Gene Marshall 'Silhouette' & 'Return to Hollywood' Collections

"Our [Gene Marshall] Basics collection this season is about the phenomenon of a single silhouette representing a decade's ten years of fashion. It is an overview, a valentine to each period's most memorable and ultimately democratic statement of style."

When Mel Odom said that these five were the basic or close-up dolls, I couldn't believe it. I have the feeling that Mel was given carte blanche for the first time since he is with Integrity. This collection and the deluxe dressed dolls in the Gene line show planning, creative talent, great design and a feel for period costuming. If one compares the previous three years of Gene to this collection it is apparent that there's something (or someone) else at play. Gene collectors are so excited by this turn of events. They are saying things like, "Gene is back." I know there is a lot of chatter and happiness on the doll boards about the collection. It's all good.

The basic dolls retail for $99. and are limited to 300 of each doll.


Congratulations to Mel Odom on a winning and cohesive collection.

The following photographs are courtesy Integrity Toys.

Silhouette of the 1920s:
Essentially Madra Lord® Doll

Silhouette of the 1930s:
Essentially Zita Charles™

Silhouette of the 1940s:
Essentially Gene Marshall®

Silhouette of the 1950s:
Essentially Ivy "Vee J." Jordan® Doll

Silhouette of the 1960s:
Essentially Violet Waters® Doll

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"'Return to Hollywood' is not just a travel direction, but also the source of inspiration for this year's dolls. Join Gene and her lady friends as they leave their various getaway spots and head back to Hollywood and the glamorous business of being movie stars. This season's collection features a series of Star looks guaranteed to steal the spotlight and remind us mere mortals why we love the movies so much."


Evening Encore:
Gene Marshall® Dressed Doll

Willow:
Madra Lord® Dressed Doll

Tornado:
Gene Marshall® Dressed Doll

Blue Parasol:
Gene Marshall® Dressed Doll

Liquorice Crush:
Madra Lord® Dressed Doll

Wrap Party:
Zita Charles™ Dressed Doll

Sunset Serenade
Violet Waters® Dressed Doll

Glammed Up:
Ivy "Vee J." Jordan® Dressed Doll

The deluxe dressed dolls range in price from $119. to $160. and are limited editions of 200 or 250 depending on the doll.

Gene Marshall attends a Presidential Ball

How fortuitous that I just bought this costume from another collector!

Here is the text from the story card. Obviously the costume came on a doll originally.

Invited to join the Governor and his wife to an inaugural ball, Gene is thrilled to discover a new fan: The President! Presidential Ball is a sparkling special occasion gown, circa 1957 - a shimmering cascade of sparkling beadwork from bodice to hemline. Over the top: a floor-length off-white coat lined in pale peach. Includes earrings, beaded clutch, strap sandals with rhinestone trim, hosiery - and an invitation to the ball! Gene stands 15.5 inches tall. New for 2003, Gene's facial paint has been tailored to each doll in the Gene Marshall collection, with vibrant colours and soft shading that give each Gene a beautiful appearance. Individually numbered certificate of authenticity and doll stand included.

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Here is my version on Suited to a T Gene. The flag has been added in honor of the inauguration of our new President, Barack Obama.