Doll Chat - Gene Marshall Doll + Mel Odom
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2018
- What an honor to have the one and only Mel Odom join me for doll chat! He's a legend in the doll world and creator of Gene Marshall--a 15.5 inch collectible fashion doll inspired by Hollywood's Golden Age. Each doll features an intricate movie-styled theme based on fashions from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
When Gene Marshall appeared on the market in 1995, she was one of the first large fashion dolls primarily intended for adult collectors. Her success sparked the creation of similar dolls from many other companies. Over half a million Gene dolls were sold within 3 years of her debut!
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Mel Odom on IG: / mel.odom
Mel's art: www.mel-odom.com
Gene Marshall on FB: Gene-Marshal...
* All photos of Gene Marshall copyright Mel Odom
* All photos of Mel Odom and his family copyright Mel Odom
* All photos of Gene Marshall: Girl Star book copyright Mel Odom
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Bow tie I'm wearing in this video: Suresh New York (www.sureshnewyork.com)
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Find Gene at these shops:
- Gene Marshall by Ashton Drake (1995 and 2005):
www.ebay.com/b/Ashton-Drake-G...
susansdolls.com/product-categ...
- Gene Marshall by Integrity Toys (2005 to 2010):
www.ebay.com/cln/221133000/int...
- Gene Marshall by JAMIEshow (2013 to present):
www.jamieshowdoll.com/jamiesh...
"Gene Marshall: Girl Star" Hardcover - October 2000 by Michael Sommers & Mel Odom:
- amzn.to/2DtvV7C
How To Rebody + Reshape Barbie Dolls (my previous video):
• How To REBODY + RESHAP...
Have you seen my Barbie Collection?
• My BARBIE Collection
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Check out my eBay store: www.ebay.com/usr/sureshny
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Find me on IG: / sureshny
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Write to me: suresh@sureshnewyork.com
xoxo
Suresh
** DISCLAIMER: My doll reviews and tutorials are intended for adult collectors, not children. - Розваги
My most favorite doll of all time! Gene inspired me to get back into doll collecting! I met Mel right as Gene came out and he signed all 3 of my dolls. He was such a wonderful presence and inspired me to be ok with collecting dolls as an adult.
He is truly an icon! and so is Gene
Indeed!!
This was fascinating- when I first came across GM dolls I totally thought she was based on a '' real '' 40's era actress and would rack my brain trying to place who it was so I thought it was so funny that Mel mentioned in conversations with friends that he would try to plant that seed. I could have watched hours of this. Awesome vid!x
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!
What a surprise to see Mel Odom - and what a lovely interview! I have all of my Gene dolls - I started with Monaco (she looked like my mother in her wedding gown) and collected Gene dolls for many, many years. The clothing - the hair - the style! I just love all of it. It was great to hear Mel talk about the creation of Gene, and so nice to see just how happy Gene still makes him - you can see the pride and fondness. She's been a great doll to collect, and to share with doll friends. I belong to a club that has enjoyed Gene from the beginning, and we still do. Suresh, thank you for interviewing Mel - this will be a favorite You Tube video for me!
Thank you so much for the lovely compliments! So glad to hear that you love Gene. She is, indeed, a treasure. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video :) Big hugs to you ~
I absolutely adore Gene ❤. I have been collecting her right from the very beginning ❤️ 💕
What a great interview! Back in the day, I used to belong to a Gene doll club. We had sooooo much fun. I was at the 2000 convention just outside Chicago, and that was great fun too. Have his Gene book which I dragged with me from SoCal, and my club President (Robin Runtas) was kind enough to take my book to Mr. Odom and he personally signed it for me. A wonderful time was had by all. I have many, many Genes from Ashton Drake and love them all. Thank you so much for doing this interview.
So glad to hear it! Glad you enjoyed the interview.
Mel Odom is such a FABULOUS ARTIST! You are so lucky to have him on your channel.
What a fabulous interview with a legendary artist! I have collected Gene Marshall dolls for over twenty years and they give me such pleasure. They are like 3 Dimesional Hollywood photographs. Extremely decorative, and treasured beyone belief! Thank you for this marvelous look at Gene history and Mel Odom!
So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching ~
All those years I've never been able to attend a Gene convention, haven't saved enough money. When Gene was discontinued, I gave up by then and meeting like-minded Gene collectors. I will be looking forward to the annual fashion doll convention in Vegas.......hopefully in the near future. Fortunately I'm also into Silkstone Barbies and Tonner dolls.
OMG!!! I LOVE Mel and loved hearing how Gene came about! I'm a huge fan of Gene and Madra! You two are such class acts! Love you both! GREAT video!
