A little doll story: I’m not sure just how I came upon this line of dolls but it was most likely in a Barbie collection search or a Robert Tonner doll collection search because I love nothing more than seeing what people collect. I saw these 16 inch fashion dolls called Gene Marshall dolls and I was intrigued. As always, I started to research them.
They were designed by a lovely man (whom I’ve since chatted with) named Mel Odum. They were sold from 1995 to the about 2013. Mel, who is an artist and illustrator, wanted to design a doll and he came up with the idea of Gene Marshall, a fictional movie star from the 1940s – 1950s. She had a story as to her start in Hollywood, what movies she made, and every doll came with a story card. Mel enlisted designers to come up with fabulous ideas for her clothes. He gave her a dreamy eyed look based on old black and white movies, an impossibly small waist, and an elegant body.
Well, I fell in love – especially with her clothing. I love that period of design. And I found out that the dolls were highly affordable on the secondhand market – much more affordable than Blythes, which I find are becoming too expensive to collect these days. (That’s a story for another day.) I can find a fully dressed mint Gene for around $40 – $45.
I found a couple of Gene Marshall groups on Facebook. I started to learn more about the dolls.
Meet the girls.
On the left, Gene Marshall “Teatime at the Plaza.” She’s wearing a fabulous coat dress and hat.
In the center, Gene Marshall “Simply Gene” a basic doll in a bathing suit. (The first girl I purchased.)
On the right, Gene Marshall “Hello Hollywood” – the suit that Gene wears when she first travels to Hollywood.
They have accessories. They wear those great chunky shoes from the forties (my mom had a pair that I would wear when I played dress up.) Their hair is fabulous. There’s a lot of it and it’s beautifully styled.
Now, here’s the ‘life is so interesting’ part: While I was researching, I discovered that my best pal from college days, Doug James, designed lots of her outfits (there were several designers working on the line.) I knew Doug had designed his own line of dolls, of course, but seeing his name crop up as a Gene designer was such a delightful surprise! He designed that ensemble on the right. I had to get her in honor of Doug. (He told me he had a story to tell me about that outfit and, since we’re supposed to chat today, I’m looking forward to hearing it.)
Mel commented on a post of mine in the Facebook group and said that Doug was one of his favorite designers.
Anyway! I love these gorgeous dolls. There have been books written about Gene and her story. And there are books that list all of the clothing and dolls – collectors’ books.
I know, I’m getting older, but I’ll always be a collector. It’s a bit like breathing to me. – I started collecting when I was about 10 years old. I love the search, the research, all of it. Slow and steady of course, especially since I have limited space. I’ll be very picky. But they can be sold when I kick the bucket and they, along with the Blythes, will bring in a modest amount of money. Not to mention the McCoy and Roseville. And the vintage dollhouses. Do you know that I have had offers for the vintage dollhouse in the kitchen more than a few times? Two different collectors/designers have reached out to me because they want that house. One is an architect who collects that kind of thing. The other, I believe, is a designer and has a shop. I said no to the first offer. and when I got the second offer, I broached the subject with Don and heard a very forceful “Absolutely not! That stays right where it is.” But I did tell them if I ever considered selling it, I would let them know.
The Genes, the Barbie repro, and a Robert Tonner doll will live upstairs in the office/studio – along with my mom’s vintage Shirley Temple, my baby doll with two left feet, and my very old Tiny Tears-like doll that live on top of the cabinet. I don’t think Don really needs (or wants) to see more dolls in the den!
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
