1940's Autumn Dash

Monolithic Studios' film stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord usher in autumn wearing suit ensembles with the look of dash.

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall pairs a classic, 1940's edition tailored jacket with a pleated skirt.  Sumptuous fur from PD Root, a chic suede handbag from an unknown designer, and a dramatic topper complete the stylish look.  Suit, hat, scarf, gloves, and jewels are from The Couture Touch.  Blue Fox Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord proves you can still look chic in a simple suit design that spells wartime economy.  Suit, hat, and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Earrings from D.A.E. Originals.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Top This Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

September Seasonal Accessorizing

Transform a jacket by adding braid or cording trim.  Depending on how it is used, the effect can either be subtle or dramatic.

Ivy Jordan

Even a small touch such as black cording shaped into a cluster of medallions to form a pocket motif adds distinction to a tailored jacket.  Suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Integrity.  Handbag from Randall Craig.  "V for Tea" Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

During WWII unrationed braid was available in a variety of colors and unique designs.  In addition, furniture departments carried fringed sofa edgings that could be creatively utilized as trim for clothing.  Here are two examples from the September 1941 issue of British Vogue magazine.

Madra Lord

Black loop braiding adds panache to Integrity's remodeled suit [Sparkling Sepia].  Following the seam line, the braiding was hand tacked to the jacket and the ends were tucked under the hem.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Scarf is from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from Jamieshow.

This Harzfeld's department store fashion ad from the September 1942 issue of Harper's Bazaar features a Nettie Rosenstein beige and black wool suit trimmed with black passementerie.

Madra Lord

From the archives, the white crepe jacket [Par Excellence] from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection is embellished with black trim giving it that distinctive forties look.  Scarf and matching gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and skirt are from Sandra Stillwell.  Booties and doggies are from Ashton Drake.  Deep Rose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

A Bright Forecast

The Fashion News for 1941:  Bright, stimulating colors to lift the spirit.  

You can easily boost the morale of a plain dress by simply introducing accessories in vivid colors.

Monolithic Studios' film star Gene Marshall revitalizes a basic black dress with bold color accents.  The multi-colored, wool boucle, belted plastron accented with a silk bow at the neckline is paired with a dramatic suede topper, color-blocked purse, and embroidered suede gauntlet gloves.  All from The Couture Touch.  Dress is from Ashton Drake.  Custom cigarette holder is from Mystyna.  "Symphony in G" Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

From the 1941 issue of British Vogue, this Wolsey fashion ad highlights the bold color trend for apparel as well as accessories.

Miss Marshall makes a bold fashion statement with a royal blue jersey turban and matching suede gauntlet gloves.  Her own Little Black Dress is punctuated with felt confetti dots.  The 1/4" and 1/8" circles were cut from wool felt scraps using a classic 1-hole punch available in a variety of sizes.  The circles were then just finger pressed to the bodice in a random fashion.  Dress, necklace, and purse are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Scottie is from PD Root.  Love, Paris Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

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.

A Forties-Style Fourth

Credits:

The Fabulous Forties Barbie is from Mattel.  Styling from The Couture Touch.

Borrowed from the Boys

Film star Gene Marshall takes the fedora from Trent Osborn's Playing the Ponies set and makes it her own for a chic 1940's man-tailored look.  A new grosgrain band and a little reshaping refresh this iconic hat style.

Appearing on the cover of Woman's Own, a British lifestyle magazine first published in 1932, Miss Marshall does her part for victory by promoting coupon-value designs for daytime.  Hat, suit, and scarf are from Ashton Drake.  Fur from PD Root.  Gloves and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Next Time:  Ideas for recycling a man's tie.

"Where's My Hat?!"

Wartime Chic

The stars from Monolithic Studios do their part to promote the war effort by making do and looking fabulous in the process.

One of the easiest ways to change the look of an outfit is with accessories.  Hats in particular were consistently in the fashion news during the 1940s.  Not only were they unaffected by rationing, but there is nothing like a new hat to lift the spirit.

Gene Marshall updates Ashton Drake's Lucky Stripe dress with a dramatic tilt topper infused with a dash of color.  The dress was shortened slightly and the original side drape removed to reveal the pleating detail.  Fur is from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.  Hat box from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Jewels from PD Root.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Floral accents were recycled from other outfits.  Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Little tailored hats, often accented with floral trim, were also popular during the war years.  Madra Lord chooses one with matching leopard suede gauntlet gloves to accessorize the Town and Country suit from Integrity.  Chenille bag is from Ashton Drake.  Waist corsage and neck scarf were recycled from other outfits.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Turbans were a fashionable trend with Hollywood film stars.  Miss Lord selects a chic mustard felt style for her stylish tailored suit ensemble.  Shirt is from Bogue's Vogues.  Handbag from Mark Middendorf.  Skirt and gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  Jacket, hat, jewels, and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch.  Careless Kisses Madra Lord is from Integrity.

