THE STUDIO COMMISSARY

THE STUDIO COMMISSARY
[ THE STUDIO COMMISSARY ]

30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo

Posted by Lori in Denver <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lori+in+Denver' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 2:17 pm

30 years. 🩵My thoughts. His vision. Our celebration. Thank you Mel Odom

Gene Marshall was first a muse that began from the artistic talents of Mel Odom, his devotion to family
and love of the golden era of Hollywood. However, from that humble and uncertain start, Gene
unexpectedly toppled the 12” doll demographic. She also opened doors to a collector base as diverse as
life itself, solidifying her name, which is synonymous with the birth of life.

A world of doll collectors, who had become retail ready for quick outfits and hair flips, now found
community, in both fellow collectors and a likeminded understanding. This love of family, old
Hollywood stars, and a display piece to convey it to others, made Gene Marshall a doll that had never
been seen before, explaining not just new collectors today, but those who have been there since the
start, and treasure her in their lives as more than an object.

Mel Odom offered what no other doll company could; he gave his vision, heart and soul to 17” of vinyl.
In Gene, we could see his mother’s kitchen baking cookies, or the violets that accented a dress. We
imagined his love of New York as she smartly carried a miniature painting of his, dressed for success, or
rushing to a meeting with a portfolio. She also went to church, and sat with friends, or attended an ice
cream social on Sunday, only later to appear in a smoke filled room, offering Midnight Romance to late
night club patrons, hoping Ava Gardner or Gene Tierny might be sitting nearby.

The Gene Marshall doll is a scrapbook of life that Mel freely shared, knowing that we would bring our
own lives along for the ride. Seamstresses and friends replicated outfits worn by a grandmother, sister
or mother, and Gene proudly respected our memories. Her shape, not unlike an academy award,
reminds us of the success and goodness in life, and more times than not, is a pause in our day to see her
on the shelf and simply “remember”. There will never again be a doll like Gene, or an artist Like Mel
Odom, that gave a warm hug to a busy and sometimes shattered world.

Lifelong friendships and forever memories were, and still are being created, by what some might see as
just a doll, or piece of vinyl. A vision that Mel took a chance in creating, risking not just his reputation
and finances, but what he personally was about. A displayed doll is after all a talking point, as to why she
was purchased, a memory or feeling she evoked. However, Gene also brought in unspoken heartfelt
events from an era long gone, a respect rarely seen now, and values that should return. Gene Marshall
was every bit the Superman of the time, taking her place on the shelf, for Truth, Justice and the
American way, while giving flyboys their Pin-Up and Dior his runway delight.

Through Mel Odom, we all have been able to understand, enjoy, dream and imagine that perfect
moment in a beautiful gown, a recreated memory or dirty knees in a Victory Garden, and that
accomplishment will forever be higher than 17 inches

free photo hosting

I am very late responding but love this so much I have to post! I was never>>

Posted by Izzy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Izzy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 16, 2025, 10:53 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

remotely interested in dolls as a child but I always loved fashion and paper cut out dolls.

I have always loved Christmas ornaments and Christmas stores and visited one I think in Virginia which also sold Muffy and Madame Alexander dolls. They had an ice skating couple in their MA selection and I bought them to break up the mass of skating books, videos and programmes on my bookshelves.

A couple of holidays later we were in Canada and browsing the magazine shelves I spotted a DollReader with an article on skating dolls, Barbara Ann Scott as a felt doll was on the cover. I bought it for the article but was amazed when I saw the ad for Gene: one of those double page ones with the doll, mannequin stand and two or three outfits pictured together. It looked like my beloved childhood paper dolls brought to life in 3D.

It took a while to actually find one I could purchase, I think on yet another holiday in a collectibles store in West Edmonton Mall. That first doll for me was Sparkling Seduction.

Soon after AD started trying the European Market and exhibited at a fair in the National Exhibition Centre not far from my home. I remember coming home with Red Venus and Creme de Cassis convinced all I needed now was additional clothes.

Then came the social side - Yahoo groups, HLAYG, conventions and fun at the theatre in Windsor when Madra was introduced.

I might be an unusual Gene fan as I never collected or even played with Barbie, prefer modern fashion to vintage fashion and have no interest in movies old or new. I actually watched White Christmas for the very first time following Sandra‘s last event.

