Gene goes to Palm Springs

I can't believe it's been two weeks since the trip to Palm Springs for the "final" Gene Marshall Jamieshow Convention. Gene is showing off the host hotel, The Riviera Resort and Spa. Just pull your car right up here:



Love the green of the lobby, as that's my favorite color!



The rooms are tastefully decorated without being overdone.



What a great sunset view from my balcony!



You can't have a great hotel in Palm Springs without a pool:



The Convention began with a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres get-together. Of course the man behind Gene was there mingling with the guests who were looking forward to seeing what the "final" Gene would look like. Mel's partner Charlie is on the right.



George's talented photographer Ruben Fuentes was on hand to capture the event. Here's one of me with Sandra Stillwell (see you in Cleveland?) and collector Darin:



The first Gene doll was there to bid her fond farewell.



Michael, Darin, and Larry:



After what seemed like an eternity (doll collectors have no patience), we were allowed into the sales room:



Doris & Rock greeted everyone:



The Centennial Marsha Hunt doll in the outfit she wore at FDR's birthday party in 1937:



Miss Lord:



I would have to say that Zita Charles was the "wow" of the Convention; she sold out very quickly.



Violet looking like she stepped right out of the Groovy Sixties!



Should we or shouldn't we? Calculating what we were going to get, with Diane Wagner and Lynne Day:



The next morning there was a line outside the sales room. People wanted more! My favorite Gene hairdresser, Kathy Johnson, made it to the Convention. What a great surprise!



Oh Cindy...just take the picture! I am so glad I captured this, even though she will probably get me back next time I see her.



The "farewell" dinner (sorry, have to include the quotes; I am hopeful!) had me at table 8.



Sandra and Michael, ready for another successful collaboration in Cleveland:



Darin & Larry:



Darin, Vera, Larry, and Kelly Red. Also at Table 8:



Ruben allowed me to shoot him (and he returned the favor!) with George Gonzalez, who put the whole shebang together:



George with the always fashionable (and sassy) Reba:



Randy & Michael:



"Moi?!?"



Michael brought his Zita doll to the table, wearing a special lavender "Edith" from the Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style Convention:



Thanks for the shot, Ruben!



Besides Cindy, Michael will probably shoot me for posting this other shot that Ruben took. I happen to like it.



Mel as he unveiled Gene:



He's going to take some time to be able to play and create with Gene...and then we'll see. She might have another go after that.



George unveils the Jamieshow Convention doll, Veronika, wearing a space-age helmet and mod outfit:



Final shot is of Mel and Charlie, posing with Palm Springs Gene:



It was so great to see everyone again and enjoy the wonderful Palm Springs weather. Thanks for making it happen, George and Mel!

See more Gene Marshall Jamieshow photos at my website.

Madra: Silhouette of the 1920s

Released in 2009, Silhouette of the 1920s is modeled by Madra Lord.



Looking like the quintessential flapper, Madra is dressed to kill. Knowing her, probably literally.



Not sure she really would approve of this pose, but I made her do it anyway.



See more Madra Lord photos at my website.

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.