Voyage Rouge et Noir

Much to my shame, I have never had the two sets of luggage (Paris Fashion Doll Festival Exclusives from 2000 and 2001 I think?) out of their boxes; they are really cool and very nicely made and happened to fit with the red and black theme.

Gene and Ivy are off to New York for a meeting about Gene hosting a Christmas Special television show. They look pretty laden down - you'd think stars of their importance wouldn't have to carry their own bags would you?!

'Vixen' Gene is wearing the complete 'Cherry Smash' suit and is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2001. 'Color Deal' Ivy Jordan is wearing a white blouse and black pencil skirt by Tonner, shoes by Fashion Boulevard, houndstooth bag by Tonner, hat from Gene's 'Embassy Luncheon' outfit and the super-cute Scottie dog pin is by Fil Baldowski. Ivy is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2000. The two dogs are Gene's beloved terriers, 'Dottie and Dashiel'.

Filigree Flair

Even though the Integrity Genes are a lot more poseable than the Ashton Drake Genes, it is still quite tricky to do a full shot without reverting to shooting her just standing up straight, so I was quite pleased at how this turned out... she looks quite 'Dovima-ish'. If you are shooting her close-up and not full-length it is not as much of a problem.

'Ooh-La-La' Gene is modelling the complete 'Filigree' outfit ... looking at this now I wish I'd switched the gloves for black ones - they would look so much better! This is the text from the Storycard:

'Filigree' is a stylish cocktail dress circa 1949. A white cocktail dress provides the background for a lattice of lovely black. A flurry of black lace tops the bodice and a black ribbon highlights the back. Gene completes the look with a a scrumptious-looking hat, with black feathers jutting out from the centre of a small cap. Comes with white pearl earrings and thin ribbon shoes.

"Ohh-La-La' Gene by Integrity is modelling the complete 'Filigree' outfit by Ashton Drake. Chaise is a jewellery box from TK Maxx.

The 'Too Much' Girl

'As a major star of the late silent era, Zita Louise (as she was then called) was the epitome of the Jazz Age glamour. Known as the "Too Much Girl", Zita forged a reputation
as a party girl and was a favourite of the Hollywood gossip columns. Counts and Princes seemed always to be proposing to her in front of a fountain while the cameras were rolling. Everyone and anyone just wanted to be with Zita Charles! With her vampish look, sassy style and elegant vintage inspired gowns'.

This is the first 'Zita Charles' doll and she had her introduction in October 2008. Unfortunately for me, she was an FAO Schwarz Exclusive and at well over $250, plus shipping, out of
my reach.

There are various other incarnations of Zita -
I did toy with the idea of 'Wrap Party' as I liked
her outfit, but the only Zita that a truly wanted was 'Azalea Ice' - I just adore the streak in her hair - so I could not take the plunge and accept second best, as it were.

Needless to say I was delighted when trawling through the doll board I saw a post offering a NRFB 'Azalea Ice' for sale for $120! I emailed straight away and although the seller would not ship outside the US, they were happy to send the package to my darling shipping buddy in LA (thank you Andrew!)

Miss Zita Louise Charles arrived and as soon as I opened the box, I knew I had done the right thing in holding out for 'Azalea Ice' ... she is the BEST Zita, no contest! Her gown is really pretty and the chiffon drapes really nicely - the shoes are great too - I thought the jewellery was a bit lacklustre but nothing I cannot rectify! Here is the 'official' blurb:

Azalea Ice is the very first Zita Charles doll and is offered exclusively through FAO's online catalogue division. Zita wears a luscious one-shouldered gown with detailing at the bust that echoes the gown's incredible colorful train. Zita comes complete with matching gloves, shoes and jewelry so she is totally prepared to take on tonight's party, wherever it may be.

'Azalea Ice' Zita by Integrity models the 'Azalea Ice' gown, gloves and heels, Jewellery is a mixture of Franklin Mint and Tonner.