Even though most of my collecting has moved towards more modern themes I still love Gene and a few are always on display. Even more do I treasure the friends I have made through this beautiful doll and that she helped me discover a hobby that has seriously enriched my life. Not only did she start the 16“ doll trend, she created a new interest in dolls for me.

Do you remember...

Posted by Gael <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Gael' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2025, 2:01 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

...Phyllis -- one of the first people to sew for Gene before we had many AD fashions to choose from, Hatitudes, the Hollywood Bakery, and was it called Bloomington's (the department store for Gene)?

I love the friends I've made through Gene

Posted by Gael <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Gael' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 10, 2025, 1:49 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I first saw Gene in late 1995 in a little two-page article in the January 1996 issue of Barbie Bazaar and was instantly smitten. The sculpt was so beautiful and I loved the connection to old Hollywood. I think my wife thought I was a little nuts when I said I wanted to fly from San Francisco to Newark for the first Gene convention. I set about commissioning someone to make a dress inspired by The Lady Eve for the costume competition (I can't sew). I had Red Venus's hair restyled to be more emblematic of the 40's (I can't do hair either).
What an amazing convention that was. I was so excited to meet Stephen L whose Gene-Zine I eagerly awaited. (Remember those early days when you ran home to check the AOL Gene board to see the few new posts, hopefully with info about a new Gene?) I was over the moon when Mel told me he voted for my entry and then my Gene won! I still have the doll (sadly with a very badly stained body from the green velvet used for the dress) and the cape and crown she won.
Years later, after the Gray Lady Gene came out I decided I wanted to compete in the human costume competition and went about making myself into a version of the Gray Lady. My dress, my make-up, my wig were all shades of black/white/gray. I even wore black contact lenses! But because the contact lenses weren't prescription I couldn't see very well and because the inside of my mouth wasn't the right color I didn't speak. My wife led me around and answered questions that were posed to me. At one point she realized she could say whatever she wanted and I wouldn't open my mouth to contradict her. I think that was the most fun she had at a Gene convention. Franklin Lim Liao and I won the costume competition.
In 1997, Ward Keegan and I founded the first Gene club in San Francisco. This is where I met some wonderful people -- some of whom are on Studio Commissary (Jim S and Vera). Our first meeting was in January but soon the club had exploded to a membership list of about 150!
As much as I love Gene, the best thing she did for me was lead me to making some dear friends. A few of us have been having lunch together every week or two for decades, even though now that most of us are retired or live in different states from each other, it's over Zoom.
Gene has been a gateway to so many wonderful experiences and people. Thank you, Mel, and thank you to everyone I've shared Gene with over the years.

What a wonderful tribute to Gene and Mel, Lori! Thank you for sharing the picture, too!

Posted by Sue in ABQ <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Sue+in+ABQ' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 7, 2025, 1:14 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I have a small antique and collectible store that started about that time,..

Posted by dcal <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=dcal' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2025, 9:29 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Loved the gift shows and already had Gene when I visited the shows to order for our shop. I already had the 3 Genes that were adverting the line. We had an new doll shop right in town as well as Gigi's not far so I managed to be able to order doll items.
Great memories of past excitement in the Gift and doll lanes. Great thread and many years of enjoyment that are still going on!

My 1st Sighting must have been an ad in a doll mag. Red Venus and Monaco came to live w/ me >>> then

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 February 6, 2025, 3:51 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I started to attend the conventions starting with the second convention. I eventually met Joan Greene and we have stayed friends. I adore her. She had so much to do with making Gene a reality. She flew to China and worked with the factories to get a special part of the factory where such a high quality production could be handled. She did so much teaching and training there. She also brought in designers through the convention competitions and auctions. She truly allowed us to Share the Dream.

I have also been blessed to get to know Mel and Charlie and I have a special memory at UFDC Convention when I was able to sit and have lunch with Mel. Wonderful memories. Then later, starting with Young Designers of America, I got to know Joan and it was so wonderful to share Gene with the fashion design students in El Paso. I know I have posted so many times about Spotted in the Park, The Perfect Gift, Love in Bloom, Special Appearance, Torch Song. Golden memories.

BTW, I have loved dolls all my life. Gene was the FIRST doll I ever bought!