It's a New Year - Time to Go Through Your Wardrobe

Inspired by the Make-Do and Mend era of World War II, the stars from Monolithic Studios will do their part to promote ways to maximize a winter wardrobe.  Look for ideas for updating as well as mixing and matching, storage tips, plus a new DIY project for a quick and easy skirt hanger.  Next week, Miss Gene Marshall kicks off the series with three stylish winter suits.

WWII propaganda poster from Britain's Board of Trade promoting Make-do and Mend.  Artist: Donia Nachshen.  Photo courtesy Wiktionary.

1940's Make Do Style

Despite wartime shortages and rationing, the inventive women of the 1940's made do with what they had.  Not only did this creativity boost morale but became a banner of individuality.  Ashton Drake's "Little Black Dress" set, designed by Tim Kennedy exclusively for the Gene Marshall Collection, brilliantly addressed this intriguing period in our history.

Miss Marshall refreshes her "Little Black Dress" by narrowing the skirt slightly which gives a slimmer silhouette.  The original butterfly decoration from the vest is replaced with a delightful bow pin recycled from a dangle earring.  A beret from another outfit is updated with vintage veiling and assortment of trims.  Hats during this era were often decorated with unrationed fabric flowers, bows, ribbon, and braiding.  Handbag and embroidered gloves are from Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord does her part to make do in style.  A silk tweed vest and suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves gives the "Little Black Dress" a smartly sophisticated look.  The hat from Ashton Drake's "Doing Her Part" takes a dramatic turn achieved with simple re-shaping and a touch of marabou.  Vest, gloves, and necklace are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from an unknown designer.

It's good fashion sense and smart dollars and cents to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your wardrobe with a versatile collection of accessories.  After all...."Variety is the Spice of Life"

Additional Credits:

Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.
Azure Elegance Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Styling 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.

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.

A Swell Pin-Up

During WWII, many Hollywood leading ladies led recruitment and bond drives, entertained the troops, and even graciously posed for pin-up photos to bolster the morale of our fighting men.

Donna Reed 
Photo courtesy Blu-ray Forum

Donna Reed, best known for It's A Wonderful Life (1946) and The Donna Reed Show (1958-66), was a popular pin-up for many GIs. Her "girl-next-door" good looks and warm onstage personality contributed to her popularity. She took the time to personally answer letters from servicemen stationed overseas.

Photo courtesy The New York Times.

Miss Reed saved hundreds of letters from star-struck WWII servicemen. For nearly 65 years they were kept in a shoe box inside an old trunk long stored in the garage of her home in Beverly Hills. Discovered by her children in 2008, some of the letters were made public by her family in the 2009 New York Times article "Dear Donna: A Pinup So Swell She Kept GI Mail." Click HERE for the fascinating story.

Donna Reed
Photo courtesy Combatsim Forum

Utility Chic

From war-time London, 1940's.....

Autumn 1944

The interplay of seams, pockets, and pleats were the hallmark of the British utility suit during WWII. Wartime shortages and rationing gave rise to this functional yet stylish, well-cut, and well-made design. The tailored silhouette featured a longer length jacket with boxy square, padded shoulders and a slightly nipped-in waist paired with a shorter, just below-the-knee skirt.

A model checks out the new utility suit.
Photo by James Jarche for The Daily Herald. Courtesy Granny Chic Gal

Miss Gene Marshall

American film star Gene Marshall shows off her utility chic by pairing a striped linen skirt with the smartly tailored, fur-trimmed jacket from D.A.E. Originals' "Business Class" ensemble. Felt tilt topper and skirt are from The Couture Touch. Scarf is from Mattel. Purse is from PD Root. Shoes and gloves are from Integrity.

Gene Marshall

Spring suits in soft boucle wool, Spring 1942.

For the home seamstress, a sewing pattern for the new longer length tailored jacket and an alternative version with short sleeves, perfect for Spring.

A trio of war-time suits featured in the September 1941 issue of Vogue Pattern Book.

London, 1940's. Understated elegance against a backdrop of ruins.
Lee Miller photo courtesy Vintage Everyday

"Fashion is Indestructible"
Digby Morton suit. Cecil Beaton photo. London, 1941.

