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.

Happy Holidays

1940's Decorative Details: Applique Trim

Applique is formed by applying one layer of fabric, the applique, to the surface of another which is usually the garment section. An applique can be made of a variety of fabrics and designs or motifs. They can be bold and decorative or appear more subtle.

Miss Madra Lord

The clean lines of a classic, collar-less jacket is the perfect backdrop to showcase a pair of marvelous vintage appliques found at an antique clothing show and sale. A green suede and brown leather tilt topper, green suede gauntlet gloves, and a silk paisley shell complete the one-of-a-kind ensemble. In addition to using vintage appliques as trim for the jacket, a man's silk tie was used for the shell and trim on the hat. A woman's brown leather glove was used for the hat crown. The jacket "button" was originally part of some vintage trim.
  
Tip: Antique shops, thrift stores, and flea markets are excellent sources for doll fabrics and trims. Vintage scarves, handkerchiefs, silk ties, leather gloves, as well as clothing make great fabric choices. Buttons, beads, fur, lace, appliques, and embroidered trim can often be salvaged from damaged clothing.

Miss Madra Lord

Ashton Drake's "Dark Desire" Madra Lord has been enhanced with an Integrity articulated body. Miss Lord's circa 1941 suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder is from Ashton Drake.

Vogue 7485

Miss Lord's jacket was made from Vogue pattern #7485. The jacket was lengthened and the front waistline dart eliminated. A street-length, slightly a-line skirt was added for a smart, daytime look.

Vogue 355, photo courtesy Genie Hillen

Vogue 7485 was based on this original Vogue Couturier Design sewing pattern from 1940/41.

Versatility by Design

How do you take a chic and sophisticated sheath to over-the-top drama suitable for a Hollywood diva?

 

Miss Madra Lord poses in a smart, slim-fitting, pink dress featuring contrast collar and cuffs. The dress was made from Vogue pattern #7382 by Diane on Whidbey Island. OOAK hat and ascot are from The Couture Touch. Fur muff and gloves are from Ashton Drake, shoes from Integrity.

Miss Gene Marshall makes a dramatic entrance wearing the same dress accented with flamboyant, detachable bows. OOAK hat and bow detailing are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and jewelry are from Ashton Drake.

Vogue 7382

The pattern for this circa 1950 dress includes 3 variations. Using the original pattern, the bows were drafted as a separate piece that could be tacked or pinned in place yet easily removable for added versatility. 

Pool Pose Madra Lord and Star Entrance Gene Marshall are from Integrity Toys.