Gene Marshall and Vanity Fair

When I saw this photo in Vanity Fair, I immediately thought it would look much better on Gene Marshall (no offense to Amber Heard!). I sent the photo to Diane Wagner, and the results can be seen here. I knew it would be good, but was thrilled with the final results. She knocked herself out, making sure the fit was perfect.



The suit itself is even lined, which most people probably wouldn't have bothered with.



Phoenix wears this outfit pretty well, don't you think?



She looks like she just stepped out of the pages of Vanity Fair!



To see more of Diane's amazing work, visit her blog.

See more Gene & Marilyn doll photos on my doll web pages.

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.

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.

Meet Me In St. Louis, Pt. 2

Madame Alexander only sold one "Meet Me in St. Louis" doll, despite the fact that there are several very cool costumes that Judy Garland's character wears throughout the movie. To help fill the void, I enlisted the help of Diane from Whidbey Island. The care and attention to detail that she lavishes on her doll clothes is out of this world. Feast your eyes on her recreation of the outfit Judy wore when she sang “The Trolley Song.”













See more Gene Marshall & Friends photos at my regular website.

Grace Kelly/Rear Window series, Pt. 3

Ladies Who Launch Gene is back, standing in for Grace Kelly, modeling my favorite “Rear Window” creation by Diane on Whidbey Island. Photos do not do justice to this outfit; the pleats and other details are difficult to capture due to the all-black coloration of the dress. Just take my word for it—it’s gorgeous.











And a photo of the actual Grace wearing this costume in the movie, with costar Jimmy Stewart:



For a little bonus today, I got my Franklin Mint vinyl Grace Kelly out to model the oufit. Seemed only natural since it was originally worn by Grace in the movies.



If you’ve seen a Franklin Mint Grace Kelly, then you’ll know I’ve fiddled with mine. Her eyes are painted too large, her head is too big for her body, and she comes with one hairdo: pulled back tight in a bun. Thanks to Kathy from Oregon, she now has a Grace ’do. This photo shows what her face looked like before I photoshopped it. Yes, the eyes are a little scary. One day when I get the time, I’ll do a repaint.



One more of Grace, taken from the balcony of her San Francisco apartment:



See more Gene Marshall photos at my regular website.