My Gene Marshall Doll Wears "Destiny"

The Gene doll is made of quality vinyl, head to toe. She wears dark green
heals with this gown.

Original Gown Description:

• "Destiny is a sumptuous strapless ballgown of dusky green taffeta, bordered in gold lame' lace. Circa 1954."
• "The attached gold mesh underskirt is double-layered at the hem, allowing the fitted bodice to flow gracefully into an elegant belled skirt."
• "Accessories include white evening gloves with gold lame' lace bows; gold barrette; gold bead necklace and earrings; and matching shoes."
• "Gene's honey-blonde hair is styled in a flirtatious sweep, cascading into one soft curl at the bare shoulder."
• "(Dress) Designed by Mark Esposito, student at the New York High School of Fashion Industries and a winner of the 1997 Young Designers of America Award."

Left, an authenticity tag. Center, her facial details are painted. Right, Gene has pivot
pins at her shoulders that make her arms posable. She has five points of articulation.

 

       "When the Gene Marshall doll appeared on the market in 1995, it was one of the first items of its type and size: a large fashion doll primarily intended for display by adult collectors. Until then, the standard fashion doll had been the 11.5-inch Barbie, which is still primarily sold as a children's plaything; while some collectors were attracted to limited-edition specialty Barbies, most collectible dolls at the time were constructed with neotenous baby-doll proportions instead of with mature, nubile ones. There was an exception; Mdvanii, the first anatomically correct fashion doll for adults. Mdvanii renewed Mel Odom's childhood interest in dolls and led him to create Gene Marshall. The popular success of Gene Marshall sparked the invention of an entire genre of similar collectible large fashion dolls from other companies, such as Tyler Wentworth from Tonner Doll Company, Alexandra Fairchild Ford from Madame Alexander and Clea Bella from Bella! Productions." Wikipedia

 

Left, the formal, long gloves trimmed with a gold bow. Right, Gene Marshall doll profile.
 Her strawberry blond hair is rooted.

The Characteristic Features of This Doll According to The Ashton-Drake Galleries:

• "15 1/2 inches of poseable, collector-quality vinyl with a finish that mimics fine porcelain."
• "Hand-painted features, hand-applied lashes, period coiffures rooted and styled by hand."
• "Wardrobe crafted of quality fabrics like those worn by real Hollywood stars of the era."
• "Impeccable tailoring details--hand-sewn fastenings, fully lined dresses, seamed hose."
• "Her fabulous accessories-designed precisely to scale-are the stuff of fashion legends."
• "All products hand-numbered, with a Certificate of Authenticity and glamorous story."
  

Left, the gold comb that holds back Gene's hair. Right, the gold tulle underskirt.

More About Gene Marshall Dolls: Doll Reviews:

• The Doll Circle chats about Gene Marshall Dolls
• Ashley talks about Gene Dolls at Virtual Doll Convention and Simply Gene and Destiny

 

Return to the Doll Guide Index Page