The Fashion Editor

Always on the hunt for the latest designs, fashion editors are eager to select the finest from hundreds of garments shown to them.  Barbara Millicent Roberts, known simply in the industry as "Barbie", previews a stylish new suit ensemble perfect for those crisp days ahead.

Credits:

Fashion Editor Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Suit and handbag were a doll show find, designer unknown.

Snoods, Hoods, & Drapery

It's those little details that often set the tone for an outfit. From Pre-War drama to Post-War charm, Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall shows her unique style with 1940's fashion details.

It's 1939 and the world is at the brink of war. Intrigue and espionage are in the air. Gene is ready with a dramatic ensemble featuring a hood that falls into draping at the neckline. Matching gauntlet gloves and a black felt tricorne hat complete the femme fatale look. Handbag is from an unknown designer. OOAK suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch. Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Restaurant dining during the 1940's calls for a tailored, yet elegant and refined look. A rich silk velvet snood with matching gloves accent the beautifully detailed dress from Ashton Drake's "Lunch at the Green Parrot" Violet Waters costume. Snood, gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch. Cuff bracelet is from Integrity. Fashion Plot Gene Marshall with restyled hair is from Ashton Drake.

 

Asymmetric styling through drapery was a popular feature in dresses during the 1940's. What better way to soften a tailored, fitted jacket than with a chiffon drape re-purposed from the FAO Schwarz Exclusive "Warmest Wishes" set. Jacket, handbag, and embroidered gloves are all from Ashton Drake. Shoes are from Integrity. Hat is from Mattel's "Publicity Tour". Skirt is from an early Gene convention suit ensemble. A re-coiffed Film Fatale Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is from Ashton Drake.

Versatility by Design

How do you take a chic and sophisticated sheath to over-the-top drama suitable for a Hollywood diva?

 

Miss Madra Lord poses in a smart, slim-fitting, pink dress featuring contrast collar and cuffs. The dress was made from Vogue pattern #7382 by Diane on Whidbey Island. OOAK hat and ascot are from The Couture Touch. Fur muff and gloves are from Ashton Drake, shoes from Integrity.

Miss Gene Marshall makes a dramatic entrance wearing the same dress accented with flamboyant, detachable bows. OOAK hat and bow detailing are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and jewelry are from Ashton Drake.

Vogue 7382

The pattern for this circa 1950 dress includes 3 variations. Using the original pattern, the bows were drafted as a separate piece that could be tacked or pinned in place yet easily removable for added versatility. 

Pool Pose Madra Lord and Star Entrance Gene Marshall are from Integrity Toys.

Now Is the Time for Prints

When your clothes suddenly look dreary. When you whimsically wish for a little color. Then the time is right to add a print dress to your Fall wardrobe.

Monolithic Studios' diva extraordinaire, Miss Madra Lord, asked (or rather demanded) her stylist design a new dress to wear with her favorite asymmetric suede and straw topper. And after all, a star has to look fashion-forward even on her day off. As luck would have it, a trip to the local fabric store yielded this delightful and perfectly scaled print fabric. Dress, suede gauntlet gloves, and topper are all from The Couture Touch. Fur muff and handbag are from PD Root. Metropolitan Madra Lord was a 2007 MetroDolls Exclusive dressed doll.

Early 1940's fabric advertisement
Courtesy sewweekly.com

1940's fabric advertisement
Courtesy thelifenostalgic.com

During the 1940's, rayon was the fabric of choice and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. At just a few cents per yard, a woman could update her wardrobe with a stylish new dress.

The cost of Miss Lord's dress: $1.27   Even a diva can look smart on a dime!

Autumn, 1950

It's Time to Romance the Suit.

Two of my favorite styles....the fitted jacket with nipped-in waist and a belted jacket that features a dramatic peplum, both worn over a "pencil" slim skirt.  Elegant and sophisticated silhouettes for those cool days ahead.

