Christmas with Madra Lord

Madra Lord was born Mabel Lorkovic in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  As long as she could remember she wanted to be a movie star.  Determined to make her dream come true, she saved her hard earned money and moved to California.  Somewhere between Wisconsin and Hollywood, Madra Lord was born.  Madra is an anagram for "drama" and is the Celtic word for "fox"; two words that certainly describe Miss Lord.  Her film career began in the silents as an extra.  With the rise of talkies and eventually color, Madra's husky voice and fiery beauty made her a star.  Throughout the years, Madra Lord reigned as the Queen of Hollywood.....well, at least until a talented newcomer burst upon the scene.  But, that's another story.

To celebrate the beauty and style of the Queen of Monolithic Studios,  join me each Saturday, December 1 - 22 for Christmas with Madra Lord.  Each week, a different decade, beginning with the 1920's and ending with the 1950's.

Biographical source:  Gene, 3rd Edition by Carolyn B. Cook, published by Hobby House Press, Inc.
Illustrations by Donna Mehalko.

Matador Hats

The Spanish influence on fashion in the 1940's included whimsical matador-style hats to accessorize suits and dresses.

Miss Gene Marshall accessorizes her daytime ensemble with the hat from her matador costume she wore in the 1943 film Sea Spree for her flamenco dance number "Song of Spain".  OOAK silk dress and gloves are from PD Root.  Hat, fur, and purse are from Ashton Drake.  Gene is a restyled "Monaco" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

Photo by Horst P. Horst

Two society ladies model matador hats, circa 1940.  Photo courtesy craigleaper.wordpress.com

Photo by Horst P. Horst

Another view of the same photo shoot.  Modelling these delightful matador hats are the future Mrs. William Paley (Babe) and the future Mrs. Ronald Tree.  Artwork by Goya.
Photo courtesy onlyoldphotography.tumbir.com

Two Balenciaga hats inspired by the costume of the matador.  Photos courtesy the-coveted.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo courtesy newstimes.com

The Furred Hat

The perfect counterbalance for an untrimmed coat, a dinner suit or dress.  From the Millinery Salon at Carson Pirie Scott & Co., Chicago.  Source: Vogue, October 1, 1943.

Cover Girl

Film Star Miss Gene Marshall is featured on the cover of the November 15, 1941 issue of Vogue that was inspired by the Surrealist style of the early Forties.

Credits: OOAK floral tilt hat and suede gloves from The Couture Touch, earrings from Ashton Drake, gold cuff bracelet from Facets by Marcia, pearl bracelet from D.A.E. Originals, gold engraved compact from Mattel.  Model: "A Lady Knows" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

And the photo that inspired the cover....

Photo by John Rawlings

Shades of Red, 1949

Venetian red velvet suit, scarf, and hat.  Suit by Adele Simpson.  Jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Guava red wool suit, challis blouse, bowler hat; all by Christian Dior.

Photo by Coffin

Tomato red worn with black: rayon velvet dinner skirt, black wool jersey beaded top.  By Larry Aldrich.  Love the surprise of the fabulous shaped hat!

Photo by Horst

Ruby red all the way: French silk velvet, street-length suit by Kraus.  Jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Source:  Vogue, September 1, 1949.

Waiting with Baited Breath

Since "Unforgettable" Gene Marshall lost her original evening gown to her rival Madra Lord (and I have it on good authority that Miss Lord is NOT giving back the gown); she has been waiting with baited breath for a new costume.  And here it is: "Waiting with Baited Breath", a circa 1940's suit ensemble from Robert Tonner's Dick Tracy Collection.  A fabulous suit is just not complete without the addition of gloves.  OOAK suede gloves from The Couture Touch, earrings from Integrity.