Lone Star Soirée

Lone Star Soiree was the name of this Gene Marshall doll from the 2006 Lone Star Doll Convention, released in an edition of 350. There was a blonde helper version, edition of 55. While I do like the outfit and its bold splash of red, the hairstyle is not one of Gene’s best looks.



Here’s the mermaid-style gown without the dramatic cape and collar:



Oh that hair…



Using Jamieshow Phoenix instead with a wig cap styled by Kathy Johnson, I am much happier with the result!



She prefers the collar down!



Giving the blondes a chance, I let Ashton Drake’s Fit For A Queen doll have her turn.



The inspiration for this outfit came from the fashion show sequence in “Lucy Gallant” (1955). The story involves a dressmaker who is forced to choose between love and a career. Does she get both? You’ll have to watch the movie. Jane Wyman played the title character (a role originally envisioned for Joan Crawford) and Charlton Heston as Casey Cole, her love interest. Costume designs were by Edith Head.





Jane looks stylish in her simplistic little black dress.



Here, Edith Head herself attempts to style the gown for the model. A perfect “caption this” opportunity!



See more Gene Marshall fashion doll photos at my website.

Gene visits Whidbey Island, Pt. 2

More from the talented hands of Diane at Whidbey Island. Today’s post features an outfit that Diane created based upon an Edith Head design used in the fashion show segment of the Jane Wyman movie “Lucy Gallant” (1955). A number of 1940’s & 1950’s movies featured fashion shows as part of the storyline; this was a great way to show off the designs of the studio costumer as well as do potential movie merchandising of similar garments.



I love the rich black faux fur used on the trim and the hat; so much of the fur you see used in doll-sized fashion is too large and looks very fake. Diane’s outfit is spot-on and looks fabulous!





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