June Bride

Isn't it supposed to be lucky to get married in June? There is something about June and brides as the song says, "when you marry in June, you're a bride all your life."

Gene Marshall has certainly been a bride a fair few times; we are not sure if it is for real or as parts in her films, but she has appeared as 'I Do' (1920s Bride), 'To Have and To Hold' (1940s Bride, 'I Thee Wed', (1950s Bride) and 'Monaco' (a copy of Grace Kelly's wedding gown). She has even had a pegnoir set in blue lace with blue fluffy high-heeled mules called 'Honeymoon'.

This wedding gown is by Franklin Mint and not surprisingly is for their Jackie Kennedy doll ... as you can see it is a copy of her wedding ensemble. It is a wonderful copy, all in scale, even down to lace on the veil and the head-cap and is very faithful to the original. Even the bouquet is pretty accurate.

It's not a bad fit on Gene either - a little large on the waist and the shoes do not fit but overall it looks good.

Franklin Mint do a lot a bridal gowns - they have one for their Lucille Ball doll which is typical 1950s below the knee full-skirted tulle and also one for their Grace Kelly doll, which again is a very good copy of the original gown (better than the Ashton Drake 'Monaco' one for Gene).

If I could get them at a good price I'd go for it but I'm not desperate for them - maybe Ivy Jordan and Marsha Hunt would look good in them?

I'd like to think that Gene finally tamed Trent and they got married and had a long and happy life together ... who doesn't want a happy ending?

'Blue Parasol' Gene by Integrity is modelling the complete Franklin Mint Jackie Kennedy wedding ensemble, with the pearl necklace from 'Palm Springs' Jackie Kennedy outfit, also by Franklin Mint.

Puppy Love

I got this Gene in June 2009. Great price too ... $70 including shipping and NRFB. She originally retailed at $99 so that was what I'd call a deal ... you can't get an Integrity Gene/Madra etc for less than $200 now so they have more than doubled in price.

She is really, really pretty; her eyes are more of a turquoise blue than the standard Gene blue and her make-up is lovely too. She is called 'Special Scene' and was from the series of three sweater-girl dolls (with Madra and Violet). I initially liked the Madra but did not want her but when someone posted a picture of her on The Studio Commissary board, she went on my list!

'Special Scene' Gene is wearing her original outfit and shoes all by Integrity. The pink stole in the hatbox is from 'Blue Evening', the hatboxes, shoes boxes and ornament boxes (tied with pink organza ribbon) are all from the Ashton Drake Gene line. The white Maltese terrier is from ebay.

Black, White and Red All Over

I took this photo four years ago and have only just got round to doing anything with it ... eeek! 

I redressed a few Monolithic ladies in black, white and red and I was pleased with the result and I haven't changed them yet but they are now all packed away until I get a suitable cabinet to display them properly – (I am missing them so much!)

These are three of my favourites ('Postcards From Cannes' Madra, 'Plum Role' Gene and 'Shadow Song' Gene). I love the hair-styles on these girls.

'Postcards From Cannes' Madra is modelling the dress and gloves from 'It's A Cinch' by Integrity, the hat and waist-sash from 'Little Black Dress' by Ashton Drake, shoes from Tonner's 'Basic Velma Kelly' and 'Chanel' brooch by Doll-Scum. 'Plum Role' Gene is modelling the 'Cherry Crisp' outfit and 'Shadow Song' shoes both by Integrity and an 'Enid Collins Pagoda' purse by Retros. 'Shadow Song' Gene is modelling the 'Lucky Stripe' outfit by Ashton Drake and heart brooch by
Doll-Scum.

Evening Sunset

This is an Ashton Drake Gene outfit that I got in the salesroom at the Paris Fashion Doll Festival back in 2007. It was an outfit made for Violet Waters and is called 'Evening Sunset' and was destined for ebay but when I downloaded the picture I changed my mind!

