"GENE 2000" > Page 1, 2, 3
Gene 2000: Limited Editions
Plus Madra Equal Great Collector Excitement!
Part III: Gene Event in San Francisco
Unveils Madra Lord Prototypes--We Have Pictures!
I
was very lucky to attend a special Gene event at the San Francisco FAO Schwarz
this weekend. The event would have been special just as planned--the Special Guests at
the event were Gene Team Director Joan Greene from Ashton Drake, and
Gene costume designer Vince Nowell. However, there was a BIG surprise at
the event--the
Madra Lord prototypes were shown on the West Coast for the very first time!
The Madra Lord prototypes prove what all Gene collectors have expected--Madra has her own distinct personality and style of dress, and that the dolls are worth waiting for (the dolls are estimated to ship to dealers in October of 2000). Photos of all the prototypes accompanying this article.
The showcasing of the prototypes was a surprise to the attendees, and it caused quite a stir (it was such a surprise that your Guide was without a camera, and luckily was able to purchase an instant single-use camera at FAO so she could bring you the photos you see here!) Pictured here is First Encounter (left) and Devil May Care (right, below). Also showcased (with photos at the hyperlinks) was Pink With Envy, Cat Walk, So Evil My Love, Black Widow, Highland Fling, Heartless, and Dressed to Kill.
Also at the event, Joan Greene gave a delightful
slide show showcasing many of the dolls and
outfits from 1995 through today with commentary about the development of the
dolls and philosophy behind them. During the commentary, Ms. Greene hinted
that some Gene dolls may in the future have bendable elbows like the Madra
dolls. Ms. Greene said that Platinum Simply Gene 2000 is made to have a waist that can turn
but that does NOT turn all the way around (like someone possessed!) and that
developing a waist that would turn but not ALL the way was quite a development
feat!
Ms. Greene also discussed various philosophies behind the Gene line, and Mel Odom's visions for the line. For instance, Red Venus has not been retired yet because the Gene Team believes that new collectors should easily be able to acquire one of the "original three" Gene dolls (Red Venus, Monaco and Premiere). The Gene Team also believes in retiring certain surprises (like Crème de Casis) to keep collectors on their toes.
Gene Costume designer Vince Nowell was available to discuss his creations and to sign outfits and dolls for fans. Vince started out making custom outfits for Gene, and is now on the Gene Team! Look for an interview with Vince on this site in the near future. Vince has designed Gene outfits including Pool Side, Bridge Club, Sunset Celebration, and, new this year and just released, Don't Fence Me In and Shorts Story.
Also announced at the event is a special Fan Appreciation Weekend to be held at selected Gene retailers (including FAO Schwarz) from November 10-12. During the weekend, a new Gene doll and outfit will be unveiled that can only be purchased during the weekend event, and every collector that purchases a Gene item will receive the second annual Gene ornament. The accessory pack is rumored to be a pack of holiday accessories for Gene.
Previous Pages > Gene 2000 Hits The Stores > Page 1, 2, 3
Gene's Rival Madra Lord > Page 1, 2, 3
Do you like the Madra Lord Prototypes? Are you going to collect Madra--why or why not? Discuss in the Gene Folder in the Dolls Forum!
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©Denise Van Patten 2000
All Rights Reserved.
