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I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends

Posted by Geneboyz <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Geneboyz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 2:34 pm

have had over the years. I started thinking if I were to make a Capsule Collection of one doll and five outfits to gift someone that would represent Gene Marshall, which would they be? It could include all iterations - AD, IT, and JS.

I'm still thinking on mine....

After visiting this post several times, reading all the replies, I MAY be ready...here goes >>>

Posted by Trish at dollymall <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Trish+at+dollymall' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 30, 2024, 4:40 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

For those who prefer the short story...

Doll = Midnight Romance
Casual = Poolside w/ a hair wrap
Daywear = Spotted in the Park w/ a hair wrap
Business/Lunch = Suit by Ann-Marie of Le Petite Boutique
Ball Gown/*Evening Gown (do you not really need both?) Versailles/Special Appearance*

Doll = Midnight Romance for reasons mentioned in the post by Kelly Red - MR is versatile as can be with hair that works perfectly for day or extravaganza, amazing!

I have her permanently dressed in an amazing black and white houndstooth suit by Marie of Le Petite Boutique, so for the old days, I will use that suit as Gene's luncheon/meeting outfit.

Spotted in the Park a YDA, Young Designers of America winner 1999 (designed here in El Paso by the most precious young girl, Veronica Alvarado, who was at the time a young new mother. All of her love for the baby who was left at home with Abuelita, went into that design. It was touching. And watching that young woman sign autographs in NYC at FAO, with HER design reproduced on a cascade of Gene, Spotted in the Park - FAO Exclusive - in the most beautiful window display. I hope every person who loves Gene, knows what a strong and beautiful part Joan Greene played in the Share the Dream mentality that built our deep communities to this day.

LOL - 3 other outfits

Daughter of the Nile
(wow, I just realized that DoN is another Young Designers of America winner from some American high school student!)

Okay, I still need an evening gown/ball gown and something casual, wow!!! another "connection" type choice.

Vince Nowell -

Ball gown - Versailles because of the way I managed to get the doll and "meet" Vince all in one. Whew, what a special memory!! (I may have to claim an extra evening gown slot.*)

Living in my best city but one without a doll store of any kind, I found Gene in a Dolls Magazine advertisement and I quickly fell off the edge of the earth.... thankfully!

This was already in the days of Vicki's Home on The Web, so we already had a community. If you ever played chat Bingo, with our Beloved Marcia at the helm...well, ya.

But I reached out to FAO in Cali, and Vince Nowell came onto the telephone. I had met a fellow Gene lover (and DESIGNER in the voice!)

Thus: Casual Wear - Vince Nowell's Poolside especially as posed in the AD photo. Vince made his dreams of those telephone days come true by designing some of the most beloved Gene fashions that AD produced.

Red Venus was my first doll and my love for her is deep. She arrived with Monaco, what a day to remember. RV wanted to be my choice today, but I reminded her that Midnight Romance has the hair "done". In a future poll, when I have the time to play "doll hair", RV will win the #1 slot. What hair!

* Evening Gown (extra) Special Appearance, such a beauty by my former student, current instructor in the El Paso Community College Fashion Program that I love and ran for 34 years, Jose D Saenz.

Fun question and I love reading the answers. Here’s mine>>

Posted by Kelly Red <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Kelly+Red' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 29, 2024, 1:14 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

My doll choice would be Midnight Romance. I still think she is one of the most beautiful Genes ever produced, and her hair style lends itself to a wide variety of fashions.
5 fashions need to see her through all situations so here goes:
Daywear: SSP Maymont Park
Casual: AD Crimson Sun
Suit: JS red J’Dore suit
Cocktails: AD Cognac Evening
Evening gown: SSP Grace

What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6

Ok, I think I'm going with the following. ....

Posted by Flamingomoon <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Flamingomoon' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 29, 2024, 8:28 am, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

Doll ... probably Blue Fox Gene with the head put on a Vita body so it can move!! OR ... Derby Dreams which is the doll I personally play with most but I think Gene had brown hair in real life.
Outfits.
Usherette .... after all, it is how she was 'discovered' even though I've not had that outfit on a doll in decades.
Good-by New York. Off to Hollywood with her teddy
The cigarette girl costume ..... don't remember the name- from her first movie.
Bird of Paradise- when this came out it was something I'd never seen on a doll.
Premier - don't love the dress, but it's for the milestone of her first premier.

