DOLLS THIS WEEK REPORT: GENE CONVENTION
REPORT FROM THE 50s FLASHBACK GENE
CONVENTION!
by Kim McDaniel
With
a few days of rest and reflection after the 1999 Gene Convention, "50's
Flashback," everything falls into place. The brain defogs, the feet shrink back to
normal size, the goodies and dolls look better than ever and the mind floats in a sea of
wonderful memories.
Whether a first time conventioner or a veteran of many, everyone seemed to have a grand
time over the weekend of October 15. Even convention coordinator Benita and her staff at
F&M Promotions were caught smiling and laughing while undertaking the monstrous task
of pleasing close to 700 attendees.
Things kicked off Friday night with a Pajama Party in the ballroom of the Cherry Hill
Hilton. Almost everyone there wore pajamas, including Gene creator Mel Odom who was
patient and attentive to every fan who wanted to speak with him or take his picture. Pizza
and ice cream were served and a DJ provided music that kept the dance floor hopping all
evening. Table centerpieces were designed for each meal this year and one person at each
table was given the opportunity to purchase one. Friday night, the centerpiece was a
Destiny doll redressed in a white lace bra, panties, shimmery thigh high stockings and
fuzzy mules. Included with her was a lovely lace screen. Favors were also given out to
each attendee. Those at the PJ party received an adorable pin shaped like a record with
Gene's name in script across the front and a Gene-size makeup case complete with mirror in
the lid.
After the dancing, hula-hoop contest, limbo round, train dance and beehive contest, the PJ
party ended and people began lining up for the sales room. The room opened at 10 p.m. and
was soon packed with throngs of people admiring the gorgeous items for sale. There
were one-of-a-kind dolls and outfits, gorgeous designer dolls and clothing, accessories,
props, jewelry, furniture - everything a Gene collector could ever want or need! In the
three hours the room was open several dealers and designers nearly sold out of their
entire stock. Charles Mo was down to only four dolls by the time the 1 a.m. closing came
around.
Saturday was a full day of activities, workshops and events. The raffle room was open in
full swing, with lots of prizes to be drawn for in the afternoon. Mel and the Gene Team
hosted question-and-answer sessions and signings, the competition and auction dolls went
on display and the sales room opened yet again. Lunch was 50's diner themed, complete with
burgers and fries to eat. The centerpieces were Simply Gene dolls dressed as carhops in
cute waitress uniforms (blondes wore yellow, redheads pink and brunettes blue) carrying
trays of food. Favors were pink keychains shaped like jukeboxes with the convention logo,
and adorable turquoise pins shaped like classic cars with "50's Flashback"
printed on the side. Joan Green of Ashton Drake presented a slide show featuring designers
and behind-the-scenes information on Gene's creation.
Saturday evening was the big event - the banquet and auction! Conventioners attended in
style, with several dressed in Gene outfits themselves and several people dressed in
vintage clothing. Tango, Holiday Magic and Cognac Evening were all represented. Joan
Greene presented slides of a doll (Let's Dance), outfit (Love Letters) and accessory set
(Hearts and Flowers) to be
released next year!
Dinner was served, then it was time to open the convention doll, Mood Music. This gorgeous
creation was designed by Lynne Day and is a redhead wearing a hostess outfit with peach
blouse, rust full skirt and turquoise sash. Also given out were posters of Song of Spain
and the 1999 Gene line, yellow hat boxes with silver "Share the Dream" pins
inside, Mood Music magnets, black Gene logo shopping bags with a Gene catalogue and folder
including a letter from the Gene Team and sketch of the convention doll.
The auction was incredible, bringing out an amazing display of talent. All proceeds went
to the Gay Men's Health Crisis charity. Mel Odom himself purchased an adorable Pepsi girl
for $850. Joan Greene bough several items, including a beautiful ivory creation made by
Christine Curtis who designed American Countess for last year's auction, and the
Christiana d'Amour set. The thrill of the night was Jerold de Wolfe's "Flamingo
Fandango." Auctioned last, this incredible creation sold for $7,500!
By the time Sunday's doll show rolled around conventioners were simply exhausted. As
everyone headed home, arms filled with dolls, faces full of smiles and hearts filled with
newly made friendships, "50's Flashback" was confirmed a rousing success.
Note: Gene Convention 2000 will be held Oct. 20-23 at the Arlington Heights Hilton in
Arlington Heights, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). Registration is $325 and limited to
700. For more information, contact genecon99@aol.com
Visit Kim's web site at http://members.aol.com/geneconvention for more information and photos!
Thanks to Kim for that wonderful report! Would you like to be a roving reporter for Dolls This Week? Just e-mail me at collectdolls.guide@about.com and let me know what event you would like to report on!
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Photos courtesy of Kim McDaniel (customized Gene and Mel Odom with Kim!)
