Just had word from Steve at Dolls, Gifts & More that there will not be a NALED doll this year.

Take look at this, Kim in SLC found a picture of Gene and Trent posed together! They look great!

And here's Madra and Trent.

Here's another site with Toy Fair 2001 coverage. Thanks Marcia!

Virtual Dolls has alot of great Toy Fair coverage!

Here's a link to BIGGER pics of the 2001 line!

Just had word that Garden Party was nominated for a DOTY award!! Way to go Deb!!!

One more from the Collectibles Today Site:

Jim Gaddis
A Gene Collector

I've collected fashion dolls, starting with the original Barbie, ever since childhood. Over the years, my Barbie collection has become quite large, but I've tapered back on adding to it because of Gene. I first saw Gene in 1995 in a catalog at a doll store. One look and that did it! I'm an old movie buff and I love the films of the 40s and 50s, so I was drawn to Gene and her Hollywood starlet persona right from the start. Gene reminds me of Gene Tierney, one of my favorite actresses from that period. In fact, one of the Gene doll's costumes was inspired by Gene Tierney's dress in the movie "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir."

When someone asks me how many Gene dolls or costumes I have, I really can't give a number - I simply have everything. I have duplicates, some triplicates, of every Gene doll released to date, including all of the special issues - "Santa Fe," the convention dolls, all of the accessories. I love to display them in a large case that I change approximately every two weeks. I create settings with little furniture and I change the dolls' outfits to fit the scene. People come over and are just fascinated when they see my Gene display. For me, playing with the Gene dolls is a great stress reliever after a busy week at work. I can spend hours with them and it's total relaxation.


As a Gene fan, I have the ultimate dream job - working in the Gene Group at Ashton-Drake Galleries. Collectible dolls are works of art, and the quality of Gene is unbelievable. I'm amazed at all of the minute details that make the dolls and costumes so spectacular, especially for 2001. And I'm very excited about the introduction of the 2001 Gene Marshall Collection for a personal reason, too. My original hairstyles have been chosen for five 2001 Gene dolls, with one style inspired by Linda Darnell's hairstyle in one of my favorite movies, "Unfaithfully Yours."

I enjoy collecting all fashion dolls, but Gene is my "number one." I'm simply enamored with her. My wife of 17 years doesn't have the same passion for Gene or doll collecting overall, but she understands it. She knew when she married me that doll collecting came with the package.

Acording to the Collectibles Today website, the following dolls and costumes are already shipping!

• Heart's Song
  
• Turbulance
  
• Cold Shoulder
  
• Right In Step
  
• Crazy For Calypso
  
• Mad About Mitzie
  
• Rio Rumba
  
• Coffee Klatch
  
  

Here's Trent's Biography:

The 20th century had just made its debut - and soon after, one of Hollywood's favorite leading men, Trent Osborn, made his debut - in a Philadelphia maternity ward.

Born Theodore O'Bannion, young "Teddy" was quite the little neighborhood Romeo, stealing kisses from beneath the playground Pollyannas' pipe curls. He also always had a flair for the dramatic, prodding his playmates into staging elaborate pirate adventures on the bounding waters of the ponds in Philly's most prestigious parks - much to the chagrin of the local police force!

After graduating from high school, he longed for adventure, even working as a truck driver to escape the city limits. But soon he discovered the local theater groups, where he was quickly spotted by a casting director for the Theatre Guild and whisked off to The Great White Way. His refined good looks, coupled with a certain aura of reckless abandon, brought him role upon role - and the attentions and intentions of an army of beautiful young actresses and debutantes.

After playing the gamut of juvenile roles on Broadway, Teddy, now known as Trent Osborn to the New York theater goers, was brought to Hollywood in 1935. A mainstay at Monolithic, he appeared in scores of films, and his most frequent leading ladies included such glamorous stars as Gene Marshall and Madra Lord.

As flamboyant a figure in Hollywood nightlife as he was on the screen, Trent Osborn broke countless hearts. But when he turned on those bedroom eyes, everyone from starlet to seasoned veteran melted at a glance.

Live from New York! Here's Master Collector Online's coverage of the Gene Premire.

Well, I must say, I am a bit underwhelmed by the entire 2001 Gene line. Nothing, with the exception of Garden Party and perhaps Blue Fox screams out, "I have to have this!"

It seems to me that the Hollywood Glamour of the past lines has been thrown out with the bath water in an attempt to contrast Madra's role with that of Gene's. Much of Madra's 2001 wardrobe parallels that of Gene's early years -- stylish cut and drape befitting a Hollywood Star. If Embassy Luncheon were produced today, who would have worn it? Gene or Madra?

Frankly in looking at the Gene offerings I am quite embarrassed by A Lady Knows.