It is a beautiful copper-coloured satin with a midnight blue lace overlay. The shoes are a bit average (just ribbon slides in midnight blue) and I hated the ridiculous flower arrangement on the veiled headpiece - so that got snipped off - but the dress itself is quite good quality. I think the mesh sleeves could have done with being a fraction tighter as they look a bit too wide, but all in all, the design is really pretty.

The box was the same as all the AD Gene outfit boxes but it did have a 'Violet' logo sticker on it (similar to the oval silver 'Gene' logo) and the hose were more of a tan colour rather than nude to match Ms Waters colouring.

'Color Deal' Ivy is modelling the complete 'Evening Sunset' outfit from Ashton Drake (minus the flower on the veiled hat and the tan hose).

All About Venus

Since Gene was launched in 1995 there have been a lot of dolls and a lot of outfits - I am glad that Integrity did not overload us like AD started to do (the quality went down and the cost went up!).

Back when I very first got into Gene I used to buy a lot of Gene outfits (think the most Gene dolls I had at the time was maybe 14) but I had lots and lots of outfits. I sold a lot that I never seemed to redress the dolls in but I still have a fair few to keep Gene and her chums happy!

This is one of the outfits that I always liked - it was originally on a dressed doll (Madra) and was one of the more expensive dolls at the time so I gave it a miss. Well my patience did pay off as I eventually got this for a steal (£20!!) from a great seller in Oz and I have to say it was WELL worth the wait ... it is fabulous! The jewellery is great too and that cape is divine.

I am so loving 'Distant Venus' too - she reminds me of the old-style Gene but looks a lot more sophisticated (sorry to all old AD Gene lovers but I think the Integrity Gene's just knock spots off the AD Genes - the facepaints are far, far nicer IMO and that is before we start on the clothing and articulation!)

'Distant Venus' Gene from Integrity (hair restyled by Doll-scum) is modelling the Ashton Drake 'All About Eve' outfit. I swapped out the original ivory gloves for the gloves from 'Gold Sensation'. Ivory satin and diamante evening bag by Doll-scum.

Reflet D'Argent

I've had this Tonner gown for years - it is one of my favourites obviously, as it is still here! It is from their 'Theatre De La Mode' series and is called 'Reflet D'Argent'. It does have a beautiful turban with a big feather plume but none of my Monolithic girls have a suitable hairstyle to go under it, sadly.

With a few exceptions, I love the outfits in Tonner's TDLM series and would like to add a few more. I was very pleased to get 'Glammed Up' Ivy as a nude off ebay - I like brown-eyed blondes and personally, I like her with her hair restyled; the severe updo did nothing for me (or her!). I think Ivy has a great face and I can't believe she is the same mould as the 'Marsha Hunt' doll which I initially did not like much, but she has since grown on me. I still think my favourite Ivy is the 'Color Deal' one.

'Glammed Up' Ivy is modelling the Tonner TDLM 'Reflet D'Argent' gown and armlets. Diamond necklace and earrings by Franklin Mint and purse from the 'In The Pink' Silkstone Barbie.

Gene Genie

Gene has ‘risen from the ashes’ of Ashton Drake and Integrity and emerged Phoenix-like in resin form. The new reincarnation is courtesy of JamieShow, in collaboration with Mel Odom of course, and has been about for a while now, probably a couple of years?

I got a resin Gene via ebay as a nude with no outfit and wig. I wasn’t too bothered about the wig as it was just a long, dark brunette side-part – nothing special and not particularly vintage looking. The outfit looked cute and I bought this separately, again via ebay but alas, in reality it was no great shakes and a bit cheap looking. If anything it made me realise just how fabulous the Ashton Drake bathing suits from the ‘Simply Gene’ dolls are …. great quality and attention to detail.

