Diane on Whidbey Island

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I love this suit from Diane on Whidbey Island.  She does a wide range of gorgeous dresses, suits, and gowns for our favorite fashion doll diva inspired by great Hollywood films, iconic fashion designers, and the Theatre de la Mode just to name a few.  Be sure to visit her blog and visit her Gallery of Past Creations to view some of her fabulous fashions.  Diane on Whidbey Island Blog

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Now that Gene Marshall is retired, I find I am drawn to the early Ashton Drake dolls.  Although they are not articulated, they still have a beautiful, graceful quality about them.  At times I am tempted to replace the bodies with the newer articulated Integrity body, but for now I will keep them as is.  And Ashton Drake did the best period hairdos!  Blue Goddess Gene is my model/muse.  I believe Diane designed this suit to coordinate with the hat and purse which are from one of Ashton Drake's hat sets. The necklace is from Ashton Drake, and the bracelet and shoes are from Integrity.

1940's Suits in Miniature, Part 2

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California Couture at its best!  Ashton Drake's Spring in Central Park Gene Marshall with an Integrity articulated body models "Hello Hollywood Hello" ensemble, circa 1941.  This impeccable suit was designed by Doug James for Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.  From the pleat detailing at the back of the skirt to the dyed-to-match fur trim, it exemplifies the best of couture in miniature.

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This fabulous early 40's era suit with two-tone detailing was part of the gift set called "Daily Threads" from the Integrity Gene Marshall Stardust Convention.  Ashton Drake's Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall with an Integrity articulated body is the model.  Whimsical hats paired with somber-colored suits were popular during the war years.

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Robert Tonner's "Par Excellence" jacket is layered over Integrity's "Cherry Smash" strapless black wool sheath.  "Par Excellence" jacket, hat, and hatbox are from Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Modeled by Integrity's Ivy Jordan.

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Ashton Drake's Fashion Plot Gene Marshall wears Integrity's "Gil-ty Girl" suit ensemble.  OOAK hat from The Couture Touch, fur from PD Root, umbrella from Fashion Blvd.

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Gene is "Doing Her Part" for the war effort.  Ashton Drake's USO Gene Marshall wears a WWII era tailored suit.  The jacket is from Ashton Drake's "Doing Her Part", the skirt and shoes are from Tonner's Theatre de la Mode "La Petit Ensemble Noir",  blouse from Ashton Drake's "Turbulance",  leather-like gloves from Integrity, umbrella from Fashion Blvd, and the OOAK hat from The Couture Touch.

1940's Suits in Miniature, Part 1

Miniatures have always intrigued me, so it's no surprise that I would be drawn to the wonderful period costumes that were made for Mel Odom's Gene Marshall doll.  The 15.5" mannequin embodies the glamour of the Hollywood era of the 40's and 50's.  Her costumes are miniature versions of real clothes and include fabulous accessories such as furs, hats, gloves, jewelry, shoes and even hose.  For your viewing enjoyment, here are some of my favorite suit ensembles from the 1940's.

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"Hollywood Director Ivy Jordan reviews costume sketches with Madra Lord, the star of her latest film venture."   Pictured on the left:  Integrity's Ivy Jordan, Lady Director, wears Ashton Drake's classic "Travel in Tweed" navy suit, circa 1948 and her own blouse.  Suit designed by Lynne Day.  The OOAK hat and matching gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Pictured on the right:  Integrity's The Jeweled Cat Madra Lord is all business wearing Integrity's "Suited For Fur", a stunning grey wool suit with pink fur accents and pink accessories. 

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Ashton Drake's "Fit For a Queen" brown tweed suit gets a different look with an OOAK turban styled hat, leather gloves, and crochet pin from The Couture Touch.  Fur from P.D. Root, hatbox from Ashton Drake's Travel in Tweed ensemble.  The model is Integrity's Ivy Jordan, Lady Director, with a new hairstyle.  Suit designed by Lynne Day.

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Here is another fabulous suit designed by Lynne Day for Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.  It is called "First Stop Chicago", circa 1941.  The model is Ashton Drake's Siren of the Night Madra Lord with restyled hair and articulated body from Integrity.

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Integrity's club doll, City Sleeker Zita Charles is wearing a smart houndstooth wool suit with fur trim from the Gene Marshall, Star Wardrobe Collection by Ashton Drake. The wonderfully detailed embroidered gloves and purse are also from the Star Wardrobe Collection.  The hatbox is borrowed from Tonner's Kitty Collier.

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Ashton Drake's Filigree Gene Marshall wears "Good Bye New York", a sensational 1941 suit designed by Doug James.   The fez style hat and gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch. 
  
Credits:  Furniture from Liz Cole/Retros, telephone from Ashton Drake's Hot Day in Hollywood accessory set, portfolio & sketches from Ashton Drake.