Hollywood Canteen Report, Pt. 2

The highlight of the Hollywood Canteen was the dinner and reveal of the Convention dolls. George and Tim were dressed appropriately for the theme:



The 1944 film "Hollywood Canteen" starring Jack Benny and Bette Davis was playing in the background:



A definite bonus for the Convention was being able to meet the people that brought Gene to life and have kept her going so strong, including Mel Odom himself:



Mike Basala of Studio Commissary and Randy Simmons:



Designers extraordinaire Lynne Day and Diane Wagner:



I had the great fortune of being able to sit next to Diane at dinner; it was so nice to be able to meet her in person after having bought so many Gene outfits from her! Best of all, she was just as nice as I'd imagined she'd be. Table gifts were generously laid out at each plate. My convention newbie-self was woefully unprepared; I will have to make up for it at Sandra's Convention!



Up at the podium display there was a golden-clad Gene and Trent, waiting to be auctioned off:



Mel took a moment to pose Gene to perfection:



Closeups of the duo:





It was wonderful to hear Mel speak about his creation, Gene Marshall:



As most know by now, the Convention doll reveals were Marsha Hunt and Cary, a new Jamieshow male inspired by Cary Grant.



Mel proudly posing with Marsha:



My report finishes out with shots of the rest of the Hollywood Canteen collection, beginning with Trent:



I really wasn't planning on getting another Trent, but the highly detailed outfit was not something I could resist. George had told me that the medals were all custom created, just as the daisy buttons for Madra were:



Ivy:



Two Violets; which color do you prefer?



Oona:



Zita Charles:



Last, but certainly not least, is the newest Gene Marshall. I could not believe how beautiful the doll AND outfit were. This one was a complete winner for me, rivaling J'Adore:





That just about covers the highlights of my first Convention. Will I see all of you at Sandra Stillwell's New Orleans Convention in August?

See more Gene Marshall Hollywood Canteen Convention photos at my website.

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!



See more Gene Marshall doll photos on my regular website.

Something's Got To Give with Gene

I have always thought this fur-trimmed ensemble from the unfinished Marilyn Monroe film "Something's Got To Give" was ultra chic. When Diane Wagner agreed to recreate it for me, I was so excited to have Gene model it that I did a quick photo session. I was not so excited about the result. The photos just seemed lackluster.

Enter Kathy Johnson, hairstylist supreme.

She spruced up the same wig and voila, Gene has got her oomph back. The added diamond pin didn't hurt, either.



Her feet were tired from posing so she had to sit down.



Wearing a new Jamieshow wig called The Hutton which was a prize I received from the AWESOME Studio Commissary!:



The fur hat that goes with this ensemble looks much better with a less poofy hairdo:



See more Marilyn Monroe doll photos on my regular website.

Gene as Grace

Today's post shows J'Adore Gene Marshall wearing a dress created by the talented Diane Wagner based on Grace Kelly's outfit from the Hitchock film, "Rear Window." Two different wig caps; the 2nd one was restyled by Kathy Johnson. It takes an army to make these photos!



See more Gene Marshall Grace Kelly Doll photos on my regular website.

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 Wagner's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"

The Marilyn Monroe movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is one of those movies that I consider sheer perfection. I cannot think of a single moment that should be changed. The chemistry between Jane Russell and Monroe is fantabulous, and the supporting cast is no less brilliant. This leopard-trimmed outfit that Monroe wears as she enters the cruise ship is one of my very favorite costumes that she wears in the film. Designed by Travilla, it fits her like a glove and shows off every sensuous curve of her body.



Recently, Diane Wagner did her take on this outfit and I snatched it up. It sure looks beautiful on "Fit For A Queen" Gene Marshall.



I did my best to match the jewelry Monroe wore, but at some point in the future will probably do another photo shoot with pieces that come closer. The "diamond" brooch is from the All About Eve trunk set.



The outfit was barely out of the carton before I was photographing it - I like it that much!





Many thanks to Diane for bringing this outfit to life; she hit another home run as far as I'm concerned!

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