Actress Gene Marshall wears the drama of a wool OOAK, belted, peplum jacket accented with over-sized pockets and button detailing from The Couture Touch. A wing collar and 3/4 length cuffed sleeves complete this chic ensemble. Muff from Mattel. J'Adore Gene Marshall wears her original black felt hat that has been restyled.

Ivy Jordan, renowned director for Monolithic Studios, dons a recreation of a Pierre Balmain suit by Debora West and styled by The Couture Touch. The double-breasted, fitted jacket features a funnel neckline with tucking detail. The sleeve can be worn as shown or folded back to reveal contrast pink cuffs. Miss Jordan accessorizes her suit with a dramatic black suede hat and coordinating color-blocked clutch, both from The Couture Touch. "Diamond" brooch from Facets by Marcia.

The suit was created based on this Studio Commissary header photo of a Pierre Balmain (1914-82) design. His designs echo his architectural background and tended to favor a narrow silhouette for his tailored suits.

Moss Rose Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.
J'Adore Gene Marshall is the FDQ Exclusive BJD from Mel Odom and JamieShow.

"The Lady or The Spider"

Gene Marshall, who replaces Madra Lord in "The Lady or The Spider", tests a costume for a scene from this 1942 film noir about a black widow suspected of murdering her third husband. 

The original black crepe dress from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" is updated with dramatic accessories from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder is from Madra Lord's "Anything But Nice" costume. J'Adore Gene Marshall borrows the brunette wig cap from White Orchid Gene. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Autumn Noir"

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall travels this holiday in style wearing an OOAK suit and tilt topper from The Couture Touch, circa mid-1930's.  Additional accessories include the fabulous fur from miniature furrier PD Root, train case from Ashton Drake's "Travel in Tweed" and ascot from "Turbulence".  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from Mel Odom and JamieShow. Wig from Monique.

First Look at White Orchid Gene

White Orchid Gene Marshall, the new resin basic Gene from Mel Odom and JamieShow, is definitely a winner.  Here she looks perfectly at home in the 1940's era courtesy of the auburn Havana Nights wig cap.  The tailored jacket, hat, and muff are from The Couture Touch.  The blouse is from Bogue's Vogues and gloves from Ashton Drake.

Fan Club Meeting, 1946

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall makes a surprise appearance at a local Gene Fan Club meeting wearing a costume from her latest film noir movie.  Her newly darkened tresses and dramatic makeup compliment this bold ensemble adapted from the Vince Nowell exclusive tailored suit pattern "Fan Club Meeting" for HLAYG.  Suit, suede gauntlet gloves with pinstripe trim, and matching tilt topper are all from The Couture Touch.  Purse from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  The restyled "Caribbean Kiss" Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

The Classic Tailored Suit - 1940 Edition

Photo courtesy parisiangentleman.co.uk

It's a fashion staple for all seasons, all locales, all climates.  The tailored skirt suit featuring a longer-length jacket, extended shoulders, and an emphatically nipped-in waistline.  Details for the 1940 edition of this classic suit include a notched collar, hip pockets in a wide variety of styles, and button fastenings.

 Tailored Suit Pattern from McCalls
Photo courtesy malepatternboldness

Miss Madra Lord is ready to transition into Fall with an OOAK tailored suit, suede gauntlet gloves, black felt tilt hat, and a luxurious mink muff....all from The Couture Touch.  Worn with a black blouse from Bogue's Vogues accented at the neckline with bow trim from Violet Water's "My Sunday Chapeau" hat. Pin from Robert Tonner, earrings from Ashton Drake, and cigarette holder from Mystyna. Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

 Robert Piguet suit design, circa 1940
Sketch from the archives of Andre Studios

Robert Piguet suit design, circa 1940
Sketch from the archive of Andre Studios

1940 suit design from the archives of Andre Studios

Gene Marshall wears a film noir variation of the same classic, tailored jacket worn by Miss Lord. Here paired with a blouse from Bogue's Vogues, fur drape from PD Root, bracelet from Facets by Marcia, and cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Jacket, necklace, earrings, and molded felt turban are from The Couture Touch. Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

The Scarlet Lady

In an homage to 1940's film noir, Miss Gene Marshall embraces her inner femme fatale to play the protagonist in The Scarlet Lady.