The story sounds like it could be quite interesting:

A Lady Knows

Mysterious - but what a lady! In "A Lady Knows," Gene stars in this stylish film noir as a lady no one really knows. This lady of mystery is dressed in a black boucle top with a jewel neckline and a long skirt of dark blue taffeta and black chiffon and a seductive faux fur stole.
But the first thing I thought of when I looked at this outfit was a child playing dress up in the attic with a box full of old clothes. I am not sure what era this outfit is trying to capture...it surely is mysterious.

And is it just me or are the costumes from Gene's film She'd Rather Dance just plain... ? .... Another gown from this film has surfaced in this line: Right in Step. Described as "a gown of navy blue charmeuse, accented with navy and pink tulle and with cloth roses, and is slightly longer in the back to suggest a small train. The off-the-shoulder bodice has two straps that crisscross in the back." All I see is an explosion of tulle and a throwback to some of Mattel's offerings of the 1980's.


However there are some things I like enough to purchase (however no more pre-orders for me!) these include:

• Garden Party(naturally)
  
• Blue Fox
  
• Crazy for Calypso (I have been wanting an outfit like this for ages! It will coordinate wonderfully with my Tiki Bar!)
  
• Little Blessings (It's sweet in the way that Bridgeclub is sweet.)
  
• Bonnie and Blithe (Plaid enough said.)
  

It seems to me that this year, I will be Mad for Madra!!

In contrast to Gene's lackluster offerings it seems nothing was held back for Miss Lord.

I absolutely love Turbulence, Stolen Moments and Cold Shoulder.

And the outfits? All are must haves! Anything but Nice has a cigarette holder! (FINALLY!!) Stormy Weather not only includes the yummy gold rain coat but a dress as well!!

And what about that Trent Osborne guy?

LOVE HIM!!

Allow me to make a Formal Introduction

Outfits for Trent include:

• Tennis, Anyone? (Where is Gene's coordinating outfit?)
  
• Playing the Ponies
  
• Kid Valentine (A boxing outfit? hmmmmm interesting!)
  
• Royal Military (Will look great with King's Daughter!)
  
• Lover in Disguise (A dressed doll, but woo-hoo!! There are going to be some cat fights 'round here for sure!)
  

Some other tidbits gleaned from here and there:

Gene, Madra, and Trent Sign with Twentieth Century-Fox

The Ashton-Drake Galleries and The Gene Team proudly announce that The Gene Marshall Collection has signed a contract with Twentieth Century-Fox to be a part of the studio's "Fox Film Classics" marketing program.

This exciting piece of co-branding brings together one of the most famous film studios in the world and one of the most popular fashion doll collections in the world. This pairing will also mark the first time that Gene and her co-stars have been associated with another enterprise.

"We're very excited," said Gene Marshall Collection creator, illustrator Mel Odom. "This will give Gene and her friends the chance to appear in costumes from some of the most famous films of the last 60-plus years - beautiful costumes by some of the most brilliant designers who ever created for the silver screen."

The Fox program is built on their rich heritage of film-making. This classic line captures the drama, romance, and adventure of some of the greatest films ever produced in Hollywood.

The first costumes modeled by Gene, Madra and Trent in this stunning series should be on the market sometime in the summer of 2001. Among the Twentieth Century-Fox film costumes being produced by Ashton-Drake and The Gene Team will be costumes from the classics "All About Eve" (1950), "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) and "The Rains Came" (1939).

The Gene Marshall Collection is a collection of vinyl fashion dolls, inspired by all the legendary screen stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, the '30s, '40s and '50s. They are designed by award-winning New York illustrator Mel Odom. Gene is produced by the The Ashton-Drake Galleries, one of the largest and most respected makers of high quality collectible dolls worldwide.

™ ®Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Retired:

Madra: First Encounter, Pink with Envy and Heartless

Gene: Red Venus, Savannah, Sparkling Seduction, Crescendo, Sunset Celebration, Midnight Angel, Avant Garde, Black Ribbon, Cameo and Personal Secretary

Here's a nice large shot of Debbie's Garden Party.

Okay, as promised, I have a mini-interview with Debbie Silva one of the designers of the 2001 Gene line! Her doll Ibis was chosen as Mel's Favorite, as well as the Judge's Choice, and first place in its category at the 1999 Annual Gene Convention. It makes its entry into the 2001 line as Garden Party.

What is your favorite creation? Your favorite era to sew for? Any other hobbies or past times?

Impossible to pick a favorite. Most fun was Romanza. Most blood sweat and tears was Ibis - I didn't want to work on white.
Period costumes are the most fun. The era changes with my mood. Victorians are always wonderful. I also love the challenge of working a Dior or Fath design. Right now turn of the century Worth is high on my list.
Hobbies and past times: Love to travel for fun (especially to Italy) and reading a good book. Spend lots of time on church functions as well.