Thank Lori for this. And thanks to all of you for sharing memories and our love of Gene.

Posted by Jan in MB <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jan+in+MB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2025, 3:16 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

May I just add how lucky we are to love this doll

Posted by Carole NY <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Carole+NY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2025, 5:03 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Hugs to all

I first saw Gene in a Mall gift shop...was fascinated by---->msg

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 February 4, 2025, 6:17 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Creme de Cassis and left without her. I went back the next day to get her.

Wonderful to read all these stories and memories. Thanks to all my online friends! Hugs!!

Posted by Becky in Upstate <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Becky+in+Upstate' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2025, 5:42 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I remember as if it were yesterday, that first picture of Monaco in Blue Goddess in Doll Reader Mag

Posted by Jayne in Seattle <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jayne+in+Seattle' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 11:09 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Thank you for sharing this! I remember the smell of opening a new Gene doll box and the excitement..

Posted by RyeGuy <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=RyeGuy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 9:26 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

that came with taking her out of the box and redressing her in one of the many beautiful outfits!

I first saw Gene at FAO in Orlando and was completely captivated.

Posted by Donna in FL <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Donna+in+FL' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 7:58 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Lori, thank you for sharing this and starting this thread of reminiscence.>>>>>

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 February 3, 2025, 4:52 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I received my first Gene doll, Red Venus was a gift from a dear friend, I was on a leave from my job, so my doll collecting was paused. It wasn't until I went to a local doll show the following year that I fell in love with Gene and her fashions. A doll dealer had several dolls dressed in AD fashions. I saw Blue Goddess dressed in El Morocco and I had to purchase the doll and the fashion. That started the influx of new dolls as they were being released by AD. I frequented the AOL Gene Board and met many people and learned about the conventions. I was introduced to Blossoms Awesome links and found so much to accessorize Gene's outfits. I also went to several FAO Gene "debuts" and waited in line outside FAO to get dolls and meet Mel.
I happened to be vacationing in California and a friend had a press pass to IDEX and she invited me to go with her, Mel was at the AD Booth and he was extremely gracious and took time to show us the new line (1999).

For me the "fandom" still continues and I still love the AD Gene fashions and dolls even though I've added a few Integrity dolls and the JS dolls as well.

OMG! The AOL Gene Board. That takes me waaaay back!! <

Posted by dollster <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=dollster' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 8:02 pm, in reply to "Lori, thank you for sharing this and starting this thread of reminiscence.>>>>>"

I remember it well with a feeling belonging.

Posted by Mo in PA <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Mo+in+PA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 10:06 pm, in reply to "OMG! The AOL Gene Board. That takes me waaaay back!! <"

Loved blossoms too!!! We sure have had fun

Posted by Lori in Denver <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lori+in+Denver' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 5:13 pm, in reply to "Lori, thank you for sharing this and starting this thread of reminiscence.>>>>>"

Blossoms Awesome Links was an important connection back then.

Posted by Mo in PA <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Mo+in+PA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Loved blossoms too!!! We sure have had fun"

Blossoms Awesome Links was so fabulous. Later The Doll Page helped us so much. Love to Steve y Rai.

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 February 4, 2025, 3:56 pm, in reply to "Blossoms Awesome Links was an important connection back then."

Love this. So many great stories from the first year or two. >

Posted by dollster <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=dollster' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 11:31 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

My first was Monaco. I’m absolutely not into bride dolls, but I loved her brunette hair. I think Red Venus and Premiere came not too long later. Interestingly, I think I saw the dolls at a doll show before my first doll arrived to me. Yes, I got those “delayed” notifications and kept re-upping on my preorder.

Coming from the world of Barbie I was bit dismayed at her size. It’s hard to tell in those dreamy and ethereal advertisements that we’d seen of the first 3 dolls. I almost changed my mind. They were soooo big compared to the Barbie world in which I inhabited. However, once my doll(s) arrived I was in heaven.

I’ve made so many friends over the years. I was part of an amazing Gene club here in Los Angeles and I’m still friends with several of them…going on 30 years!!!