Miss Marshall wears a seductive red dress and jacket ensemble accented with a matching dramatic hat from PD Root.  White leather gloves (Integrity), fur muff (A Touch of Hospitality), and necklace (The Couture Touch) complete the look.  A restyled Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Beauty lurking in the shadows

Black, White, and a Pop of Color

On The Avenue Gene Marshall changes the look of the jacket and skirt from Integrity's "Gilt-y Girl" suit ensemble with a pop of color courtesy of a fabulous striped cummerbund and hat band made from a rare wide vintage grosgrain ribbon.  Hat, gloves, top, cummerbund, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard.

Marceline Gene Marshall pairs the jacket, hat, gloves, and purse from "My Heart's Song" with the versatile black sheath from "Black Ribbon".  The belt is from "Embassy Luncheon"; all from Ashton Drake.  A hair ornament becomes a corsage.  Bracelet from Facets by Marcia. Earrings from Robert Tonner's Monica Merrill Collection.

Gene's "Patio Set" is from Ashton Drake.

3 Ways with a Plastron

"Plastrons are vest-like yokes worn on the outside of the garment and tied around the waist with a sash, tie, or belt.  Fabrics range from lace and sheer metallics to fur."  Source:  The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot, 1943.

This versatile accessory piece was a great way to spice up a basic dress, coat, or separates.  Plastrons were particularly popular during the make do and mend era of the early 1940's as they were easy to make and could completely change the look of a costume.

Violet Waters wears a silk tweed plastron over the royal blue skirt from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection and the white blouse from "Doing Her Part".  A matching off-the-face brimmed hat and suede gauntlet gloves complete the stylish 40's ensemble.  Plastron with matching belt, hat, gloves, earrings, and corsage are from The Couture Touch.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Fascination Violet Waters is from Ashton Drake.

Violet's plastron was inspired by this 1939 Hollywood sewing pattern featuring Universal star Danielle Darrieux.  A Persian lamb plastron is shown layered over the coat.

Gene Marshall layers the leopard plastron from D.A.E. Originals' "Charmed Traveler" costume set over the "Cashmere Noir" coat from Robert Tonner's Tyler Wentworth Collection.  The matching leopard oversized beret has been dressed with feathers and beaded trim. Embroidered gloves are from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection, brooch from Mattel, shoes from Jennifer Sue.  Train case from D.A.E. Originals.  Marceline Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

An updated version of D.A.E. Originals' plastron in a luscious nubby wool tweed is worn over Miss Marshall's favorite black dress.  Plastron, color-blocked suede gauntlet gloves, felt hat, leather belt, and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Purse from Madame Alexander, eyeglasses from Horsman. Black crepe dress is from the Madra Lord costume "Dark Desire".  A black suede tie was added to the neckline.  Dress, shoes, and Fashion Plot Gene Marshall are from Ashton Drake.

1950's Cocktail Chic

Madra Lord pulls together a chic cocktail dress from the Monolithic Studio's wardrobe vault. Beginning with the versatile black satin strapless sheath from "Black Ribbon", she adds the pink satin hip drape from "Moments to Remember" both from Ashton Drake.  The black scarf from Robert Tonner's "Cashmere Noir" is draped at the neckline.  To complete the ensemble: pink gloves from Robert Tonner's Theatre de la Mode Collection, shoes from Integrity, and pearl jewelry from Ashton Drake.  The OOAK feathered hat and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch.  The ultimate accessory?  A fabulous strawberry blonde "Johnny" wig from Monique.