Debbie also had this to say about her creation of Ibis:

Yes, (it was) inspired by the sketch of a Fath design. I dyed much of the ribbon (microwave works wonders!). I did the embroidery free hand. I hate to work from a pattern. I worked on it for weeks in hotels. Spent the last Saturday before convention madly constructing the dress. I must have made the bodice 10 times before I liked it. Lost the pattern in the middle of this process and had to redraft it -- thus the retakes. Made the hat by forming buckram over a Phantom Of the Opera snow globe! Cut the bows of the shoes for WH for her shoes. Made the gloves out of the same silk satin I used for the dress (ugh, never again). Decided at the last minute to embroider the hat. Used real pearls to make her jewelery. Put the outfit on WH and away we went.

Debbie was also featured in the third installment of Jim Faraone's popular book series: Fashion Doll Makeovers.

Reba has set up a wonderful page that showcases Debbie's amazing outfits, be sure to check it out by clicking here.

The Excitement Builds!!!!

With less than two hours to go until the unveiling of the 2001 Gene Line its hard to contain yourself!! But thankfully, we have a peek at the wonderful Alex line to tide us over.

I am in love with Milano, Book Tour, and La Concorde.

Be sure to watch this spot for my upcoming news and reviews of the 2001 line, including a mini-interview with a 2001 Gene Team Designer!!

As a collector, you are often told to "buy what you like." But what happens when you like too much? Such is the dilemma most of us face...this year not only do I have to let my collecting dollars compete for Gene and Madra, there's Alex, and Tyler too! And I haven't even touched on the Silkstone Barbies yet!! And the Franklin Mint Girls: Rose, Diana, Scarlett and now Twiggy! (Thank goodness I have no desire to add Liz Taylor to the mix!) And my friend Kim waving her Wendy Lawton wand...and then this year Wendy coming out with my dream doll, based on the childeren's book The Little Princess. *sigh* What's a girl to do?

Well its finally time to rethink how I collect things. For one thing I am running out of space big time, and I am not made of money. For the entire time, with Gene, I have been a "completist" collector, and it wasn't until last year that I finally told myself that it is okay not to get everything. So the 2000 line saw the first time I did not buy the things that didn't appeal to me. And this year I have resolved not to put anything on pre-order. I am not going to fall for the you must order it now to make sure you get it later ploy. If it was meant to be, it was meant to be...

Of course, I say this now with less than a week to go to Toy Fair...I WILL BE STRONG!!!! (Say it with me boys and girls!) I WILL BE STRONG!!!

Heard through the grapevine...the male doll in the Gene line is supposed to have a crescent shaped stand to allow him to be easily posed next to Gene or Madra!

Here's what the official word is on the unveiling of the Gene line:

It's going to be just plain fun!

This year's Gene Marshall Collection will be making its debut at American International TOY FAIR®, February 11-15, 2001 in New York City. A gala premiere party is being sponsored by The Ashton-Drake Galleries and FAO Schwarz at a party for Gene retailers, Saturday, February 10. Fans around the world will also be able to view the collection by logging on the collectiblestoday.com site beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Long considered one of the leading specialty sellers of toys and collectibles in the United States, FAO Schwarz will turn over all three of their levels after hours to Gene and her special friends: Gene retailers and the press will be able to live a kids' dream of playing after hours in a toy store. Watching such fun would make Gene laugh in delight! Also in attendance will be The Gene Marshall Collection creator, illustrator Mel Odom; members of the Collection's costume design team; the members of the Gene Team; representatives from Gallery Marketing Group and The Ashton-Drake Galleries; and Young Designers of America winner Stephanie Iller-Drachman, whose costume design will be added to the 2001 collection.

But just what IS in this year's collection?

Plenty of surprises, as usual. But what can be told is that the 2001 Annual Edition, "Everything's Coming Up Roses" is a knockout: a two-piece satin suit done in a lovely rose hue. The other big news is that a new character is going to be added to the Collection - a character that will be debuted at this event. So get ready to Share the Dream once again, on February 10, 2001. A good time will be had by all, that night - and for a long time to come.

It's soooooooooo hard to wait!!!!!!!! LOL!!!

Be sure to check out Gene's Official Site on Saturday for the unveling!

And looking for more scoop? Try Share the Dream

Did ya all see this? This is Alex's new African American friend, and she is lovely.

Alex is another one of those dolls that didn't hook me right away. Granted I am a big Madame Alexander fan from way back, starting with the little eight inch dolls, then expanding into Cisette, Cissy, Coco and The Little Women Journals. The photographs released last year did nothing to flatter her. But at a recent doll show, I found Alex in Lunch at Two at a wonderful price, and I took a second look. The second look seemed fatal, LOL...and she came home. What I like about Alex is she has a bit more edgier look than Tyler, very Sex and the City. Here's another Alex that will be previewed at Toy Fair, and thanks to Pat Henry for this preview as well.