But back to the doll herself. I did not like the faces on the first two resin Genes (Phoenix and J’Adore) and I did not feel that I needed to add a ‘different’ Gene to my Monolithic stable. I did change my mind though when I saw ‘White Orchid’ as I thought she had a nicer face and when one came up on ebay I jumped. The body is lovely; beautiful translucent resin, good quality finishing and super-poseable. Also, the stand is second to none – the level is adjustable via a tiny clamp-like screw and it is has a good, solid saddle so you can get your doll posing safely (take note Superdoll!). So, what’s not to like I hear you say? Well to be brutally frank it's her face – I just can’t get on with the resin Gene’s face-up. To me it just looks wishy-washy, insipid, mediocre, weak and lacking in some way. It is not horrible, or badly painted, it is just NOT Gene!

Since ‘White Orchid’ all the other Monolithic characters have been released by JamieShow and they are all really very nicely done … I’d give each and every one of them a place in my Gene cabinet, particularly Ivy Jordan and Marsha Hunt (who, strangely was my least favourite Integrity character) but I just can’t fall in love with the JamieShow Gene! Another thing I am not keen on is wig-cap concept … the longer haired wigs can look ok but any ‘up do’ styles look a bit odd to me like they don’t belong.

‘White Orchid’ will be heading off to ebay and I think I’ll be sticking with my Integrity girls for now whose faces are all fabulous, flirty, fun and far from mediocre!

‘Back Row L-R 'Love Madra', 'Color Deal' Violet Waters, 'Silhouette of the 40s' Gene, 'Azalea Ice' Zita Charles, 'Special Scene' Gene, 'Calendar Shot' Gene, 'Glammed-up' Ivy Jordan all modelling  the Ashton Drake 'Simply Gene' bathing suits, except 'Calender Shot' Gene who is in her own swimsuit. All dolls by Integrity, hatboxes by Ashton Drake.

Happy 20th Anniversary Miss Marshall

Wow! It is hard to believe that Miss Gene Marshall celebrates her 20th Anniversary this year! Although she was launched in 1995, it wasn’t until 1999 that I discovered her (doll collecting is not as popular a hobby in the UK as it is in the US!) and subsequently fell in love with her. It is a love affair that has endured from the Ashton Drake era through to Integrity and now Jamieshow (although I am finding it hard to like the face of Jamieshow Gene – sorry!)

She was the first l5” fashion doll, spawning a long list of copycats and wannabes, but she is tougher than she looks and has survived and flourished against all odds … she is a legend!

Happy 20th Anniversary Gene and many more to come!

‘Blue Parasol’ Gene from Integrity, is modelling a gown that I know nothing about unfortunately as it was a prize. 'Frostfire' necklace and diamante cuffs by Facets, mink stole by Dimitha and earrings and chandelier by Doll-scum.

Christmas Stockings!

I really cannot understand what all the fuss is about the recent Victoria's Secrets catwalk show and lingerie ... yes, the models are all gorgeous and would look fabulous in anything but to me, the lingerie itself looks cheap and totally unsexy .... far too obvious and tacky. Thankfully, people like Dita Von Teese and Paloma Faith are putting vintage underwear back in the spotlight and girls are realising that you don't have to be wearing next to nothing to look sexy! I think Abbe Lane looks delicious in her bullet bra, stockings and corselette. Finished off with satin boudoir mules, a marabou trimmed peignoir and a 'come hither' look she just oozes naughtiness!

So gentlemen, if you are thinking of buying your lady some lingerie for Christmas, think old-style glamour ... I am sure you will both enjoy the unwrapping!

'You Devil, You' Abbe Lane by Superdoll is modelling the 'Blush' Gene bullet bra, corselette and stockings all by Integrity. Satin and lame marabou-trimmed peignoir and satin mules from 'The Kiss' by Ashton Drake. Three-strand pearl necklace from Franklin Mint. Pearl drop earrings and hair ribbon by Doll-Scum.

The Fragrant Ms Marshall

It is now that time of year when we start to get bombarded by adverts for various fragrances. Is it just me or do they get more and more ridiculous each year? Keira Knightly on a motorbike, Charlize Theron climbing up a rope and who can forget the unintentionally hilarious scene of Nicole Kidman being flung about on a Parisian rooftop giggling "I'm a dancer"? Sorry Nicole but you clearly aren't! The only ones that I do like are the Jean Paul Gaultier adverts, which are firmly tongue-in-cheek but manage to be both witty and sexy.

