Mardi Gras with Gene

The saying “You never forget your first time” is so true…when it comes to Sandra Stillwell Conventions! My first was 2016’s Belle of New Orleans, held in (where else?) that fabled Louisiana city where Mardi Gras is celebrated annually. I hope you enjoy my parade of fashions that Sandra unveiled for her guests almost seven years ago. First up is Magic Season, which is probably my very favorite outfit from the convention) and its blue alternative, Merci Beaucoup:



The convention’s namesake outfit in silver and gray was what every girl would want to wear to the Mardi Gras Ball:



With the tiara, fur wrap, and scepter, it’s a total knockout! Sandra pluses her ensembles with the perfect accessories.



Queen of the Carnival was one of the highly coveted centerpiece fashions:



Oona wanted her chance to model this gown, too:



If ball gowns aren’t your thing, My Years and Seasons is a very elegant alternative:





For Under Her Spell, Gene dons the attire of a voodoo priestess:





A Mardi Gras post wouldn’t be complete without this non-Sandra outfit from Ashton Drake, appropriately named Mardi Gras Magic (modeled by Ivy Jordan):



Happy Mardi Gras! I think I’m going to see if I can find a good beignet nearby. Any suggestions?

See more Sandra Stillwell Gene Marshall Belle of New Orleans fashion doll photos at my website.

Ambassador’s Ball for Valentine's Day

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Gene dons Ambassador’s Ball, from the 2021 Sandra Stillwell Ambassador of Fashion convention. Inspired by the Jacques Griffe design shown below:



I agree with the ad copy: 100!



See more Sandra Stillwell Gene Marshall fashion doll photos at my website.

An Ingenue in New Orleans

In 2016, I attended my first Sandra Stillwell Convention which was held in New Orleans. One of the highlights was getting an inside peak at the Louisiana State Museum Archives. We were able to see a Ball dress from 1955, designed by James Galanos, who was known for designing clothing for America’s social elite, including Nancy Reagan, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. From the exhibition catalog:

Silk faille with woven stripe. While the eye is immediately engaged by the flamboyantly striped, especially woven fabric of the skirt, in typical GALANOS fashion, the focus is quickly shifted to the beautifully cut and fitted bodice. Back and shoulders bared by the halter neckline with its faux surplice front closure, the woman emerges from the gorgeous billow of skirt like the figurehead of a sailing ship. The gloves were made to be sold with the dress.



The dress itself, all these years later:



Like the rest of us, it has some age spots:



In 2019, Sandra released this doll-sized version of the Galanos gown and titled it, “Ingenue.”



With the emotional appeal of having seen the original in person, I knew I had to have this one.



When I pulled it out of the bag and finally put it on a few of my Genes, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. Without being perfectly steamed or ironed, the doll-sized version does not hang as well as its inspiration. Few collectors realize the challenges of “shrinking” a design down to scale and the choices that must be made in order to do so effectively. The weight and drape of the fabric play a large part, as do the placement of buttons or hooks that can add unwanted bulk. Most want their doll outfits lined to help prevent staining, but that can also add to the issue of a gown now hanging on the doll correctly.



See more Gene Marshall Sandra Stillwell fashion doll photos at my website.

Yves and Trapeze

At the 2017 Sandra Stillwell Eternal Style Convention in Richmond, I was able to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the VFMA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts). Called “The Perfection of Style,” it was my first real introduction to the famed designer’s work. This post focuses on the dress called "L'Eléphant Blanc," which he created in 1958.



Here is the description from the catalog when it was on exhibition at The Met in New York:

Creating the trapeze silhouette for Dior, Saint Laurent has a rigid understructure veiled under a fly-away cage. A boned corset anchors the dress but allows the delusion of a free swinging cone. Seeking a shape for independence, though still tethered, the “Eléphant Blanc” dress also employs a shimmering embroidery on net that requires a finishing flourish to the thread work on a transparent surface. Thus, in both surface decoration and in structure, Saint Laurent gained the effect of ethereal, bouyant freedom while retaining the structure of the couture. From the earliest works at the house of Dior through the designer's accomplishments in his own house, Saint Laurent has practiced and perfected this modernist wielding of couture construction and proficiency to seem wholly unfettered. Manufacturer: Rébè. Date: spring/summer 1958. Culture: French Medium: silk, metallic thread, glass, plastic.