Thanks so much! :)
Congratulations Suresh on such a wonderful interview! What an amazing “GET” for you , and us, your followers! Thank you so much!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it :) xoxo
Thanks so much for the interview. It was very well done. I loved the photos and background information on Gene. I look forward to your weekly podcasts. Really good information on the doll business. Keep up the good work!
Hi, where could I find his podcast?
Thanks so much! Very glad you enjoyed the interview. And a weekly podcast would be so fun--what a great idea!
I don't have a podcast yet--but maybe someday soon :)
Wonderful interview and it was fascinating to hear the origin's of Gene as a concept to a real doll.
I'm creating in resin my own high fashion doll and it's a challenge making the silicone rubber mold's and learning which resin's to use in casting the body part's.
Mel Odem is so talented. His art work is pure magic.
This was a real treat. Your the best Suresh. Keep up the excellent work. I'm still swooning.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the video :)
My Goodness, I had no idea these dolls even existed😲! I collect Mattel, Integrity and Mizi, but was absolutely charmed by Gene. So obviously I went on a certain website and bought 12 of them today. Arghhhhhhh😱😱😱😱!!!! So beautiful and inexpensive compared to some of the others. Very excited!
I'm so glad you did this interview. I love Gene dolls. And it was so nice to meet the handsome face behind the doll
So glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent interview. Although I know Mel's story, I liked hearing it over again.
Terri Gold I
Thanks!
God Bless you Suresh for doing interviews with different doll designers and creators. I am learning so much about the doll world. Keep up the good work!! :)
So sweet, glad you enjoyed it :) And thank you!
YEEESSSS thank you for this interview! I LOOOOVE Gene dolls and to learn this new information about her! just thank you!
So glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching ~ xoxo
What a wonderful man and story and dolls! Gene is gorgeous, I did not ever heard about her but I feel I do love her movie star attitude and glam. I need to find her and one of Mr Odom's books too, since his illustrations are TDF. Thank you, once again you offered us a different point of view on dolls world and it is always magnetic! xoxoxo
Hello friend! Glad you enjoyed the video. Mel is so amazing. Thanks for watching!! xoxo
Never heard of Gene till I found a book about her. Author was Carolyn B Cook. I am Dutch, only knew Barbie. But today I saw the interview with Mel Odom. Great. Thank you
Glad you discovered him and Gene. They are stars!
Fantastic interview!! What a treat! Maybe Mel inspired you Suresh, and now you’ll design your own doll someday?? 😍😘
Haha thanks! I would loooove to design my own doll someday. We'll see ;) xoxo
Suresh NY Woohoo!! 👏🏻👍🏻❤️
This is awesome!!! Love love love the old Gene dolls and I have Pin up and Blue Goddess!!!!
Thanks!
Omg! Wow! Amazing video! Suresh! Such stunning dolls and fabulous Gene is!😍😍😍👏👏👏👏👌👌👌😘😘😘😘💕💕💕💕💕 so amazing to be able to interview important people who have definitely made history in the doll community!💜💜💜💜 thanks suresh for these interesting special videos! 😘😘😘😘
Glad you enjoyed the video :) Thanks for watching! xoxo
Thank you my dear for this treat!! Loooving to watch you and Mel!! Wise words- You might care less what people say about you!! Love love love!
Glad you enjoyed the video :) xoxo
This is so cool! I've been following Mel Odom for quite a while on Facebook. I love seeing photos of the Gene dolls. I follow a lot of doll accounts on Instagram and I recently discovered your account. I found it really interesting to listen to this interview and see all the gorgeous dolls. I'm looking forward to watching your other videos too! 🙂
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it :) Mel is amazing!
Just received my very first Gene doll today.......one of the earlier vinyl ones. Loved your interview. Looking forward to the screenplay Mr.Odom mentioned. Thought it was really interesting how he chose the size of doll for Gene. Good choice!
Enjoy your Gene doll!
A great trip down memory lane with Gene, especially since I was around for her remarkable debut. Mel continues to be as charming & inspirational as always. A great interview, Suresh 🙏
Sheema Karp thanks!
I loved this interview!!! I'm getting back in to collecting Gene dolls. I have quite a few of them beautiful gals!!
Thank you! I'm glad to hear that--she is truly a star! xoxo
Mel Odometer has been one of my heroes forever! This was such a fab interview! ✌🏼
He is definitely amazing! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Thanks to Mel, I have a small collection of Gene dolls in South Africa
That's great to hear! xoxo
ZOMG, this is such an epic interview! I was obsessed with his book covers back in the day. I I am so here for this man. I love you both.
Sistah Fromanotherplanet thanks! 💋
Suresh this interview was totally fascinating and awesome, I learned so much and both Gene and her designer are legendary ...had to say , you looked especially handsome in the interview ,don't know what it was but you were glowing! had to say 😁😉😊
Aww so sweet! Thank you so much! I think I was just in awe of Mel...I was in the presence of greatness and I was sweating hahaha ;) xoxo
Gene is the best. Thank you, Mel
So interesting to listen to these interviews. They are wonderful.
