"GENE 2000" > Page 1, 2, 3
Gene 2000: Limited Editions
Plus Madra Equal Great Collector Excitement!
Part One: The Gene
2000 Line Hits The Stores!
The
first half of Gene's 5th Anniversary year 2000 has been a great success!
There is a real buzz surrounding the Year 2000 line, a buzz that some collectors
feel was lacking for the last year or two.
One of the most significant factors creating this buzz is the new, limited nature of virtually the entire Gene line! With a few exceptions (such as Twilight Rumba), all Gene dolls and costumes for 2000 are limited to 5,000 pieces or less. In the past, only a few FAO and Dealer Exclusive dolls, plus special holiday outfits, were this limited. So, during the last few years, most Gene collectors could take their time deciding on a dressed doll or outfit, since most Gene items were produced for several years (and in much greater quantities than 5,000) before being retired. This year, several popular items including the dressed dolls "I Do," "Bon Voyage," and the Madra limited doll "Black Widow" are already difficult or impossible to pre-order. Some items, such as FAO's special "Spotted In The Park" Gene, "Bon Voyage," and "Hart Of Hollywood" are limited to only 3,500 pieces! Outfits shipped to the stores so far this year have been flying off shelves. Therefore, collectors are NOT waiting to decide if they want a doll or outfit--if they like it, they order it!
Another big factor causing the success of the
Gene line in 2000 is the introduction of Madra Lord--the
second doll in the line. Don't miss Part III of this article which shows
photos of the
Madra doll prototypes!
The outift and doll designs are also wonderful this year, with many more costumes than dolls (which is appreciated by long-time collectors who often have an army of Gene Marshall dolls!) and very varied designs. This year, Gene can be dressed for a Western movie (Shooting Star and Don't Fence me in), for Croquet (Croquet, anyone?) for Skiing (St. Moritz). OF course, There are several glamorous ball gowns and lovely, vintage-looking suits. And, movie costumes such as "The Sprit of Truth" in which Gene is dressed as a Viking Warrior are quite unique!
Another bonus this year--all dolls will have bendable knees (previously, only Simply Genes had bendable knees).
The accessories for this year's collection are outstanding. Available are a chaise lounge, a dressing screen, a wardrobe rack, a hat stand, and several hat and purse sets (3 purses and 3 matching hats to a set). There is even a set of candy and flowers, a Gazebo, and a Croquet Set!
In Stores So Far
The following dolls and items have been spotted at various retailers in the United States so far in 2000:
Dolls:
- Twilight Rumba
- Dance With Me
- Spotted In The Park
Outfits
- Its a Wrap
- Table for Two
- Love Letters
- Hacienda
- Bolero
- Don't Fence Me In
- Shorts Story
Accessories
- Wardrobe Rack
- Chaise Lounge
- Dressing Screen
- Croquet Set
Gene has always been a leader in the
come-back of the adult collector fashion doll, and Ashton Drake has insured
Gene's continuing popularity with collectors with the anniversary line and
the new policy on limited editions.
Next Pages > Gene's Rival Madra Lord > Page 1, 2, 3
Gene San Francisco FAO Event: Madra Prototypes Unveiled! > Page 1, 2, 3
Do you like The new policy of
limiting most new Gene dolls and outfits to under 5,000? Discuss in
the Gene
Folder in the Dolls Forum!
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©Denise Van Patten 2000
All Rights Reserved.