Ahhhh... the memories. Back in 1995 I was just dabbling with dolls as an adult. A friend showed me >

Posted by IL Deb <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=IL+Deb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 10:30 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

her little girl's bedroom with a whole shelf full of play Barbies including the annual Christmas Barbies. I couldn't believe she had bought her daughter all those dolls (HAHA!) I began buying doll magazines to see what kids were playing with in the doll world because I remembered how I loved the Barbies my sister and I received in 1960.

That's how I saw the ad for Gene. If I remember correctly it was Red Venus and I was immediately glued to her picture and the story that accompanied it. With her light blue eyes, calm demeanor and the era of her story, she immediately reminded me of my mom (who's name was Jeanne!) Around the same time, we bought our first personal PC. As soon as I figured out how to use it I started searching dolls and couldn't believe how many adults collected! I googled doll shops and started calling, asking about this Gene doll. I even visited a shop in person up in the Chicago area and brought the brochure I had found. They had not heard of her and they were not interested in ordering her for their shop! I ended up ordering all three direct from Ashton Drake.

It must have been the fall of '95 or sometime in '96 I found out about a big toy show in Chicago and dragged my two sisters and mom with me. What fun! It was like I was a kid again seeing all the things I wanted for Christmas. Icing on the cake: I met Mel in person and had my picture taken with him. I also saw the next collection not yet in production which was Pin-Up and the new fashions.

A side note - I met my best doll bud online in the 'Here's Looking at You Gene' community and we discovered that we live less than 100 miles from one another.

Mel, thank you for the fun and for the memories and for opening up a whole world of friends! XOXO

Yes, Deb and I count you as one of those friends! Great memories.

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 February 4, 2025, 6:28 am, in reply to "Ahhhh... the memories. Back in 1995 I was just dabbling with dolls as an adult. A friend showed me >"

Great memories indeed!! :)

Posted by IL Deb <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=IL+Deb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2025, 1:02 pm, in reply to "Yes, Deb and I count you as one of those friends! Great memories. "

"opening up a whole world of friends". YES - the very best part!!!

Posted by Geneboyz <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Geneboyz' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 11:46 am, in reply to "Ahhhh... the memories. Back in 1995 I was just dabbling with dolls as an adult. A friend showed me >"

What a great picture! I fell in love with Gene when FAO sent me a catalogue!

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 February 3, 2025, 5:40 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

My affair with Gene started when my dolls were taken in a home burglary

Posted by VeraS <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=VeraS' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 2:18 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I’ve always had dolls of some kind or another: Penny Brite and all her accessories and costumes; Chatty Cathy; that BIG one who would walk with you if you held her hand just *so* and lots of souvenir dolls from many countries gifted to me by family and friends.
The collectible- souvenir - dolls stayed as I grew up and the others (except one Penny Brite) went away. Till one day someone broke in and took them all, along with a bunch of other small, easy to grab items. I was heartbroken. They weren’t “valuable” but they were my memories.

Looking to restart my doll collection, I looked at the Barbies and bought a replica of the first Barbie in the b/w striped bathing suit. I sewed a couple of dresses and some separates, but it was challenging! So tiny! Then I found out that most of what you bought was supposed to be kept in the box! What?! Nope, not for me.

My friend told me about a new doll named “Jean” - or so I thought. I searched online but didn’t find anything until I saw *Gene* at a collectors’ show and that was it - I ordered Monaco the next day, with some clothes to change her and proceeded to look for my tribe which I found in the SF Gene Club (thank you Gael) and that’s how Gene started and is still in my life. The best bonus is the many friends I’ve made along the way at conventions, clubs and gatherings who are so special and still in my life. A better legacy I could not imagine from such a beautiful creation.
Thank you Mel!

How Gene drew me in…

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 February 3, 2025, 12:03 am, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I’m a film historian, now retired. Besides working in the far corner of the film industry for many years, I’m a diehard film fan. I’m pretty eclectic in my tastes, classic Big Studio fare on the TV, art or international, documentary, live or animation, I love it all. I was not a doll collector. I was aware of adult Barbie collectors and would occasionally see a pretty Barbie but it didn’t move me. I didn’t understand the never removed from box rigidity. Then I saw a full page ad in a magazine for Blue Goddess. I never saw the original 3. BG was the thunderbolt! A doll who was a movie star, who was made to take out of the box and play with? I was very intrigued and wanted to see her in person. I tracked down a doll shop about 30 miles away and made the trek. There she was, Blue Goddess, in all her glory. I fell instantly in love and bought her immediately. Then I bought 3 fashions; Usherette, Blue Evening and Goodbye New York. I went back the following and got 2 more fashions AND put my name on the waitlist for the holiday fashion I didn’t even know what would look like lol. Gene reminded me of playing Barbie or Tammy with my cousins, or hours in my room on a rainy day. Thank you Mel. And thank you to each and every one of you. A merry band of dolly friends, never stop playing.