So difficult—when talking Gene I really am bad with any limits…

Posted by Dee Dee in CA <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Dee+Dee+in+CA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 9:23 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

But at this moment (and it could change in the next moment)

Favorite doll-Blue Goddess-that hair style looks great with everything.

Outfits;
Personal Secretary-Business Attire
St. Moritz-Active Wear
Outfit from Daughter of the Nile-Movie Costume
SSP That Magic Season-gorgeous ball gown
Cocoa Crisp-the perfect suit

What a great question! It was hard to just pick five outfits, and the dolls - only one?

Posted by Ivy in MA <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Ivy+in+MA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 6:03 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

Dolls - Holiday Gala (gift from a dear friend) Red Venus (my first Gene doll - gift from a friend)

Outfits -
Afternoon Off (love the sweater and skirt - not the jacket)
Good Bye New York
First Stop Chicago
Hello, Hollywood Hello
It Happened in Monterrey

I actually love all the outfits that have destination/travel names.
I haven't had the time to redress my dolls in a long time, this question, gave me the little kick I needed to work on that soon!

I love this question. I've been preparing a program about Gene &

Posted by Gael <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Gael' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 4:06 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

spending a lot of time perusing Anne Monday's Gene book. (What a treasure for us!)

I think the doll I would give is Calendar Shot because I love the tanned skin tone. Second choice would be Alibi Rouge. Third choice: Pin-up.

The costumes:
Devil May Care
Spring in Central Park
To Have and To Hold
I'll Take Manhattan
Cocoa Crisp

I love the original body sculpt, before articulation was added. It's so lovely; I think it makes Gene original and special.

Sad story: A friend's adult daughter once expressed admiration for Gene and said she'd like to get the doll and costumes for her daughters. I spent months collecting doll/costumes/trunk and gave it to her for Christmas. It was received with no enthusiasm. I wished I'd kept it and found someone who would love it all. Oh well....

I also love Calendar Shot ... and Cocoa Crisp fashion would be on my list

Posted by Karen in NZ <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Karen+in+NZ' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 7:25 pm, in reply to "I love this question. I've been preparing a program about Gene &"

which I am too lazy to think about properly at the moment

and very sad about the reception to your lovely gift.

This is hard! But here goes…

Posted by Jill <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 2:27 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

USO for the doll

Outfits are:
Forget me Not
Press Conference
Iced Coffee
Embassy Luncheon
Afternoon Off

How about Gene in the war years>>>

Posted by Kay in Chgo <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Kay+in+Chgo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 2:08 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

USO as the doll and
outfits:
Brunch With Katie
Victory Garden
Crimson Sun
Press Conference
Farewell Golden Moon

Fun question, my doll Unforgettable. Love her >>>>>>>>>>

Posted by Mario <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Mario' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 11:31 am, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

five fashions:
Love Paris
Holiday Magic
Tellstar
Personal Secretary
Fashion Plot

This was hard as I love so many of Gene's fasions.

Hard to do! Here is my list:--->

Posted by Lori in RI <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lori+in+RI' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 11:15 am, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

Creme de Cassis
Fit for A Queen
Manhattan Holiday
Blue Avenue
J'Adore

Really cool question - and much how I actually play with many of my>>

Posted by Izzy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Izzy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 6:17 am, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

resin dolls by creating mini wardrobes for them.

These aren’t necessarily my favourite Gene and outfits but would be my choice to introduce her style and personality.

Pin Up dressed doll

HiFi - Gene away from the cameras and spotlights

Friendly Connection - maintaining friendships and enjoying social events

USO outfit only - tailored look and showing her engagement with important issues

Cosmopolitan - party wear

Night at Versailles outfit only - on the red carpet (and my all time favourite)

I really wanted to add two more - Forget me Not for beautiful underwear and something from a film role, probably the outfit from Shooting Star.

Pin UP was my first Gene! I love your choices!

Posted by Megin in Bend <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Megin+in+Bend' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 10:41 am, in reply to "Really cool question - and much how I actually play with many of my>>"

Thanks Megan…I tried to pick a variety to represent her personality, if I had simply>

Posted by Izzy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Izzy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 1:13 pm, in reply to "Pin UP was my first Gene! I love your choices!"

gone for personal favourites it would probably have been mostly cocktail frocks!

I hear you on that issue!

Posted by Geneboyz <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Geneboyz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 29, 2024, 12:03 pm, in reply to "Thanks Megan…I tried to pick a variety to represent her personality, if I had simply>"

Such a fantastic topic/quesiton. For me…. >

Posted by dollster <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=dollster' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 12:42 am, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

For me, it would hard to choose just five as I tend to think that the first year for Gene saw a real complete capsule collection of her discovery, acting roles and publicity, and the lead up to her Premiere, so I would choose her first 9 fashions from 1995 along with Premier Gene as my doll.