Gene Marshall chooses an OOAK pink wool herringbone cocktail suit and matching hat from The Couture Touch.  Two "diamond" brooches accent the obi sash.  Additional accessories include pink gloves from Ashton Drake, shoes from Integrity, black velvet purse from Madame Alexander, and pearl necklace and bracelet set from D.A.E. Originals.  Gene's chic hairstyle is courtesy of a "Johnny" wig from Monique.

"Postcards from Cannes" Madra Lord and "Swim Suited to a T"  Gene Marshall are from Integrity.
The "Johnny" wig from Monique is available to purchase from Facets by Marcia

How to wear FUR, Part 2

New ways to wear FUR in the daytime.  New ways to wear FUR for late afternoon cocktails.  More FUR Fancies for Fall modeled by the stars of Monolithic Studios.

Jazz Singer Violet Waters wears Zita Charles' stunning "City Sleeker" cocktail suit paired with a luxurious fur stole wrapped as a magnificent over-sized muff and an unexpected fur-trimmed handbag.  Fur from PD Root.  Hat and gloves are from D.A.E. Original's "Grand Marnier" ensemble.  Necklace and earrings from Madame Alexander, and bracelet from Integrity.

Director Ivy Jordan wears the classic pin-striped suit from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection with the lace-trimmed blouse from Ashton Drake's "Blonde Lace" costume.  Worn the traditional way, a fabulous fur stole from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.  Hat from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from an unknown artist.  Jewelry from Ashton Drake.  Gloves from Integrity.

Gene Marshall will definitely make a grand entrance in her favorite little black dress accessorized with sumptuous fur and blue accents.  Dress is from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" Madra Lord costume and shoes are from Integrity.

This smart boucle shoulder cape is accented with blue and black, color-blocked suede gauntlet gloves and a blue wool felt topper with dramatic fur trim.  A luxurious over-sized fur muff with tails complete the look.  OOAK cape, hat, muff, gloves, belt and earrings are all from The Couture Touch.

Models: 
Restyled "Heat Wave" Violet Waters, "Moss Rose" Ivy Jordan, and "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall; all from Integrity.

How to wear FUR, Part 1

What's new for Fall of 1942?  A little fur, a lot of Ingenuity.  Monolithic Studio's Miss Madra Lord and Miss Violet Waters demonstrate 4 ways to wear FUR this Fall. 

The canvas:  A well-tailored, houndstooth jacket from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection paired with a black velveteen skirt from Bogue's Vogues.  Lace-trimmed blouse from "Hello Hollywood Hello" suit ensemble.  Shoes from "Bandolier Morado" by Sandra Stillwell.

Here's a technique for twining your stole:  slung backwards, winding up as a muff.  Fur from PD Root, hat and gloves from The Couture Touch, jewelry and cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.

You can never wear too much FUR:  here worn as a shoulder drape and paired with a matching muff.  Fur from PD Root, hat from Ashton Drake's "First Stop, Chicago" suit ensemble, gloves from The Couture Touch.

A stole, spiralled to form dramatic arm bands of FUR.  Fur, hat, and purse from PD Root, gloves from Ashton Drake.

A fur neck scarf for warmth and style.  Fur scarf and earrings from The Couture Touch.  Hat and purse are borrowed from an ooak Barbie doll ensemble, artist unknown.  Embroidered gloves from The Star Wardrobe Collection by Ashton Drake and eye glasses from Horsman.

Models: 
A restyled "Siren in the Night" Madra Lord from Ashton Drake enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.
"Sunset Serenade" Violet Waters from Integrity.

Set:
Table from Retros by Liz Cole.
Telephone and scripts from "A Hot Day in Hollywood" Accessory Set by Ashton Drake.

Red

"Simply wearing red is an act of confidence that commands attention"..... from Fashion and Color by Mary Garthe.

From bright red to the deepest burgandy, red evokes strong emotion.  Red advances visually, an attribute that makes it seem closer to the viewer than any other color.  When worn alone, red is hot, passionate, and powerful.  When subdued by the addition of black or white, as in burgandy, red retains its impact, but takes on an air of mystery.