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

Wow- thank you for sharing this reminder!

Posted by sigborga99 <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=sigborga99' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 9:28 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I went to all of the Gene events at FAO Schwartz in NYC and was started on my path of collecting fashion dolls. Mel was always such a pleasure to meet and talk to about our passion for dolls.
It was a very special time and I cherish the memories and my collection!
One of my favorite pieces of my gene accessory collection is a cardboard trifold mirror that was given out at one of the events at the store. It has served as a backdrop for many of my photo shoots of dolls over the years.
It just doesn’t seem like it was so many years ago.
Kathy in nyc

A beautiful tribute on this anniversary date!

Posted by Jim S <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jim+S' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 8:07 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I'm so glad you did this posting. Who would've ever dreamed thirty years ago Gene would bring us all together!

Thank you for the photo! It captures so much about the beginnings of Gene.

Posted by Barb in MA <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Barb+in+MA' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 6:05 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Thank you Mel!

Love this, Lori! Gene has brought so much to so many. <3

Posted by Michael H <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Michael+H' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 5:26 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story

Posted by George in NC <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=George+in+NC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 3:41 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

1995. My best friend of many years and I saw the first brochure from Ashton Drake and were entranced. We shared a love of old movies, costumes, the glamour of old Hollywood, and being fellow queens on the show circuit here in NC.
Richard Steven Swamp, aka Ashley Reynolds, was a well-established female impersonator, title holder of many pageants and much beloved artist here in NC. We had known each other since high school and were truly soul mates, not in the romantic sense, but more in the long-lost twin sense. In 1995 Ash had already been HIV positive for a little over 10 years.
We hemmed and hawed and finally caved, ordered Premiere and Red Venus and most of the first collection of clothing. They were to represent our alter egos based on hair color, redhead for Ashley and blond for me (Autumn Hunter).
Those of you who jumped on that first band wagon will recall that first collection was plagued with cards from Ashton Drake saying "we apologize for the delay, etc., taking longer etc., we're cancelling your order etc. you must call if you want the order to remain. Months of this.
Ashley finally began to show real symptoms of AIDS throughout 1995. I cared for him at home, hospital bed in the living room, all that. Home Hospice called in March. Ashley succumbed to her illnesses on Mother’s Day 1995. May 14th.
My company had been trying to make me take a promotion for two years, I refused it over and over, I would not leave Ashley. With her gone there was nothing holding me back and they twisted me a little and I took the promotion. Moved to a larger centrally located city in NC on July 4th, 1995. The first week of August came and I got another one of those postcards, delay sorry cancelling your order. I was now in a smaller apartment in a new city, without my best friend who was to share Gene with me. I was half thinking of letting the cancellation stand, did not think I would want to do it without her.
Lo and behold, a week later I get a large package, what I had ordered from the first collection. Through tears and a broken heart, I fell in love with Gene. Through playing with Gene (I changed her daily in the beginning) I worked through my grief and poured some of my feelings of being unmoored into this little 17" lady. I discovered, a mile from my apartment, a little shop called The Doll Market. Popped in one weekend and surprise! There was Gene! I popped in more often after that and Gary bought me Monaco for my birthday that summer, so I had all three dolls from the first collection. Then began picking up the outfits Ashley and I had not ordered.
Come the fall and we made our weekly visit to the store to gawp at the beauties and there was some weird thing called 'a signing' taking place on the sidewalk outside. No clue what that was all about, we just came to look at Gene. Then we found out the guy out there signing stuff was the creator of Gene! Gary ran home to grab some stuff to have signed, we bought Pin Up, we chatted, local NC boy makes it big, was charmed by Mel, chatting more, bonded over our roots and have been friends forever more.
My love for Gene grew and grew as my involvement in her world did. I started working at The Doll Market part-time, stayed with them nearly 20 years until they finally closed the retail store part of the business. They had grown to be one of the largest physical doll stores in the world by that time.
My connections to Mel deepened as well, I became friends with some of his family and would see him when he 'came home' unrelated to the doll business. His cousin's husband was the realtor who sold us our house.
Through all of this, and all the hundreds of deep friendships I have made knowing Gene and her world, my first and deepest connection is my lost best friend. Gene and her world are my memories of Ashley. Her style, poise, grace, humor, verve, loyalty, beauty, all that was her. All reside in this 17" doll we all have loved so.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading.
Dear Mel, thank you for the gift of your daughter to the world, and Gary and I thank you and Charlie for the many years now of friendship.