Credits:
Fashion in the Forties by Julian Robinson.
British Vogue, Autumn Forecast and Fabrics with Vogue Pattern Book supplement, September 1941.

Gene Marshall is the incomparable "Symphony in G" by Ashton Drake. Body by Integrity.

4 Make Do & Mend Ideas to Update The Little Black Dress

There's New Life in the Old Girl Yet! *

Madra Lord, circa 1943

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Madra Lord updates the basic black dress with a belted, blue and black herringbone wool jerkin. The mustard felt topper and matching black and mustard suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves provide a pop of color to this smart ensemble. OOAK jerkin, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Shoes and belt are from Integrity. Purse is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection. Black Widow Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake. 

Australian Women's Weekly
 July 31, 1943

Here are 3 more ideas to transform a black dress by adding colorful add-on pieces. From left to right: A green bolero vest and matching waist-wrap and hat. A red collar overlay that is gathered in the front and secured with a matching belt; topped with a coordinating tilt hat. A bright yellow bolero with a yoke effect with matching hat and gloves.


Click HERE for more on the inspiration behind the original "Little Black Dress" costume designed by Tim Kennedy for Ashton Drake's 2000 Gene Marshall Collection.

* Excerpt from Make and Mend For Victory, Book No.S-10, The Spool Cotton Co., 1942.

On The Set with Madra Lord, 1942

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Madra Lord arrives on the set of her new film smartly dressed in a tweed plastron layered over the black crepe dress from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" costume. Plastron, suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves, belt and jewelry are all from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder from Mystyna. Props are from Ashton Drake.

Miss Lord is coiffed in a wig from the famous Italian wig-maker to the Stars, Ilaria Mazzoni of Time of Doll. This miniature work of art is reminiscent of Ashton Drake's "Stolen Moments" early 1940's hairstyle.

Set in German occupied Paris during WWII, Miss Lord plays a fashion shop owner who becomes involved with spies. But which side is she on? Well, you decide. For this scene she wears a leopard plastron over a classic black dress. Plastron, belt, gloves, and train case are from D.A.E. Originals' "Charmed Traveler" costume set. Dress and earrings are from Ashton Drake. Hat from Integrity. Brooch from The Couture Touch. Miss Lord wears the Havana Nights wigcap from JamieShow. It has been cut and restyled.

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord is from Mel Odom and JamieShow.

Creative Millinery

During WWII, the U.S. implemented clothing restrictions (referred to as Limitation Order L-85) to the apparel industry in order to conserve materials needed for the war effort. The rationing of supplies sparked creativity as well as renewed self-expression.

Even Hollywood was impacted by the wartime restrictions. At the Monolithic Studio's wardrobe department, stylists work their millinery magic with available materials to refresh some of their early costumes.

The result:  Five glorious hats....each one star-approved by Monolithic's leading ladies, Miss Gene Marshall and Miss Madra Lord.

J'Adore Gene Marshall wears a fashionable red leather tilt hat made from a vintage shoe clip. The clip was removed and a circle of felt was added to finish the underside of the hat. Ashton Drake's red crepe jacket/dress ensemble is now the perfect "Smart Set".

Blue Fox Gene Marshall accents her black and cream striped dress with a delightful black ribbon tilt hat that began as a flower lapel pin. "Lucky Stripe" gets a make-over by adding a belt and moving the side drape so the beautiful pleating is visible. Dress, jewelry, gloves, and Miss Marshall are all from Ashton Drake.

The hat from Robert Tonner's "Fresh Take" gets a fresh re-take by re-shaping the wired bandeau into a dramatic red feathered tilt topper perfect for Tonner's Reporter in Red suit ensemble from the Brenda Starr Collection. Jewelry from The Couture Touch. "Fresh Take" costume is from the Ann Harper Collection. Like A Fox Madra Lord is from Ashton Drake.

The satin ribbon hat from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection brown accessories set was updated with vintage millinery trim for a spectacular floral confection. Suit, gloves, and jewelry are from Ashton Drake. J'Adore Gene Marshall is the FDQ exclusive doll from Mel Odom and JamieShow.

Dark Desire Madra Lord graciously poses for the cover of Movie Star magazine wearing a fabulous tilt hat that was once the little tam from Ashton Drake's "Bonnie and Blythe" costume. The red pom pom and black vinyl trim were removed from the original hat. Buckram was inserted for shape and support and the underside finished with felt. Dramatic vintage trim accents the "new" hat. Dress, jewelry, and Miss Lord are from Ashton Drake. Fur cape from Dimitha.

Next time:  Make a circa 1940's tilt hat for Miss Marshall.