Goodbye New York

When it comes to Gene's first year, my website didn't have too many photos of Gene's first outfits. I decided to rectify that by shooting Goodbye New York, which is one of my very favorite Gene ensembles. Released in 1995, this Doug James circa 1941 design was released separately, not on a dressed doll. It even comes with the teddy bear that you see here in the photos! Hello Hollywood, Hello Gene is modeling for us today.

From the story card:

Lucky travelers at Grand Central got a major eyeful last Tuesday if they happened to be heading toward Track 14. Noted Hollywood producer Eric von Sternberg was off to the City of Dreams…and at his side, a young lady named Gene Marshall, his latest and most luscious discovery, a dynamite blonde in a fur trimmed suit.



To the rest of the world, you look the part: a newly-discovered starlet, about to depart for Hollywood. But only you…and the kindly producer who has become your friend…know how you really feel. Happy, but wistful about leaving the simple life behind forever. Excited, but a little nervous about what the future holds.



Nonetheless, Gene starts to play her first "role" at the train station, where family, friends, and the press have come to see her off. And she'll certainly be going in style…because she's wearing the most beautifully tailored suit even sophisticated New York has seen!



Cut of brown crepe and houndstooth tweed, the jacket has the wide shoulders of classic '40s fashion, lavishly trimmed with faux fur. The crepe skirt has inverted pleats. Color flourishes at the suit's neckline, with the bright russet jersey blouse...and matching russet gloves truly help "make" the outfit. Gene's "fur" hat and muff are an unexpected, luxurious gift from the producer (the muff has a secret pocket for her hanky). Her hatbox declares her new "star" name: Gene. But the most touching goodbye gift of all is the teddy bear, Gene's childhood companion, brought to the station by her father to remind Gene forever of her family's love.





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