Let's hark back to far more glamourous time, when Hollywood stars WERE stars and anybody who was anybody endorsed a perfume or even had a fragrance created for them, like the world-famous 'Ooh La Noir' that Chopard created for Gene Marshall in winter 1953. It was an instant hit with women wanting it in their stocking on Christmas morning and their men only too happy to have their ladies smelling like the fragrant Ms Marshall Ahhhh!

'Ooh-La-La' Gene by Integrity is modelling the 'Mystique' gown by Tonner, black gloves from 'Unsung Melody' by Ashton Drake, ruby and diamond necklace by also by Tonner, ruby and diamond earrings and bracelet by Franklin Mint. Diamond and tulle belt by Doll-Scum

Deco Postcards

Still on the subject of Madra and hair colours, this is my favourite raven Madra (see, doesn't she just work every hair colour?!) styled in a 20s-early 30s look with her marcel waved hair and pencil-thin eyebrows. I think Madra really, really suits this look and Inetgrity did too as they made a few Madras with this style; 'C'est Moi' (redhead), Rivieria Romp (blonde with a suntan!) and this doll who is 'Postcards from Cannes'. Again, I bought her nude and yes, I do like the outfit that came with this doll, but I am happy just to have the doll alone! I love her in this gown which is 'Diamond Evening' from Ashton Drake, I think she looks very Deco!

'Postcards from Cannes' Madra by Integrity is modelling the 'Diamond Evening' gown and silver peep-toe heels from Midnight Gamble, both by Ashton Drake. Diamond cuff by Franklin Mint' and diamond drop earrings by Doll-Scum.

LOVE Madra!

Even though Madra is definitely a redhead, like Gene she looks fabulous with all other hair colours too and I really wanted a blonde Madra ever since seeing the AD Madra that modelled the 'Coffee Klatch' outfit way back in 2001. I did get the 'Cofee Klatch' outfit but never did get my blonde Madra, until last year, when this doll came up for sale on Ebay and was even happier because she was listed on Ebay UK!! What were the chances of that?! Sadly she was nude but I still jumped at the chance and was delighted to be high bidder. This doll was my favourite from the last Gene Convention (well the last one for Integrity Gene) and I would like to get her outfit one day. I restyle her hair at the back as it was very long, very static and very unruly.

'Love Madra' (LE ??) by Integrity is from the Stardust Gene Convention in 2010. she is modelling the 'One The Avenue' outfit  (circa 1955) by Ashton Drake. The divine Enid Collins style cat purse is by Retros.

Madra is a Redhead ...

Surely nobody can argue about this statement ... it's more of a fact than a statement! Mabel Lorkovic may not have had hair as bright red as her alter-ego, Madra Lord, but she was most definitely a natural redhead ... I think Trent Osborn confirmed this in his deliciously detailed autobiography, 'My Wicked, Wicked Ways'.

I LOVE 'Licquorice Crush' Madra; she is perhaps my favourite Madra as she has a camp factor that goes off-the-scale!. Her Crawford-esque hair do has to be one of Integrity's best (if not THE best) and her outfit is pretty cool too ... totally digging the Schiparelli-pink satin gloves!

 'Licquorice Crush' Madra by Integrity is wearing her original dress, gloves, jewellery and shoes.

Gene IS a Blonde!

To me, Gene is most definitely a blonde. She might have had several colours of hair throughout her illustrious career, changing shades and styles for various film roles and maybe sometimes she liked the new colour and kept it for a while, but she always went back to blonde.

Now I am not saying that her hair is its natural colour, even as a blonde - I do remember reading in the book 'Girl Star' that it was lightened during her train journey to Hollywood - but Katie Marshall was born blonde.

