Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from Jamieshow.

The End

The Classic Forties Chubby Fur

It's what every woman wants.  The wear-with-everything chubby fur jacket.  It was the most popular fur fashion trend of the 1940s.

A beautiful silver-dyed imported fox from the Chicago Mail Order Company.  You could purchase it for $49.95 cash or buy it on credit.  It also included a matching fur strip, to trim your own hat!

Two more from the Chicago Mail Order catalog.  On the left a silky, fluffy Guanaco fur.  A rich, mink-dyed Coney fur on the right.  These jackets easily go from daytime to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Monolithic Studios' director Ivy Jordan wears a Donna Salyers' Fabulous Furs coat originally designed for Barbara Millicent Roberts aka Barbie.  The faux fur coat was altered exclusively for Miss Jordan.  Hat, skirt, corsage, jewels, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Color Deal Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Credits:

Donna Salyers is known for her faux fur women's clothing and home furnishings.

Catalog images are from the Chicago Mail Order Company, Fall/Winter 1941-42.

Perfectly Suited for All Hallows' Eve

Film star Gene Marshall thrills the local chapter of her fan club by graciously posing for a publicity poster.  Miss Marshall appears courtesy Monolithic Studios.  Costume from The Couture Touch.

Creative Hat Designs

The stars from Monolithic Studios display their individual style with fashionable forties hats just in time for the new season.  By reshaping and trimming an old hat or making a new one from an unexpected source, a clever lady can easily have a wardrobe of new hats.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord tops a 40's tailored suit with a sophisticated asymmetric tilt hat fashioned from the 1930's cloche worn by Greta Garbo in Madame Alexander's Grand Hotel costume.  OOAK suit is from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Scarf from Mattel.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Black Widow Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Gene Marshall

A pillbox from a Robert Tonner Kitty Collier costume gets a repeat performance as the perfect WWII era hat for Miss Marshall's traveling ensemble.  Jacket, scarf, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Ivy Jordan

A ponytail scrunchie is transformed into a chic turban for Miss Jordan.  The new fabric hats do remarkable things in the way of softening a woman's features, freshening her outlook!  Dress and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, fur muff, and waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  The detachable collar was recycled from another doll.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Madra Lord

The original trim from Violet Water's My Sunday Chapeau hat was replaced with new feather detailing to complement Miss Lord's tailored ensemble.  OOAK suit, gloves, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and blouse are from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The Pinkie Hat

An Easy DIY Project for Gene Marshall & Friends

This captivating hat gets its name from the crown which was fashioned from the pinkie finger of a vintage ladies glove.  A hidden pipe cleaner provides the unique shaping reminiscent of the whimsical hats of the late 1930's and early 1940's.

Miss Violet Waters

Jazz Singer Violet Waters tops her smart ensemble with a delightful red felt hat accented with a shaped, brown leather crown and trimmed with fall berries.  Dress, gloves, handbag, and bow are from Ashton Drake.  The restyled leopard plastron is from D.A.E. Originals' Charmed Traveler set.   Hat, belt, jewels, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Here's what you will need to make Violet's Hat:

A ladies leather or suede glove.  I used a size 6.

Pipe cleaner.

Wool felt.  (Approximately a 3" square).

Scissors.

Hand sewing needle.

Thread to match felt.

Dressmaker chalk.

A glass or other round object for tracing a circle.

Emery board.

Assorted trims.

Glue (Optional).

To begin, trace a 1-3/4" diameter circle on to wool felt and cut out.  Soften the cut edge by lightly sanding with the fine side of an emery board.  Cut a slit in the circle of felt as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap the edge 1/2".  From the underside, whip-stitch in place.  This will give a little shaping to the brim of your hat.

To make the crown, cut off the pinkie finger close to the body of the glove (Fig.2).  The cut end is turned under approximately 1/4".  Bend a pipe cleaner as shown in Fig. 3 and insert it into the finger.  Trim off excess.  Center the crown on the brim and either glue or stab stitch in place.  To finish, apply trim.  If using glue, let it dry thoroughly before adjusting the crown to the desired shape.

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall wears a charming feathered variation.  To make the brim, cut a 1-3/4" diameter circle out of lightweight buckram.  Cut the same size circle out of felt.  Glue small feathers to the buckram circle starting at the outer edge.  Position the feathers approximately 1/4" beyond the edge.  Let dry thoroughly.  Glue the felt circle to the underside of the brim.  The navy doeskin leather crown was glued to the feathered brim.  A satin bow completes the look.  Jacket from Diane Wagner.  Scarf from Fashion Blvd.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Gene Marshall

For this version, the tip was gently pushed inside the crown using a small wooden chop stick to make the process easier.  Fur cape is from Denis Bastien's Affordable Designs.  The dress underneath is from Madame Alexander.  Bracelet from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Hat, gloves, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord wears a dramatic alternative utilizing the middle finger of a navy doeskin leather glove.  A circle of waist banding was inserted and the tip pushed in for a high-crown, stove-top treatment.  A 2" diameter buckram base was covered with the suit fabric.  (For a tutorial on covering buckram with fabric, click HERE .)  Grosgrain ribbon enhanced with beading and marabou feathers complete the look.  OOAK ensemble from The Couture Touch.  C'est Moi Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Have fun creating your own unique looks for the ladies of Monolithic Studios!