Such a sweetheart Mel is! I like the resin Gene best.
He is, indeed! And yes, resin Gene is magnificent ~
The dolls are gorgeous and tasteful. Loved the interview, it was amazing to get to know the brand and the creator!
They are, indeed! Glad you enjoyed it :)
It's hard to believe this man is 74yrs old he looks great
I have love Gene since she come out!!!
Loved this interview! It reminds me of why I love and collect fashion dolls.
What a sweet compliment! Thanks so much~
I guess Im kind of off topic but do anybody know of a good site to watch new tv shows online ?
@Rodrigo Roger lately I have been using flixzone. You can find it by googling :)
@Camdyn Valentin Yup, I have been using flixzone for since march myself :D
@Camdyn Valentin Thank you, I signed up and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it!
Great interview! Keep up the amazing work. Wish you had your own talk show
Thanks so much! Maybe someday :) xoxo
Thank you for this wonderful video love Gene and Mel!
Thanks for watching!
Wonderful interview! I’ve always wondered about the Gene dolls origins and history, but had never done the research. Definitely gorgeous dolls and I’m definitely a fan of the golden age of Hollywood! 💫🌟💫
Thanks so much! It's so fascinating to learn how the creator follows through with his process :)
Great interview have you ever been approached about doing fashion week I think you would be real good at interviewing the designers, models and celebs.
Thanks so much! I used to do Fashion Week shows back in the day. Maybe I'll start again :)
Excellent interview, thanks so much !
I love mel odom. I once had a gene doll with gorgeous brunette hair and a beautiful green dress. When Mr. Odom was talking about not caring as much as to what people think about someone collecting dolls I am happy to report by doing that I did find someone.
That's wonderful! So glad to hear you're a Gene fan :) xoxo
OMG!!! WOOOOOOOOOW Gene dolls is soooooooooo amazing, outfits, faces, fashion i loved . i have a gene dress ligthing pink iloved💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Yes, Gene is SOOOO amazing! :) xoxo
Awesome interview!! Gene owns my 💙.
Thanks!
love this interview!!!! Mel is so interesting and fun!
I wish that was longer!
Wonderful interview, thank you to the both of you. I love hearing fellow doll enthusiasts talk about dolls.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Suresh, thank you for interviewing the always fascinating Mr Mel Odom. I wished this interview could have been longer, because there is so much more I wanted to hear from Mel. Mel turned the fashion doll world upside down with his creation of the lovely Gene Marshall doll. Mel briefly spoke about Gene's rival, Madra Lord. If the interview had been longer, perhaps Mel would have also mentioned Gene's handsome co star Trent Osborn and the very sexy songstress Violet Waters. I love ALL the dolls; however, I love doll fashion more. I've always wanted to create beautiful fashions for Gene dolls; unfortunately, I don't know how to sew. I wished Mel (or someone in the fashion doll business) would make a sewing DVD for beginner and advanced sewers. Suresh, you are great. I wish you continued success.
Glad you enjoyed the video. xoxo
Hi again suresh this is a little out of topic but I saw your disclaimer and says that your reviews are for adults and not for children.I love you, but,I'm just a sweet little 12 year old BOY that supported and loved you for a year I hope that you would still allow me to view your videos beacause my collection is expanding and you are my inspiration, and I still love you even if you don't let me view your videos and I will recommend
your channel to adult collectors because you deserve soooo much attention and...yeah that's all I have to say, always live bolty and shine brightly😊
OMG cutest comment ever. Thank YOU for loving my videos and for following me. My disclaimer does not prevent you from watching my videos :) So if you enjoy the content, you are free to watch it. Glad to hear your collection is growing. Stay fabulous ~ Big hugs, Suresh
Suresh NY ohh thank you so much suresh❤
Great interview!! Totally love it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much!!