I love her with all hair colours but that last three Integrity Genes I have bought have been blonde .... maybe it is a subconscious thing?! I really like this blonde bubble cut on 'Lone Star Soiree Texas Gold' Gene; it is a shame that her body is going the same colour as her hair!

'Lone Star Soiree Texas Gold' Gene by Integrity, is modelling the dress, gloves, handbag and earrings from 'Incognito' by Ashton Drake. Shoes are by Blumingtons, cats-eye sunglasses from Horsman and her maltese terrier is by DAE.

Smouldering Seductively ... Ms Violet Waters

The beautiful chanteuse, Miss Violet Waters, was the fourth character to be added to the Monolithic line in November 2001. I remember being super-excited waiting for my pre-ordered 'Special Apperance' Violet to arrive from the US ... Violet makes her debut in "Special Appearance" a stunning gown of delicate white lace that boasts over 12,000 (that's right, it's not a misprint - 12,000!) hand-applied sequins and seed beads.

Well this was one of the most, if not THE most, disappointing gowns ever! The "delicate white lace" turned out to be tacky stretch lace used for making cheap stripper's lingerie and the beading was oversized and nothing special. I did like the doll and still have her (loved the hairstyle) but that dress just had to go!

Fast forward to Autumn 2008 and the gorgeous 'Color Deal' Violet Waters made her debut courtesy of Integrity. Needless to say she caught my eye and I managed to buy a nude off ebay. At around the same time I bought this Tonner gown called 'Smouldering Seduction' also off ebay. Upon arrival it did reek of cigarette smoke, which the seller failed to mention, but I did not feel I could complain, given the outrageously small sum of money I paid for it and luckily, the smell did fade when I hung it on the washing line for a few days. 

Now this IS a gown fit for Ms Waters to make her 'Special Apperance' in ... smouldering!

'Color Deal' Violet is modelling 'Smouldering Seduction' by Tonner. Silver microphone and stand from the 'USO' set by Ashton Drake. Earrings by Doll-Scum.

Ooh La Valentine

I love the face paint on this Gene (it does have an official name but I can't recall what it is!) who is called 'Ooh-La-La!'. There were three dolls made by Integrity with this face paint, the other two being 'Shadow Song' and 'Rondolet'.

This is an Ashton Drake outfit that I sold and bought back again. I love the style and the fabric is great quality ... I just find the length a bit strange?! The shoes are nice too and a change from the ribbon ties (which I actually do like but it got to the point where AD used them for almost every outfit!). Gene is ready to make an entrance at the Hollywood Valentine Ball ... I wonder who will be escorting her?

'Ooh-La-La!' Gene by Integrity is modelling the 'Ransom in Red' outfit by Ashton Drake. Ruby and diamond necklace by Tonner, ruby and diamond earrings by Franklin Mint and heart-shaped diamond brooch by Facets.

Oh Lordy!

When Integrity relaunched Ms Madra Lord with the FAO Exclusive 'Midas Touch' I was delighted! I always liked Madra; she was the devil to Gene's angel ... a bit like Rizzo vs Sandy! Now to get anything direct from FAO to the United Kingdom is nigh on impossible ... useless website and riduculous shipping cost being the two main obstacles, so I resigned myself to being Madra-less for a while.

This served me well in long run because I saw 'Metropolitan Madra' and just had to have her. It did help that a very nice US seller was willing to ship her to the UK, so over to old Blighty my first Integrity Madra came! I just did not like her outfit one little bit and sold it almost immediately; it was a wine coloured satin gown with big winged sleeves and totally average jewellery and shoes ... just not my thing!

'El Morocco' is one of the Gene outfits that I kept. The fit isn't fabulous but I like the length and the tulle overskirt is cute.  It was also one the few AD outfits to come with black hose. I keep meaning to do something better with the hat!

'Metropolitan Madra' by integrity is modelling the dress, overskirt, cuff, earrings, hose and clutch purse from 'El Morocco' by Ashton Drake. Hat by Fil Baldowski. Crystal butterfly heels by Doll-Scum.