Saturday, March 24, 2018

Every Time We Say Good-Bye...

We die a little. Every time we say good-bye to a dear friend, we are forced to stop and reflect on the prospect of loss and immediately grab on to the memories that remain in the dark passages of our brains.

When the friend is a doll - the feelings are perhaps, a tad less devastating, as she (or in this case - they) remains around in all of her stupendous physicality in resin, vinyl, porcelain, or hard plastic.

When Mel Odom and JAMIEshow Doll announced the end of their ground-shaking collaboration, Gene Marshall fans (the hardcore, illuminated ones) once again relieved the farewell scenario, one already played out with Ashton-Drake and Integrity Toys. And many wondered if said collaboration couldn't have lasted a little longer, perhaps with a feeling of I-would-have-liked-to-see-yet-another iteration-or-character.  Dolldom feels that hope should never be lost - another collaboration is always possible and as Odom himself said in a recent speech, there is still one more JAMIEshow Gene Marshall in the works to be offered at the United Federation of Doll Collectors' opening of their new museum wing in 2019 - one that will debut with a showstopping Gene Marshall retrospective.

And then gain, who knows how will Miss Gene Marshall, Star Eternal, will once again transform? In the words of Norma Desmond: "No one ever leaves a star. That's what makes one a star."

JAMIEshow's 2018 Convention closed the show with a bang: a not-to-be-missed set of five new iterations of Odom's-always-glow-brighlty stars comprised of Gene, Mara Lord, Violet Waters, Zita Charles, and real-life movie legend Marsha Hunt. Gene and Madra sport tans - as would be expected of stars who vacation in the desert paradise- but Miss Lord got an extra touch of magic: a sprinkling of freckles that ties her character even more to the also-freckled Joan Crawford.

In this exclusive portfolio, Dolldom pays tribute and expresses gratitude to both Mr. Odom and JAMIEshow Doll for having continued to share the dream that is the essence of Gene Marshall.


Marsha Hunt. Hair by Kathy Johnson


Marsha Hunt models her Palm Springs gown, a real shining star. Hair by Time of Doll by Ilaria Mazonni.



Violet Waters is supremely beautiful with a touch of 1960s mod style.


Violet's vinyl mini dance dress is minimalism at its very best. Wigcaps by JAMIEshow transform her look.



Zita Charles!


The Silent Era movie star dances a tango in her green satin gown. Wigcaps by JAMIEshow Doll.



Madra Lord


Freckled Madra Lord goes green in a LizRetros silk shantung cocktail set, all hand beaded and sewn. Hair by Kathy Johnson.


Gene Marshall


Gene sports a tan - and who does not look good with a tan? Add a white coat by Integrity Toys and more magic happens. Wigcap by JAMIEshow Doll.



Saturday, March 10, 2018

Fashion Fantastic: Juliet Whorton Designs for the S-Girls

Dolldom has always believed that the future of fashion dolls is handmade, for it is the only mode through which dollectors will attain truly personal expressions of their vision and tastes. Luckily, there are enlightened artists working steadfastly to provide one-of-a-kind dolls and fashions.

In this very first entry for March 2018, Dolldom features the work of Juliet Whorton whose Dangerousdames Lounge boutique has been providing fashion fantasies for Barbie and Fashion Royalty dolls for more than an decade. Recently, in conversation with Ms. Whorton, Dolldom asked her to interpret her vision for Julian S. Kalinowski's S-Girls. With carte blanche in hand, Ms. Whorton developed a collection never before seen - from classic bubble dresses to extravagant waves of lace. One of Ms. Whorton's signature touches is beading and this collection boasts what may be a million beads and precious decorations all hand applied to fabric.

Mr. Kalinowski's S-Girls were overjoyed modeling these wonders made to fit their ampler hips and slightly reduced bosom. Join Ms. Whorton, Stella, Sable and Sylvain as they present you fashion fantastic! Enjoy the show!




"Bellini", modeled by Sylvain, is a luscious three-piece ensemble that would have made Peggy Guggenheim squeal with delight.



"Commuters Ahead", also modeled by Sylvain, is a working woman's fashion statement. Underneath the beaded jacket, Sylvain wears a strapless blouse with a playful vintage print. But the hat has to be what makes this number such a delight. Complete with vintage butterfly, the straw sensation is decorated with two dozen black roses.




"Bahamian Boom", modeled by Stella, is pure tropical fantasy. Created with gorgeous scenic print, the two piece dress with tulle underskirt features a grand portrait collar. And a hat so joyful, one cannot help but feel the tropical breezes.



"After Hours Ballerina", modeled by Stella, is an elegant an classic silhouette re-envisioned in a dramatic combo: red silk and satin blue and white stripes. The full skirt features a high waist, punctuated by a slender red belt. The beading is lush.



"In My Beautiful Balloon", modeled by Sable, is a modern take on the classic "Gay Parisienne" that vintage Barbie doll wore so well.



"How Green Is My Valley", modeled by Sable is a wondrous three-piece cocktail ensemble. The coat is decorated with gold and coral beads and brass leaves. Miss Joan Crawford would have worn it well too. A simple fascinator adds lighthearted touch.



"Pavlova's Paradise Bird" is a luxurious three-piece ensemble featuring peacock feathers and a dream enhancing shade of blue. A flowered fascinator adds prima ballerina glamour to the look.



"Sirena del Mar Profundo", modeled by Stella,  is a drop-dead chic creation. Miniature silver sequins and a halter neckline make this gala two piece ensemble a most precious confection.



"Red Sea Parting", modeled by Stella, closes the Fashion Fantastic show. The three piece ensemble features a detachable lace overskirt, allowing the cocktail look to transform into a real regal expression.

Dolldom thanks Ms. Whorton and Mr. Kalinowski for their gracious support during this collaboration.