Black Calla

Released in 2008, Black Calla was an Integrity Toys release of an outfit that was originally modeled by Madra Lord. I chose to showcase Black Lipstick Gene Marshall instead.



Wearing 3 different wig caps (the second one was styled by the oh-so-talented Kathy Johnson), she looks stunning any way you slice it.



I always thought that Black Calla was a somewhat more stylish version of the Ashton Drake Black Lace fashion, which was inspired by a 1941 Irene Lentz design for Marlene Dietrich.



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Black Lipstick and Gray Lady

I have admired the photos I've seen of the custom outfits made for the original vinyl gray lady. When I received Black Lipstick, I thought she needed something special as well. Diane Wagner is my go-to gal when it comes to creating outfits that are timeless and tailored perfectly. With a Wayne Nilson dress for inspiration, I asked Diane to change it up a bit by making the skirt black and changing the color of the trim as well.



I could not have been more pleased with the results. Hairstyles by Kathy Johnson, my go-to gal for the best in 'dos!



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Deja Vu: Dramatic Entrance

I was pleasantly surprised by this Tonner outfit for their Deja Vu line. It actually looks as good in person as the photos. Other than the typical white stitching on black fabric, I found very little to nitpick over. Black Lipstick Gene Marshall models the 1920's era dress and coat which is very reminiscent of Cruella de Vil.



The location is West Hollywood's historic 1929 El Mirador Apartments. These shots could not be duplicated today, as the place is all boarded up.



If you are interested in buying this outfit from Tonner, just be aware that the dress is a bit tight in back. I was able to get it to button, but it took a lot of stretching.

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The Arrival of Black Lipstick

Yesterday, the much anticipated 20th Anniversary Gene Marshall Black Lipstick arrived. I don't think I have ever unpacked and photographed a doll so quickly.



LOVE her facepaint. The makeup seems a bit heavier, more reminiscent of the Integrity days, and that is exactly what I was hoping for. Even the eyelashes seem fuller…still in scale, but thicker. Hey Tonner! Pay attention! Good 16" doll lashes do exist.



My one wish would have been for the skin tone to be a bit lighter; less gray and more milky. Still, she photographs like a dream.





She looks fantastic with raven hair, too. I will definitely be doing a lot more photos of her wearing darker wigs.



What is next for Gene? Who knows, but in this shot she is definitely looking forward to it!



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All Glammed Up: 20 Years of Gene

Last night in Chicago, the 20th Anniversary Gene Marshall doll was unveiled and she's a stunner. Black Lipstick was unveiled with a black and white video; when the video went to color, and the doll stayed in the same unsaturated tones, the gasps from the audience revealed that she was indeed a Gray Lady! The last Gray Lady Gene was released in 2007, and she is a highly coveted doll, often fetching thousands of dollars when she comes up for sale (which is rare). The first photo is by George Gonzalez.

In honor of Gene's birthday, I did a little photo session using J'Adore, wearing a wig cap styled by Kathy Johnson. She is dressed in the Ivy Jordan Integrity outfit from 2009, "All Glammed Up."



Based on a Jean Louis outfit worn by Joan Crawford in 1955's "Queen Bee," it is truly a dress for drama.









Here are some of the other gems from the "Le Jazz Hot" Jamieshow Convention with photos by George Gonzalez. A nod to Lauren Bacall:



Wearing a lavender version of the same gown:



Madra:



Trent in gray:



Violet:



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