Fashion Dolls 101

Hayley - Shooting Star of the Fashion Doll World       Hayley, a Gene clone, appeared on shelves briefly in 1998 © 1998 by Kathryn E. Darden      On the horizon of the doll collecting world, visible for a brief time, a small, bright star that quickly disappeared... was it Haley's comet? No, just Hayley.      During the first couple of weeks of November 1998, doll collectors who haunt the aisles of toy stores noticed a new girl on the shelves of a few select Toys ìRî Us stores. A few inches taller than Barbie, manufactured by the Soft Luv company, Hayley came in eight different outfits with three distinct facial styles. Those of us who are Gene aficionados immediately recognized the similarities.  For those of you who have not been paying attention, Gene was created in 1991 by Mel Odom, an award-winning New York artist and illustrator. Ashton-Drake, an affiliate of The Bradford Exchange, began marketing the Gene doll in 1995. Since then Gene's popularity has soared as she

Casa Blanca Nights © 1998 by Kathryn E. Darden Casa Blanca nights, a hint of mystery in the air. Piano music, smoky bar, romantic savoir faire. Bogart looks into the eyes of a regal movie queen To tip his hat and raise his glass: "Here's looking at you, Gene." Those perfect, pouting lips invite; the eyes remain aloof. The essence of Tierney and Lamar embodied in their youth. She has the power to beguile, to be each man's fond dream, For when they close their eyes at night, the face that haunts is Gene. Women emulate her sense of style, her poise, her grace, For sisterhood can sense the power that lies behind the face To live life to the fullest, carpe diem, share the dream. Look deep in amy woman's eyes; you'll find a trace of Gene. Casa Blanca nights --not just a figment of the screen, A way of life captured in timeless elegance by Gene. previously published in the HLAYG newsletter