Cognac Evening: The Backstory

I have posted photos before of Cognac Evening, one of my very favorite outfits made for Gene Marshall. Recently, designer José Ferrand was kind enough to write for me the behind-the-scenes story of how he came to create this gorgeous Circa 1951 outfit that was released in 1999:

I had started making this dress for my own enjoyment, before I even dreamed of becoming part of "The Gene Team." It turned out to be a good thing since, after meeting Mel at the Plaza during Toy Fair and approaching him the following day at FAO Schwarz, I had only a few weeks to make a small collection to show him and Joan Greene. It was bought on the spot, once they saw it along with "Love, Paris" and a third one that would develop into "Honeymoon." The design was a result of copious sketching and it owes a little to Dior's Oval collection (1951) and also to old family pictures. The original hat was more of an Ann Boleynish cap with beading along the edges, burnt orange marabou feathers on one side, and black netting over her forehead. The much loved final hat was designed by someone at Ashton Drake (most likely Michelle Tibbetts).

Here are two photos of Cognac Evening with the original hat:





And the final outfit, as photographed by Steven Mays for the original Gene Marshall publicity materials:



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Cognac Evening

Even though it took awhile for me to finally shoot it, Cognac Evening is one of my favorite Gene Marshall outfits. I love the color...the sheen of the fabric. José Ferrand hit a home run as far as I'm concerned on this circa 1951 ensemble, released in 1999.



From the story card:

During visits back home in Cos Cob, Gene was always happy to accept an invitation to enjoy a reception at the governor's mansion. As one of Connecticut’s most famous “children,” she relished the opportunity to sit with friends and catch up on events in her home state.

Tonight, resplendent on the arm of the state representative from her district, Gene once again proved the perfect guest: listening intently as the others spoke of their experiences adjusting to life in Connecticut since the War; regaling the party with stories of the lighter side of film making; sharing heartfelt moments of nostalgia.



Later, as the others settled in to enjoy cognac, cigars, and tea in the library, Gene politely excused herself. The trip back to Cos Cob needed to be made, and her train to California left much too early from New York City’s Grand Central Station the next day.

As she started to leave, the governor warmly took her gloved hand in his own. “Gene,” he said, “you’ve added just the right touch to the gathering. You are truly one of Connecticut's finest exports.”



Gene felt her blue eyes start to get a little misty. For even though she was the toast of Hollywood, a world-traveler, and adored by millions, at heart she was still always little Katie Marshall from Cos Cob—and tonight, that's exactly who she wanted to be.

Follow my Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, Zita Charles, Violet Waters, Trent Osborn, Poppy Parker, and other classic movie star doll updates on Twitter. See more Gene Marshall & Friends photos at my regular website.

More Cognac Evening

One more shot of Cognac Evening, which is one of my favorite outfits. Although simple, it is definitely classic, and the color is so deep and rich. My one beef is that the majority of Gene dolls come with those annoying tie shoes. My fingers are too damn big to maneuver those things!

Two things got me to start my Gene webpage and this blog; one is that it is very difficult to find decent-sized photos of Gene and her outfits. Another is that with all of her different costumes, Gene will be the perfect model for blending my travel photography with appropriately-themed poses of the fictional Hollywood beauty.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Welcome to Gene Marshall @ Daveland!

It’s a short one, but today is the first post of my new blog (like I really need another one!). This one honors Mel Odom’s creation Gene Marshall, a fictional character come to life in the form of a 15" doll. Her backstory is that of an actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age with a fierce fashion wardrobe. This blog will feature publicity stills of Miss Marshall as well as photos I have taken of the Genes in my own collection. Enjoy!

The first outfit shown here is known as Cognac Evening. Created in 1999 by Jose Ferrand, it is a circa 1951 ensemble. One of the perqs of each Gene doll and outfit is that they come with storycards, describing the clothes and how they fit into Gene’s life and career. Here’s an excerpt from this particular one:

During visits back home to Cox Cob, Gene was always happy to accept an invitation to enjoy a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. As one of Connecticut’s most famous ‘children,’ she relished the opportunity to sit with friends and catch up on events in her home state.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.