from one of the shops is that she had no idea who I was talking about. When I described the Gene doll with her 15" size the lady laughed in my ear. She said they wouldn't be carrying a new doll line like that. Fast forward a year or two and that shop was advertising Gene all over the place! LOL
The second year of Gene - Blue Goddess & Pin Up and many new outfits - I saw in person at the International Collectors or Doll Show in Chicago - not sure of the actual name of the show. I met Mel in person - what a gracious, kind man. He was obviously excited and having the time of his life showing off Gene and answering everyone's questions. How can that have been 25 years ago!?!??
I've been with Gene through all these years and love her as much now as when I first found her.