If I were forced to narrow it down to just 5 fashions, then I would choose
Usherette (discovery)
Goodbye New York (travel suit)
Blonde Lace (her first movie role)
Love’s Ghost (cuz I love it)
Pink Lightening (frothy cocktail number)

There are many other fashions through the years and decades that I love more than these, but I feel like the first fashions really tell the story of Gene, and that is the story that I would want to share with others.

I very nearly chose the same as you!

Posted by Izzy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Izzy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 6:18 am, in reply to "Such a fantastic topic/quesiton. For me…. >"

This is hard, but I love Unforgettable Gene with the original body. For outfits,

Posted by John in OH <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=John+in+OH' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 10:01 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

I would pick the following:

Love, Paris
Winter Evening
Friendly Connection
Midnight Romance
Like A Fox (Madra)

This reminds me of how I used to cut out my paper dolls as a kid ...

Posted by Lynne D <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lynne+D' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 9:32 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

and I used the same method when purchasing Gene fashions that first year. I would punch out the paper doll, then the first fashions I cut out were always suits, so then the paper doll could go out shopping to "buy" herself some more clothes she would need ...a nightie, a day dress, and a gown. So my first three fashions purchased for Gene were Goodbye New York, The Kiss, and Blue Evening. It may not be the start of the perfect capsule fashion collection, but for me, Gene has always been story-driven.

I only started collecting dolls at all because Gene reminded me of my>>

Posted by Izzy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Izzy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 6:20 am, in reply to "This reminds me of how I used to cut out my paper dolls as a kid ..."

beloved paper dolls.

I loved my paper dolls too. I still have them.

Posted by Edie in NY <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Edie+in+NY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 11:23 pm, in reply to "This reminds me of how I used to cut out my paper dolls as a kid ..."

Oh fun! Like Mike, I went "Old School" >>>>

Posted by Rosanna in OR <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Rosanna+in+OR' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 7:42 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

For the doll I chose Blue Fox. Love her hair and the gown. I feel like both truly represent Gene.

For outfits I chose ones that I like and also envisioned as movie costumes:

Sea Spree
St. Moritz
Will you Marry Me
Cognac Evening
Crazy For Calypso

I agree! Old school AD outfits would be my choice and I love your choices, Rosanna!

Posted by Megin in Bend <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Megin+in+Bend' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 10:40 am, in reply to "Oh fun! Like Mike, I went "Old School" >>>>"

Thanks! It was fun to go back and look at some classics!

Posted by Rosanna in OR <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Rosanna+in+OR' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 28, 2024, 11:42 am, in reply to "I agree! Old school AD outfits would be my choice and I love your choices, Rosanna!"

What a great question! >>>

Posted by Mike <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Mike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 3:46 pm, in reply to "I was trolling through eBay for "Gene" and seeing so many wonderful outfits that Gene and friends"

I am going all AD and would start with a nude Fashion Plot Gene because IMO she is the perfect Gene LOL!

Fashions:
Forget Me Not
Incognito
The Perfect Gift
Blue Heaven
Love in Bloom

Your answer makes me so happy because The Perfect Gift and Love in Bloom were both designed here >>m

Posted by Trish at dollymall <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Trish+at+dollymall' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 4:45 pm, in reply to "What a great question! >>>"

Regina Ganem designed both of those outfits, one in 1999 and one in 2000. The Perfect Gift was one of three outfits from here in El Paso through Young Designers of America. Love in Bloom was the next year when we held our own competition called Gene Designer 2000.

Joan Green was the brilliance behind so many Share the Dream ideas! I love that woman.

Hugs,
Trish
PS - other designs from here include Spotted in the Park and Bolero (although the original was much more gorgeous with a true Ranchera outfit with a long skirt (vs gaucho). Then Special Appearance for Violet and Torch Song. What fun we had during those years.

We are doing another doll design competition this year but it is not with Gene since we could not afford to give Gene dolls for the contestants to dress, Boohoo and LOL

Those are classics, Trish!

Posted by Kim in IL <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Kim+in+IL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 27, 2024, 6:35 pm, in reply to "Your answer makes me so happy because The Perfect Gift and Love in Bloom were both designed here >>m"

Kim, I am so glad you feel that way. The garments designed here in El Paso mean so much to me.

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