Aren't they just all magnificent?! I can see you looking at that amazing red Dior-like suit and I just wished you could put your hands on her and do your clothing review. From the moment Gene Marshall was released she entered the scene with a difference that spoke glamour, fashion and couture. The photography was impeccable, the stories were amazing. It was the kind of cohesiveness we all love seeing in a doll-mannequin. I was not able to get her but I got Mel Odom's book about her. The illustrations, the images, the story behind -- he painted her backdrop, he created her world. I think at this time, or later on, Mattel also released their own version of Barbie in Hollywood series. I don't know if that is in retaliation to Gene doll (I mean 11.5 vs. 15. 5 inches) The Publicity Tour and Day in the Sun Barbie spoke the same vibe as Gene did in that they were placed in the same era. The resin Gene dolls are very pricey and yet the the idea of re-dressing and changing hairstyles are genius. While it was an exciting phase for Gene, I personally think Integrity Gene didn't capture essence of Gene although the Integrity designs are great (always). Integrity did try to re-create the old Gene fashions at a smaller scale but it didn't seem to capture the mood found in 15.5 versions. Also I think Gene is not supposed to be mass produced. It's beyond her character as a brand. Same way Silkstones shouldn't be made to appeal to a large base. They are collector dolls, limited, exclusive and almost "art" (they are art!). I love what George Gonzalez has done to Gene and I hope they should create more. Create vs. Make -- difference between creating a brand and just making a doll. Jamiedoll was able to capture the magic of Mel Odom's imagination and creativity, lifting Gene to resin enhanced the elusiveness of the character. Resin was perfect for Gene's Old Hollywood aura in the same way Silkstone was enhanced the vintage feel of Barbie. Jamie doll fashions were divine and built on the the character of what an actress in the Golden Era of Hollywood would wear. I heard that they are discontinuing the line though. Sigh -- but the upcoming convention is a good sign (Will Suresh attend?). If Gene Marshall makes a farewell it would be a bit sad but when I look at the character of a popular movie star in the Golden era, that's also how it goes. It seems acceptable of greatness. They rise and shine and elegantly make their exit to be no longer t seen. I think that Gene Marshall and her world will be a doll experience, remembered and cherished for the shining moments Mel Odom created for us. Gene Marshall was not just a doll, she was somehow an experience. Thank you Suresh for this wonderful video and pardon the long, long reply.
What wonderful and thoughtful feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Gene. I agree--she transcends the meaning of a doll. I, too, hope she will continue but I'm excited to see what else Mel plans to do with her. I'm not yet sure if I'll attend her retrospective convention but let's see :) Big hugs to you ~ xoxo
great interview. I wish IT did more of gene
I have inherited a fabulous collection of Gene dolls from my mother who passed away last year. She adored the dolls & all of the fashion and accessories, but sadly they are collecting dust now. I would love to find a buyer who loves them like my mom did. I have approx 30 to 40 dolls (and Gene, Madra, Violet etc) and many accessories. All still in their original boxes & untouched.
Thank you for sharing my friend!
My pleasure--thanks for watching!
Wonderful interview!!! 🤗
Thanks!
Great interview. Enjoyed every second.
Thanks!!
What a great interview😊
Thank you!
Broadway play about you and Gene Marshall would be awesome!
amazing interview! love this doll
Thanks!
you're welcome! i am a bit late on the boat but i just started to collect these XD they are a bit difficult to find in UK
I loved this.
This was amazing! Watched every minute ❤️ xx - Mick
Thank you doll face! xoxo
Your a very talented Man thank you for All of this
Appreciate that, thanks!
Btw, I'm fully aware that Mel Odom was the first, the absolute first to introduce a fashion doll in this size. In 1995, there was only reproduction Barbies for adult collectors. Back then adult collectors were not bombarded with such a surplus of fashion dolls as we are now. Mel said, you could drive a bus thru. Mr. Odom placed drawings (of Gene) of different sizes on the floor and walked around thinking which would be just right. He chose the 15 1/2" size. His vision was fascinating. Every time there's a new fashion doll on the market, I say to myself, Mel Odom started it all. Mr. Odom has my full respect.
Very interesting. I learned so much!
So glad!
Loved this interview. I always wanted to produce dolls but I feel like it'd be impossible.
Thanks! Nothing is impossible :)
What a beautiful face! What doll is that? I need to add, what nice eyebrows, like a Liz Taylor. Makeup is just right.
Great interview
Thank you!
Ha, ha, ha, ha! Marketing research! Movie Star dolls! I'm a 30's-40's movie fan. Started collecting the movies since early 80's, Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, Merle Oberon, etc. Some of my Genes look like the Vargas girl paintings.
Gene looks so sultry in her 3-dimensional eye-lashes!
That is so amazing and your Amazing to Thank you for everything you do to teach us about Barbie's and Barbie's Clothes some Barbie's Clothes are so Gorgeous and some not so
xoxo
the fist two seconds and I'm lmao... sorry but it was so funny how he kinda got scare as the video begun... lol he was caught off guard
No actually, he was putting something away and turned around when I started talking. We had been talking for hours at that point so I don't know what he would have been scared of.
Mel is a great guy!
yasss icon
Yaaass!
I have a question. I've noticed there are still many Gene fans and yet why is there no annual Gene doll convention? I really miss Gene conventions.
evimlck I mean if you want to front $50k-$100k to put on a Gene convention, I’m sure Mel would be delighted to come.
Suresh Holy crow! That makes me wish I were rich.
Your Very Handsome Man