I am at a loss for words as my eyes well up with tears. Thank you for sharing your story.

Posted by Sue in ABQ <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Sue+in+ABQ' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 7, 2025, 1:12 pm, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

What a heartwarming story!

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 February 4, 2025, 6:32 am, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

That is a beautiful story from such a big heart

Posted by Ori <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Ori' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2025, 3:17 am, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

Oh, George…..what a sweet story>>>>

Posted by CherylStG <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=CherylStG' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 10:53 am, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

Wish I could have known your Ashley. I only got to shop at the Doll Market one time as I lived in TN at the time and only made the trek one time. Of course now that I live in SC, it no longer exists….sad that the brick & mortar stores are now such dinosaurs. We should meet up somewhere to catch up…..

{{{ HUGS }}}

Posted by IL Deb <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=IL+Deb' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 3, 2025, 9:42 am, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

You’ve both broken my heart and made me smile. Thank you for sharing.

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 February 3, 2025, 12:07 am, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

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

George, that was so sweet. I am glad to know you these 20 some years.

Posted by Jackie_NJ <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jackie_NJ' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 4:29 pm, in reply to "That was beautifully said Lori. I'd like to share my own "The beginnings of my Love for Gene" story "

My Ebay store for Fashion Doll clothes:
https://www.ebay.com/str/katzmeowdesignsforfashiondolls

My Etsy Store for Fashion dolls and 60-70 cm BJDS
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatzMeowDesigns

Same here Jackie, my life would be the poorer without you in it.

Posted by George in NC <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=George+in+NC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 6:20 pm, in reply to "George, that was so sweet. I am glad to know you these 20 some years."

Lovely Lori! You evoke so many thoughts, memories and joy. >>

Posted by Becky in Upstate <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Becky+in+Upstate' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 3:20 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

Remembering seeing her first in a doll magazine and knew I had to have her. She seemed so expensive! LOL. Waiting months to get that box and the joy of opening it. Gorgeous Red Venus. Was she really mine? The fashions to die for. The awakening of the internet and all the collectors slowly gathering online to share fun and ideas and news. And finding out about Mel and the whole designer group at Ashton Drake. I'm glad it has all evolved to become the worldwide phenomenon of Gene and her sisters. So happy that we still have The Studio Commissary too to help 'Keep the Dream Alive' Love to Gene and Mel! 30 years! Wow.

We sure have a beautiful village

Posted by Lori in Denver <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lori+in+Denver' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 3:37 pm, in reply to "Lovely Lori! You evoke so many thoughts, memories and joy. >>"

Gene paved the way, and everything about doll collecting changed.

Posted by Jackie_NJ <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Jackie_NJ' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 2:32 pm, in reply to "30 years today Gene hit Toy Fair! My thoughts inside. Add yours xxoo"

I am grateful that the hobby is still alive and well. The friendships have been as important as the dolls. All in all, a tremendous experience.

My Ebay store for Fashion Doll clothes:
https://www.ebay.com/str/katzmeowdesignsforfashiondolls

My Etsy Store for Fashion dolls and 60-70 cm BJDS
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatzMeowDesigns

Exactly! ;)

Posted by Lori in Denver <iframe src='https://members7.boardhost.com/TheStudioComm/info/user=Lori+in+Denver' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 2, 2025, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Gene paved the way, and everything about doll collecting changed."

Besides Trent got cool clothes thanks to you

« Back to index

[ THE STUDIO COMMISSARY ]