In short, it was nothing short of an architectural masterpiece in addition to being a groundbreaking piece of fashion.

Sandra Stillwell took on the daunting challenge of recreating this piece in miniature, despite the many challenges, such as the intricate beading. Here’s the promotional photo I took for Sandra at the convention:



What she had her “elves” put together is definitely a miracle in miniature.



One of the most difficult things about creating miniature is getting the fashion to hang properly without looking too bulky. This one does as well as can be expected, considering the amount of layers (there is an undergarment) and of course the lining.



The wig that was sold to go with Trapeze (Sandra’s title for the dress) was the perfect choice, beautifully executed by the famed doll wigmaker Ilaria Mazzoni.

See more Sandra Stillwell doll fashion photos at my website.

Sandra Stillwell: Have It Your Way

At last year’s Sophisticated Lady Convention in Cleveland, Sandra Stillwell did not disappoint with her latest line of fashions for Gene Marshall and Friends. One of my favorites was this creation titled “Good Golly.” I wanted to order it, but I thought it would look even better if the dress was lengthened. Sandra always says, “If you want something in a different fabric, let me know and I might be able to do that.” I told her my request, and wrote it on the order sheet as well...and probably drove her crazy with written reminders each time she sent me order updates. Last week though, lo and behold...I received my “Good Golly,” which is exactly what I exclaimed when I saw the finished product.



To say I was pleased would be an understatement. Sandra’s magic tailors did exactly what I requested and the outfit looks FANTASTIC on Gene.



See more Sandra Stillwell convention photos at my website. You can order these Sandra Stillwell outfits at her website...while they last!

Sandra Stillwell Sophisticated Lady, Pt. 6

It’s time to bring it on home with the final installment of Sandra Stillwell Sophisticated Lady. As you can see, guests were having a great time. Was there booze involved? Only Wayne & Darin know for sure.

For dinner on Saturday night, Pink Clover was the centerpiece.



Gorgeous hand-embroidery and beading made this one a standout!



Cindy had to get liquored up when she saw it. “How am I going to get this purchase by my husband?!?” Keep on drinking, Cindy! You'll figure it out!



Jackie brought this beautiful doll to showcase at her table, wearing an outfit she created herself:



Table 8. What a great group! I always have the best time with every single one of them.



Linda and Ryan: you never know what these two are up to. So glad I got to meet both of them.



Optional purchase favorites included Opus. What a beauty!



Millionaires was based on a Katharine Hepburn gown from the stage version of “The Philadelphia Story”. It was out of this world; the detailing blew me away.



A presentation on Elizabeth Parke Firestone (the one with her own bank!) was enjoyed by all.



Virtuoso was the big reveal for guests.



Somehow, Sandra managed to capture the intricate pleating and beadwork PERFECTLY, matching the original outfit worn by Firestone herself. Every year, Sandra outdoes herself.



Early on Sunday, a sleepy-eyed group gathered for the final breakfast celebration. The very trendy Reprise outfit was the big reveal.



Violet looked runway-ready in this faux fur ensemble.



One of my favorite parts of the convention is seeing the Inspirations presentation at the end, where guests can see what inspired Sandra’s latest creations.













For those that stayed after breakfast, there was even MORE!! Optional tours included a visit to the house used for exterior shots in the holiday classic “A Christmas Story.”



Can you say “FRAGILE”?



And so another amazing Sandra Stillwell Convention closes. Sandra and Mike (and the slew of volunteers behind the scenes) I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful opportunity to share our hobby every year!

See more Sandra Stillwell convention photos at my website. You can order these Sandra Stillwell outfits at her website...while they last!