Moments To Remember

A turn of the hem, a stitch of the seam....and a classic evening chemise is re-imagined as a sophisticated daytime sheath.

A column of pink dupioni silk that features a matching beaded, satin hip sash is shortened and narrowed for a chic daytime ensemble. Accessories include a fabulous straw hat from D.A.E. Originals' Haute Doll exclusive "Weekend in New York"  Vivette set, and OOAK jewelry from StrayCat. Black gloves are from Ashton Drake, shoes are from Joe Tai, and the whimsical, crystal-encrusted telephone purse is from The Couture Touch.

Credits:

"Moments To Remember" was designed by Dolly Cipolla for the 2000 Modern Doll Convention, circa 1958.
 "Symphony in G" Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Fashionably Pink

The perfect transition to warm weather dressing: a pink wool crepe suit with luscious matching fur cuffs. Pops of black and white accent this smart suit worn by Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall. Accessories include black gloves and a pearl-handled walking stick from Ashton Drake, hatbox from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection, and a fabulously dramatic tilt hat from The Couture Touch. Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity. Click HERE for instructions on making a variation of Miss Marshall's hat.

Lilli Ann ad featured in California Bride magazine.
Photo courtesy pintuckstyle.blogspot.com

"Paradise in Pink" costume was created for the 2004 Annual Gene Hollywood Convention by Ashton Drake. It was based on this 1946 Lilli Ann suit worn by actress Marsha Hunt for her wedding.

Red-Hot and Black

A new way to wear the flared jacket from Sandra Stillwell's "Cover Girl" ensemble - Sleeves rolled up to form cuffs and the waist belted with the scarf from Robert Tonner's "Cashmere Noir". Worn with a pencil-slim skirt and dramatic hat, Miss Marshall is Red-Hot and Fabulous!

Credits:
Jacket, purse, and shoes are from "Cover Girl" by Sandra Stillwell. Hat, gloves, and corsage (originally a hair ornament) are from Ashton Drake, The scarf, tied as an obi-like sash, is from Robert Tonner's Tyler Wentworth Collection. The skirt is from The Couture Touch. "Cocoa Crisp" Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

The Girl Can't Help It

She still looks fabulous after all these years!  It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the debut of Mel Odom's Gene Marshall at Toy Fair in February 1995 by Ashton-Drake. Although she was a story-driven fashion doll, it was the Hollywood-inspired costumes that won my heart. Gene, with her intricately detailed, period hairstyles and Vargas-like features, is the perfect mannequin for those glamorous fashions of the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's.

White Orchid Gene Marshall, the resin BJD from JamieShow wears a costume inspired by the 1956 musical The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield. Costume designer for the film was Charles LeMaire. Miss Marshall pairs the bolero jacket from Robert Tonner's "Soir de Fete" evening ensemble from the Theatre de la Mode Collection with the black satin sheath from Ashton-Drake's "Black Ribbon" costume. Hat, gloves, corsage, and earrings are from Ashton-Drake, bracelet is from D.A.E. Originals. Fur and purse are from Integrity.

Happy Anniversary Miss Marshall!

The Essential Jacket

Nothing is more essential to a 1940's wardrobe than a great jacket....well, maybe except for a great hat!  But that's another blog.  Gene Marshall and Madra Lord model three classic and versatile jackets, all from Monolithic Studios' costume vault at Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord means business by layering the jacket from "Doing Her Part" with the black skirt from Sandra Stillwell's "Cover Girl" ensemble and a sheer black blouse from Bogue's Vogues. Fur stole and necklace are from miniature furrier PD Root, Gloves, handbag, bracelet, director's chair and scripts are from Ashton Drake. Film can from Integrity. Hat, earrings, and corsage are from The Couture Touch.

Gene Marshall dons the garnet jacket from the Star Wardrobe Collection and pairs it with the slim black skirt from "Fashion Plot". Ascot and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Fur stole and shoes are from Integrity. Purse is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection, and the dogs are from Ashton Drake. The re-shaped hat is from "Doing Her Part".

Miss Marshall teams the brown plaid jacket from the Star Wardrobe Collection with the jodhpurs from "Turbulence" for a smart ensemble perfect for a weekend in the country. Gloves, earrings, and walking stick are from Ashton Drake, and the paisley silk ascot is from The Couture Touch. Brooch is from Robert Tonner.

The models:

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord is from JamieShow.
"On the Avenue" and "Winged Inspiration" Gene Marshall are from Ashton Drake.

Cover Girl Madra Lord is the Toast of Manhattan

Madra Lord poses for the cover of Vogue in Sandra Stillwell's ultra chic Cover Girl 3-piece suit ensemble from her Toast of Manhattan Event. Perfectly coordinated accessories include a dramatic toque, gloves, belt, handbag, earrings, and leopard-trimmed shoes (not shown). The pin is from The Couture Touch.

Photo by Rawlings for Vogue, September 1, 1942

The original ensemble featured a Young-Timers' wool jersey two-toned dress topped with an overcoat of Forstmann wool with a leopard-stencilled lapin (rabbit fur) lining.  (Note: Wool linings were forbidden under the new wartime L-85 Government Regulations, but fur linings were legal and luxurious.)  Dress, coat, and hat from Henri Bendel.

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord is from JamieShow. Auburn wigcap borrowed from J'Adore Gene Marshall.

Miss Marshall is Heady for Hats

Gene Marshall

Welcome to a New Year and a new blog from The Couture Touch dedicated to my passion for hats. There is nothing quite like a new hat to uplift the spirit and inspire the soul. Chapeaux à la Mode (French for fashionable hats) will feature vintage photos, advertisements, illustrations, articles, and DIY projects for your favorite miniature diva. The stars from Monolithic Studios plan to be there. How about you?

Photo Credits:

OOAK suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch, circa 1940.
White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.