Dressing Madra

No matter the occasion Monolithic Studios' diva extraordinaire Madra Lord dresses to complement her personal style, preferring tailored yet sophisticated suits and dresses.  Here are three looks approved by the star herself.

Miss Lord is all business wearing a tailored royal blue wool dress accented with dramatic, contrast flange detailing.  A black felt tricorne hat and color-blocked suede gauntlet gloves complete her stylish ensemble.  OOAK dress, hat, and gloves are all from The Couture Touch.  Willow Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Nothing is more sophisticated than a well-cut, black wool suit.  A delightful royal blue suede topper with matching gloves provides a pop of color.  Ensemble is from The Couture Touch.  Hatbox from Robert Tonner.  Earrings from Integrity.  Azure Elegance Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

For a show-stopping evening ensemble, the jacket and halter top from Ashton Drake's Song of Spain are layered over the under-dress from Integrity's Dream Sequence costume.  Jewels and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from PD Root.  Special Scene Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Additional Credits:

Miss Lord's black wool suit is a variation of Vince Nowell's HLAYG exclusive pattern, "Fan Club Meeting".

Madra's dog is from Ashton Drake.

Publicity Shoot

Reprising Joan Crawford's role in a remake of the 1932 film Grand Hotel, Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall poses for a black and white publicity shot.  Dress from Robert Tonner's Joan Crawford Collection.  Purse and shoes are from Integrity.  Styling from The Couture Touch.  Best Bet Gene Marshall, re-coiffed in a blonde Harlow wig and enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Joan Crawford in Grand Hotel (1932).
From the MGM Collection.

Note the interesting asymmetric collar variation and button detailing of the original dress designed for Miss Crawford by Adrian.  Photo is from Gowns by Adrian, The MGM Years, 1928-1941 by Howard Gutner.  Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Gene Marshall for Victory

Miss Marshall continues to do her part for Victory by graciously appearing in a Monolithic Studios' promotional film on updating a black frock.  Two different looks can be achieved by layering the bolero-style vest borrowed from Madra Lord's Heartless costume with Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress.

Miss Marshall wears the vest in the traditional manner.  Gloves were borrowed from Madra's Dark Desire costume.  Additional accessories include a tweed off-the-face hat and suede belt from The Couture Touch.  The bow at the neckline was recycled from a Robert Tonner hat.  Handbag is from Madame Alexander.  Dress, vest, and gloves are from Ashton Drake.

Wearing the vest backwards gives the illusion of a yoke.  Tiny button detailing highlights the distinctive look.  Asymmetric hat and embroidered gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Belt is from Sandra Stillwell.

Credits:

Cocoa Rose Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Heartless and Little Black Dress were designed by Tim Kennedy.

Inspiration....Illustrated

A wonderful resource for design inspiration, the fashion illustration depicts period styles with clarity in details. Here are two 1940 originals from my personal collection. Enjoy!

Artist: Eunice Moray. Also signed Miss Doctoroff, perhaps an instructor.
Notations indicate that this was a costume suit for the Duchess of Kent, #17, 1940.

Artist: S. Morreale.  Notations indicate the costume is made from doeskin.
The Havelock is of canary yellow silk jersey.  [A havelock is a cap with fabric hanging from the sides and back.]

Fan Club Meeting, Take 3

Fan favorite Madra Lord wears a distinctive 1940's suit adapted from the Vince Nowell HLAYG pattern "Fan Club Meeting".  The fitted jacket featuring a diagonal closure lends itself well to customizing for one-of-a-kind looks.

Madra Lord

Two-tone details and cuffs highlight this stylish version.  Suit, hat, scarf, earrings, and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Siren in the Night Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Acknowledgments:

An exclusive pattern for HLAYG.

You may also like:

Fan Club Meeting, Take 2

Fan Club Meeting, 1946

Inspired by a French Fashion Plate

An Easy DIY Hat for Gene Marshall & Friends

Film diva Madra Lord updates the tweed jacket from Gene Marshall's Fit For A Queen travel ensemble with a stylish red felt topper accented with bow and feather detailing recycled from another hat.  Inspired by a French fashion illustration, this easy to make hat will be the perfect addition to your favorite diva's fall wardrobe.  Jacket and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Muff from Integrity.  Brooch is from Mattel.  Hat, scarf, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

Idées (Manteaux et Tailleurs), Winter 1940.

To make this hat, here's what you will need:

Wool felt.
Hand sewing needle.
Thread to match felt.
Scissors.
Dressmaker chalk.
A glass or other round object for tracing a circle.
Emery board.
A bow.  [Pre-made bows are available at fabric or craft stores.  The recycled bows used for Miss Lord's hats measure 2" across.  If desired, you can use smaller ones as pictured in the original fashion illustration shown above.]

To begin, trace a 2-1/2" diameter circle on to wool felt and cut out.  Soften the cut edge by lightly sanding with the fine side of an emery board.  Form 2 tucks as shown in the photo below.

Secure the tucks with tiny hand stitches.  Attach a bow either with a needle and thread or with fabric glue.  The bow will hide any stitches that may show.  The hat is secured to the hair with a straight pin.

Miss Lord wears a mustard felt variation trimmed with a delightfully dotted sheer bow.  Jacket and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Brooch from Mattel.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Hat, scarf, fur muff, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

Credits:

Siren in the Night Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Fashion illustration from 1940's Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook by Charlotte Fiell and Emmanuelle Dirix.  Published by Goodman Book Co., UK.