Diane does Dots!

I was thrilled with this outfit by Diane Wagner, expertly modeled by Cocoa Crisp, but I can't say I am very excited about the photo shoot. Too rushed; poor lighting; and uninspired layout. When I have the time, I will revisit this fantastic fashion, which came complete with the umbrella!





To read about the Diane's inspiration for this polka-dot creation, visit her blog.

See more Diane's work on my Gene Marshall web page.

Holly Golightly debut

The first doll in Integrity's "Breakfast at Tiffany's"/Holly Golightly series has been released. Called "Crazy for Tiffany's," this doll depicts how Holly looked on her date with her rich Brazilian boyfriend, José da Silva Pereira (played by José Luis de Vilallonga).



The doll looks very much like the publicity shots that were released. On the plus side, the construction of the outfit is impeccable. The dress blows away the Mattel versions and makes them look extremely cheap. Integrity shows that clothes for a 12" doll need not be ill-fitting and poorly constructed. The purse, jewelry, and shoes are made perfectly to scale and make this doll appear as if she just stepped out of the 1961 movie.



Except for the face. I totally understand that Integrity wasn't licensed to do Audrey Hepburn's face. But for once...just once...could they do a different sculpt that doesn't have overblown lips and half-shut eyes? Even if Audrey couldn't be re-created, they could at least attempt to capture her loveable humor and charm. This doll has zilcho charm in my book. And don't even try to pose her without the stand; this doll with the "Kitten Heel" foot will topple over no matter how you try. Is it that hard to design a shoe that will balance these gals? At least on the dolls with flexible ankles you might stand a chance. Not this one though.



The presentation of the box is lovely, and the extra pair of hands are a nice bonus. I will be looking forward to the other releases in this series.

See more Audrey Hepburn/Holly Golightly doll photos on my Audrey doll web page.

The Talented Kathy Johnson, Pt. 3

When I received the Tonner Mrs. Charles Hamilton doll, I loved the back of her hairstyle, but the huge curls in front were atrocious. Compare with a still from the movie:



I decided to give this doll a second chance by sending her to Kathy Johnson in Oregon for a little restyling. Here's the result:



Thanks to Kathy's skill, this Scarlett has avoided being sold off on ebay.



Here Scarlett enjoys a dance with Rhett:



Want to fix up your Tonner Mrs. Charles Hamilton doll? Send her to Kathy! Email her today: sewkj@pcez.com

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Gene in Walt Disney's "The Parent Trap"

Most of you are probably familiar with the Disney classic, "The Parent Trap," which starred the gorgeously auburn haired Maureen O'Hara. What many of you may not know is that our gal Gene was originally slated to play the role of Hayley Mills' mother. Here is a studio publicity shot that had to be squelched when a sudden illness forced Gene to be replaced in the production. Although heartbreaking for Gene, she was happy that her good friend Ms. O'Hara could step in and do such a wonderful job in the role.



Here are a few color production stills of Gene wearing the outfit that can be viewed in the scene where her character is reunited with her other daughter after many years.







This ensemble was created by D.A.E. and is called "Morning News"; originally, it came with a gold chemise attached to the green skirt. I wasn't crazy about how it looked, so I rolled it down to keep it from being seen in the photos. In this final photo, Gene steps out of her chic vintage car:



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Imitation of Life Outfit

Diane Wagner has been a fantastic resource to keep my Gene collection fresh. Not only does she have a good eye for retro fashions, she is also an impeccable seamstress. The first photo shows Lana Turner wearing a sheath and coat ensemble from the classic weepie, "Imitation of Life." Coming home from a long trip, she looks positively refreshed in this cream colored outfit trimmed in fur.



Diane re-created this outfit for my Derby Dreams Gene. I'd say she gives Lana a good run for the money!









And here's Gene just stepping out of her vintage black Thunderbird.



See more Gene Marshall photos on my Gene Marshall web page.

Noble Invitation

Sorry for the long lapse in posting, but after a few hours of shooting today, I have enough to create a few more posts until my next block of "free" time can be found. Today's model is Cocoa Crisp Gene, wearing the richly brocaded Noble Invitation. Released in 2001 as an FAO Schwarz exclusive, this circa 1954 design was created by Jim Howard. It is very reminiscent of a robe that Vivien Leigh wore in "Gone With The Wind."

From the story card:

It had been five years since an American had been awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature, and now, in 1954, the honor had been bestowed on that fine American writer Ernest Hemingway.



Gene was thrilled that Mr. Hemingway had taken the Prize. Only a year before, she had done an interview in the Hemingway Bar in Paris, hoping to get a glimpse of the rowdy writer. But now, Gene had reason to be even more thrilled: she'd been invited as an honored guest to the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm. On the transatlantic flight, Gene reread the little book that had clinched Hemingway's Nobel nod: The Old Man and the Sea. Dozing to the drone of the plane's engines, she imagined herself as Santiago, fighting the magnificent marlin…what a story—and what a great movie it would make! If it had only been The Young Woman and the Sea!



In Stockholm, Gene was fated, once again, not to meet Hemingway: illness kept him away and Ambassador John C. Cabot read Hemingway's moving acceptance speech. The rest of the night was filled with toasts and tributes to the absent author.

The party Gene attended was all abuzz: rumor had it that Gustav VI Adolf, King of Sweden, might attend with his wife, Queen Louise. Gene, dressed in regal loveliness, felt her heart beat a little faster when, suddenly, a hush fell over the room, and the crowd parted as…



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