Here's a look at red through the decades as modeled by the stars of Monolithic Studios.

Gene Marshall is sublimely elegant in the berry colored wool suit from Robert Tonner's Mrs. Coulter. The tri-corne hat from Diane on Whidbey Island with the addition of vintage veiling lends a mysterious aire to this circa 1930's ensemble.  Shoes and purse from Integrity, gloves from Ashton Drake, and jewelry from Bogue's Vogues.  My model is "Everything's Coming Up Roses" Gene Marshall by Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord knows that opposites attract in this delightful pairing of the black dress from Integrity's "It's A Cinch" with the green jerkin (vest) from Ashton Drake's "Little Black Dress" costume.  Black and green make the perfect backdrop to red in this circa 1940's ensemble.  The ooak red and black houndstooth tilt topper is accented with the black snood from "Fascination".  Hat, beaded suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves, and jewelry are from The Couture Touch.  Shoes from Integrity, purse from Tonner's Brenda Starr collection.  My model is "Top This" Madra Lord enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

The perfect ensemble for late afternoon cocktails, circa 1950's, is worn by a no bangs "A Lady Knows" Gene Marshall by Ashton Drake.  Red accessories become the punctuation mark for this classic navy tweed suit called "Travel in Tweed" designed by Lynne Day.  Underneath is the red knit playsuit from Ashton Drake's "Crimson Sun" costume.  The dramatic navy straw picture hat borrowed from Madame Alexander's Aunt Amanda Fairchild is accented with an artfully tied, red jersey scarf with vintage millinery floral.  OOAK lucite purse, navy suede gloves, and earrings are from The Couture Touch, bracelet from Ashton Drake, pin from Mattel.

Table from CED
Telephone from Ashton Drake's "A Hot Day in Hollywood" Accessory Set

Capes

1940's Knitted Cape

Capes were worn over the dress for fashion as well as for function.  They were usually considered outer-wear, but most women treated them as a complementary accessory to their ensemble.  Capes are generally shorter versions of the full-length cloak, from fingertip length to as small as a shoulder cape.  Fabrics range from lace to sheers, plain wools to velvet to mohair, and of course.....furs!   They could also be embellished with beading, braiding, and piping, just to name a few.

Capes were a fashion force in the 1930's.  I love the mix of patterns in this wonderful bias-cut knit dress with coordinating cape.  And wouldn't you just love a pair of those delightful patterned gloves?

Make mine ermine please!  Monolithic Studio's top star Gene Marshall looks divine in a luxurious white cape from Affordable Designs worn over the dramatic, bias-cut, sequin and feathered dress from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection called "Platinum Panache".

Director Ivy Jordan wears a black fur cape from Affordable Designs over her classic pinstriped suit borrowed from Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Blouse from Ashton Drake's "Blonde Lace" costume, gloves from Integrity, purse from PD Root.  OOAK hat and corsage from The Couture Touch.

The black crepe dress from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" costume gets a new look with a wool boucle shoulder cape, matching gauntlet gloves, belt, and black suede topper, all from The Couture Touch.  This early 1940's smart ensemble is modeled by "A Lady Knows" Gene Marshall.

 Hat & Cape Vogue Pattern, circa 1930's

1942 pattern for knitted cape,
included sewing instructions for 2 hat styles

There were many sewing and knitting patterns available for the 1930's and 40's DIYers. Here are two great examples of cape patterns that included hats.

A restyled "Heat Wave" Violet Waters from Integrity wears the figure hugging sheath "Afternoon Out" from the 2001 Madame Alexander Alex Fairchild Collection with a fabulous 1940's style fur cape from Dimitha.  Gloves from Ashton Drake, purse from PD Root, bracelet from Facets by Marcia, and the OOAK floral cocktail hat from The Couture Touch.