Ooooh pictures!! Can you stand it? My buddy Kim and her daughter were lucky enough to attend IDEX last week, and thankfully, Kim had digital camera in hand! What did we do before the internet?

In this shot Tyler wears Metro Chic (left) and Tailleur Classique (right). And in this picture, Esme wears Pretty Young Thing and Tyler wears Uptown Paradise. And here we have Chill Chasers and the new character in the Wentworth collection Sydney Chase -- she's the head of Esme's modeling agency. And here we have Tyler wearing Framboise Robe du Grande Soir from the Theatre de la Mode collection. (That's a Patou inspired gown in the foreground, another doll in the collection.) We've been told, that dolls with covered arms (sleeves or long gloves) will have the new bendable arms!

And here we have Kitty wearing Enchante. An awesome cocktail outfit that is available as a dressed doll (as seen here) or as an outfit only. I think it would look smashing on a blonde. (Gene or Madra would look great in this style as well.)

Kim's got a ton more photos in her Photo Point Album, so check em out!!

For more IDEX coverage, check out these sites:

• Joyce's Look of Joy
  
• Reba'a IDEX coverage.
  
• Ashton-Drake OOAK Auction (Thanks Vera!)
  
• Vera's Photo Point Album
  

If you're looking for the latest news, this is one of the best places to look: VICKY'S FASHION DOLLS BULLETIN BOARD

Okay, lets talk about Robert Tonner...have you seen the awesome stuff he has in store this year? If not check out: The Robert Tonner Website, particularly his fashion divas: Tyler Wentworth and Kitty Collier.

First to Miss Collier...

Now I must admit when Kitty was introduced last year, I wasn't that much taken with her. I already have a similiar sized doll in Coco from Madame Alexander, and frankly, the clothes while of obvious quality did nothing for me. But this year? WOW! My favorites include Enchante, Down Mexico Way, and American Beauty. It's obvious, Resistance is Futile!

Okay...now to Miss Wentworth...

It seems Mr. Tonner, has been listening intently to collector's requests, as this year brings us a vibrant new facial screening, as well as a new character: Sydney Chase. And the outfits in my opinion carry a bit more street edge then the previous years' offerings. I love the embroidered hip huggers of Uptown Paradise as well as Sydney Chase's rainbow colored tweed suit with black knee length boots and polka dot scarf. My other favorites include Tailleur Classique (brings to mind the Karl Lagerfeld days at Chanel), Pretty Young Thing, Chill Chasers, and Metro Chic (The boots!! *swoon*). I've have always liked the little edgier outfits, and am still holding out for Jennifer Lopez' infamous Versace gown.

Okee that said, I should comment on the Theatre de la Mode dolls...while all beautiful, I am not seeing Tyler as the model for these...this is just me I think, but I would have loved to see these done in the 18" size of Tonner's American Models. Of course, I still want Framboise Robe du Grande Soir. (See how they hook ya!!! I think I need a second job!!)

Countdown to Toy Fair 2001!! Can you stand it? This is a most exciting time! One week and all will be revealed! Will Madra get the blonde hair I covet for her? Will she get some more attitude? And the man!! What will he look like? Molded hair? Rooted hair? Will we actually get to see a production version or will we be teased with drool-worthy sketches? And the clothes? More poufy ball gowns, or tailored suits? Accessories? Limited editions? Ahhhhhhh!!

Here's whats been leaked...

• Madra in a pilot outfit complete with "leather" jacket, called Turbulence.
  
• A raven-haired Simply Gene in a lavendar swimsuit with a new berry lip color.
  
• A Simply Gene styled Madra called Ultimate Madra (since nothing is simple about Madra) dressed in a pink lingergie outfit with fur stole.
  
• Everything's Coming Up Roses, the Annual Doll in a scrumptious majenta asymmetrical suit designed by Jose Ferrand, and a wonderful hairstyle reminicent of White Hyacinth.
  
• An oval shaped hat-box with a portrait of Gene by Mel Odom on the top, and lavendar sides.
  

And for those of you on AOL, here is a wonderful oppurtunity:

For the first time ever, Mel Odom, creator of the Gene Marshall Collection, will be chatting with collectors and Fans - live on AOL! This is your chance to ask Mel about the exciting new 2001 Gene Collection.

AOL and collectiblestoday.com are sponsoring two live chats with Mel Odom during Toy Fair. The chats are scheduled for 9:30pm est on Saturday 2/10 and again on Monday 2/12 at 10:00 pm est. Go to AOL keyword: Gene doll Chat to join the fun!

For more information about the new Gene Collection go to Collectibles Today

And that's just Gene!! Hold onto your pocketbooks, we still haven't seen everything yet!!