Vignette Inspiration

I love browsing flea markets and antique malls for items I can use in my fashion doll display vignettes.   Recently I came across a pair of wall display shelves that would be perfect for my "Couture Salon" vignette for my larger fashion dolls such as Gene Marshall and Madra Lord.  They were just the right size to display some of Gene's many fabulous accessories, and they didn't have to be mounted on a wall.

Aren't these shelves fabulous?  I couldn't believe my luck in finding them.  After the Holidays I plan to cover some thin cardboard with scrapbook paper in an elegant design to insert behind the shelves for a different look. 

Here's a full view of my "Couture Salon" vignette dressed for the Holidays.  The display is located on top of a bureau in my studio/office/doll room.  I may eventually cover a cardboard tri-fold display board with wallpaper for a proper backdrop.  The sofa and ottoman were display pieces from a local jewelry store that went out of business.  I added the pillows which I made from silk scraps.  The flooring is simply wrapping paper that covers the top of the bureau.  A vintage bottle brush tree surrounded with miniature packages is placed on a glass top table.  The glass top is from Gene's Patio Set table and the legs are a candle stand.  The dress form is from Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.  The gown on display is from the Devil May Care Madra Lord costume by Ashton Drake.

I found this mirrored credenza a few years ago at local doll shop.  The drawer is perfect for added storage.  The hat stands are actually place card holders from the Bridal section of Hobby Lobby.

Evening Mist Zita Charles models Joan Crawford's Portrait evening ensemble from Robert Tonner for Golden Gala Madra Lord.  After all, Miss Lord needs a new gown for the Holidays!

I hope this inspires you to create your own vignettes for your favorite fashion doll. 

High Style Madra Lord

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Scarlet Temptress Madra Lord from Ashton Drake is seen out for a stroll in a high style 40's daywear ensemble highlighted by the fabulous fur cape from D.A.E. Original's Starmaker evening costume.  The OOAK dress and purse are from PD Root,  gloves from Integrity, umbrella from Fashion Blvd., and shoes from Ashton Drake.  OOAK wool felt topper, dotted silk crepe de chine jabot, and jewelry are from The Couture Touch.

A New Look for Violet

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Heat Wave Violet Waters sizzles in PD Root's OOAK 2-piece suit ensemble, circa 1940's.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake, and the fur drape is borrowed from Integrity's Marceline Gene Marshall.  Violet's hair has been re-styled into a poodle hairdo.  Perhaps she was inspired by Linda Darnell's fabulous 40's style. 

Linda Darnell

First Stop: The Hat Salon

Dateline: Chicago 1941.....Madra Lord, Monolithic Studio's diva extraordinaire, arrives in the Windy City for a day of sightseeing and shopping.  Wearing a striking new hat she just purchased at the legendary flagship store of Marshall Field's & Company, she briefly stops to pose for reporters and fans.  Now it's off to Union Station to catch her train to New York.  We wish you the best Ms. Lord.

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Siren of the Night Madra Lord wears my all-time favorite suit called "First Stop Chicago" designed by Lynne Day for Ashton Drake's 2000 Gene Marshall Collection.  Of course a change of accessories is always the best way to update the look of an ensemble.  The original hat to this costume is a delightful autumnal floral confection, but I wanted to do something more tailored yet dramatic.  The result is this molded wool felt topper with matching felt "feather" accent guaranteed to turn heads.  The embroidered gloves are from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection.

Betrayal

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A beautiful woman.....an elegant soiree....betrayal and murder.  Did she, or didn't she?  Well, that's what our handsome detective must uncover.  Madra Lord plays the protagonist to the hilt dressed in Madame Alexander's sophisticated "Betrayal" black satin gown, circa 1930's.  Fur and gloves are from Ashton Drake, jewelry and purse from Integrity.

OOAK Suit Ensembles, Late 1930's

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This nubby tweed, belted suit ensemble is a great example of the sophisticated, yet witty look of the 1930's.  Nipped-in waists were accented with belts as the natural waistline returned.  The period between 1934-40 was also the heyday for unusual buttons.  I found these unique antique buttons at a local flea market.  Of course, no daywear look is complete without a fabulous suede topper.  Gloves and belt are from Ashton Drake, shoes from Integrity.  My model/muse is USO Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.

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Another popular suit style in the 1930's featured short, fitted jackets with either a notched or shawl collar, or as in this case, a rever [sometimes referred to as a reverse lapel].  Paired with a longer length, bias-cut skirt, this suit style was the epitome of 1930's elegance.  Appliqued suede leaves lend a surreal accent to the jacket.  A grand, high-crown topper, matching gauntlet gloves and scarf, and spectator pumps complete the look.  Shoes from D.A.E. Originals.  My model/muse is C'est Moi Madra Lord by Integrity.

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Here is a variation of the same pattern, this time utilizing an oversized shaped rever accented with a vintage flower and feather corsage.  Additional 1930's details include a silk velvet ascot, matching suede gauntlet gloves, navy suede purse, and a felt swagger-brimmed, slouch hat.  Shoes from Integrity.  My model/muse is Night Memories Madra Lord from Ashton Drake enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

All OOAK suit ensembles are by The Couture Touch and are from my private collection.

A Re-take on Fresh Take

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Flame Madra Lord from Integrity's "Stepping High Collection" shows off her new hat to complement her stylish 1940's suit from The Anne Harper Collection by Robert Tonner.  OOAK felt hat, blouse, earrings, and corsage are from The Couture Touch.  Bracelet from Madame Alexander, fur muff from Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" ensemble.  Telephone and script from "A Hot Day in Hollywood" Accessory Set by Ashton Drake.  Table from Liz Cole/Retros.  Flame's bangs have been re-combed into a pompadour-style roll.