Happy New Year!

"Blue Parasol" Gene Marshall wearing Mme. Alexander.
Fur from Ashton Drake. Italian jewels from Camilli De Bellis of Coverdolls.

It's Christmas Time

Have a marvelous Holiday everyone!

Spotted in a NY Art Gallery

Our favorite miniature Hollywood diva immortalized on canvas by a famous artist.

Gene Marshall abstract, circa 1940's.

Well in this case, the not so famous "artist" took a photo of Gene and used the tone curve adjustment in a basic photo editing program to "paint" Miss Marshall. The variations are endless. And you might just come up with something suitable for framing on your own "gallery" wall.

The Versatile Perfect Gift

The dark green silk shantung suit from Gene Marshall's "The Perfect Gift" is surprisingly versatile. It can be belted, paired with a different skirt, and accessorized for a variety of looks. Here are three examples, two from the archives and one new....just in time for a Holiday lunch with the girls or last minute shopping to find; you guessed it....the perfect gift.

A suede topper and fabulous oxfords gives this suit panache.

A killer femme fatale look for Miss Marshall.

Black and white accessories add a touch of chic distinction.

Credits:

Ashton Drake's "The Perfect Gift" was designed by Regina Ganem, Young Designer of America winner.

Filigree Gene Marshall (enhanced with an Integrity articulated body), and Love At First Sight Gene Marshall (restyled) are from Ashton Drake. White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

OOAK hats are 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.

Designer Influence

Fashion designers have often looked to Haute Couture for inspiration, and Gene Marshall's own designers were no exception. Her coveted wardrobe features nods to Christian Dior, Chanel, Pierre Balmain, Elsa Schiaparelli, Lucien Lelong, just to name a few.

The House of Patou provided the inspiration for Miss Marshall's stylish suit from Integrity's 2010 Stardust Convention Exclusive "Daily Threads" Gift Set. The milliners at The Couture Touch designed the smartly tailored felt hat to replace the original one. In addition a new belt was added and the jacket peplum was narrowed slightly. Fur muff is from Ashton Drake. Handbag is from an unknown designer.

A trio of Jean Patou ensembles. Photo courtesy Gene Marshall Fashion Sleuth

White Orchid Gene Marshall

And for you that can carry off melodrama....

Definitely not for the un-self-confident is this fuchsia felt hat worn with a reserved gray suit for a punch of color. Inspired by American apparel designer Sally Milgrim, the dramatic South American shaped hat was all the rage in the early 1940's.

Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall

Suit and handbag are from Mark Middendorf. Fur is from Madame Alexander. Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Scarf is from Ashton Drake, and bracelet is from Integrity.

Yellow felt from Milgrim. Photo by Luis Lemus for Vogue, 1941.
For more on Sally Milgrim, you may enjoy House of Milgrim from the archives.

Credits:

White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.
Caribbean Kiss (restyled) Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Holiday turkey gets the couture touch from Barbara Bates.
Circa 1940's.