Recently found in the Monolithic Studios' costume vault, a wardrobe test shot of Gene Marshall in a swing style dress inspired by Tim Kennedy's Rio Rumba gown.
A silver and black chevron striped flared skirt with contrast bodice detailing highlight this oh so forties look. Accessories include a coordinating snood, black suede gauntlet gloves, and earrings; all from The Couture Touch. "Diamond" necklace is from Ashton Drake. Shoes from D.A.E. Originals. Purse and bracelet are from Robert Tonner. Belle of the Ball Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Vintage sewing patterns are a wonderful source of inspiration for costume designers and wardrobe stylists. The pattern illustrations are an invaluable resource for period detail including combining colors and accessorizing.
Two fashionable styles from Simplicity, circa 1941. A simply chic dress with a two-piece look and a stylish peplum suit.
A smart grey suit from McCalls, circa 1952. Note the use of brown and pale yellow in the accessories that gives this suit a look of elegance and refinement.
A classic 1950's three-piece swing style ensemble from McCalls. Love the tweed with contrast lapel and cuffs.
The color green symbolizes the bountiful gardens and trees found in nature. Green, particularly the darker shades, is calming and restful. When combined with the timeless elegance of a neutral such as brown, green becomes classically chic and sophisticated.
The green top and coordinating cardigan from Ashton Drake's Hi-Fi costume is paired with the brown skirt from Press Conference for a smart look perfect for an active day of errands. Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch. Brooch is from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection. Handbag from D.A.E. Originals. Necklace and gloves are from Ashton Drake. White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.
The form-fitting sheath from Ashton Drake's Stormy Weather costume set comes out of hiding to reveal a delightful brown and green print. Accessories include a brown velveteen pillbox accented with a dramatic feather, brooch, and earrings, all from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder from Mystyna. Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.
A brown afternoon frock with soft draping details is accented with green suede embroidered gauntlet gloves and a matching fur-trimmed hat, all from The Couture Touch. A simply elegant look just right for dinner and cocktails. Fur stole is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root. Handbag from an unknown designer. Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Fashion and Color by Mary Garthe.
A Trio of Must-Haves for the New Season.
Off with your winter coat. It's time for something lightweight in a soft color. The pale rose tailored coat from Ashton Drake's Rain Song costume, sans the original hood, is paired with the straw hat and fur muff from D.A.E. Originals' Business Class suit ensemble. Additional accessories include dark brown gloves and pearl jewelry. Cocoa Rose Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Front page news for spring is the two-piece fitted day ensemble. Chic Gene Marshall accessorizes the two-piece outfit from Ashton Drake's Press Conference with the gloves from Winged Inspiration. The stylish tilt topper, luscious fur muff, and butterfly brooch are all from The Couture Touch. Who says a two-piece look can't be high style fashion. Train case from D.A.E. Originals. Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.
Fascinating Violet Waters wears the blouse from Doing Her Part with the royal blue skirt from The Star Wardrobe Collection, both from Ashton Drake. Over it all, a silk tweed plastron accessorized with a matching off-the-face chapeau and coordinating suede gauntlet gloves from The Couture Touch. Separates never looked so chic. Cigarette holder from Mystyna. Fascination Violet Waters, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.
Madra and I wish you all the luck of the Irish!
Whether updating an outfit with new accessories or layering pieces to completely change the look, here are a few of my favorites from the costume vault.
Bold accessorizing punctuated by the striped cummerbund and dramatic high crown hat complement the jacket and skirt from Integrity's Gilt-y Girl ensemble. Hat, gloves, top, earrings, and cummerbund are from The Couture Touch. Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard. On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Miss Marshall's little black dress is spiced up with a tweed plastron inspired by the leopard one from D.A.E. Originals' Charmed Traveler set. In the 1943 version of The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot, the plastron was defined as a vest-like yoke worn on the outside of a garment and tied around the waist with a sash, tie, or belt. I define it as highly versatile. Plastron, hat, gloves, belt, and brooch are from The Couture Touch. Dress, handbag, and shoes are from Ashton Drake. Eyewear from Horsman. Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
A change of accessories gives the jacket from Integrity's Cherry Smash ensemble a decidedly 1940's feel. Can't you just imagine Miss Lord as a World War II era spy. Hat, purse, gloves, and skirt are from The Couture Touch. Black Widow Madra Lord is from Ashton Drake.
Accessory pieces from Ashton Drake's Little Black Dress set dramatically changes the look of Tim Kennedy's Love After Hours. It was inspired by a little fashion drawing in the March 1949 issue of French Elle magazine. On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
This 1940's cocktail ensemble was achieved by layering the halter top [sans the beads] and matching bolero from Song of Spain over the strapless satin sheath from Black Ribbon, both Ashton Drake. Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Fur from Sandra Stillwell. Handbag and shoes are from Robert Tonner. Jewels from an unknown designer. Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.
Design inspirations and fashion styling tips for lovers of fashion dolls and their fabulous vintage-inspired ensembles of the 1930's, 40's, and 50's.
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I design vintage-inspired, OOAK ensembles for fashion dolls. The Couture Touch specializes in suits, tailored daywear, and cocktail ensembles from the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's. All of my designs are carefully researched and accessorized to maintain the feel and flavor of the era. My design inspirations come from old movies, vintage fashion magazines, vintage sewing pattern books, and antique clothing shows. My favorite fashion period is from 1939 - 1946 (WWII era).