Imagine . . .
Designing clothing – one quarter scale.
Thinking, researching, learning, and inventing.
Design a style that is sell-able, profitable, and produce-able.
Execute the production of a prototype along with the historical story of the garment’s use set in the proper time period.
This all takes place in El Paso, Texas. The first experience is through Young Designers of America with the Center for Career and Technology Education High School (CCTE) Fashion program under Ann Porter with the assistance of the Fashion Technology program of El Paso Community College (EPCC) and the Gene Club of El Paso. The result of the YDA competition – 3 winners. The doll produced was Spotted in the Park, an FAO Schwarz exclusive. Bolero and The Perfect Gift were the outfits produced by Ashton Drake under the direction of Joan Greene.
The following year, Love in Bloom and Special Appearance Violet were winners of the first ever Gene Designers competition, Gene Designers 2000. Although this competition was not affiliated with the company, Ashton Drake purchased and produced those garments by Regina Ganem and Jose D Saenz respectively.
Jose’s Torch Song Violet was from the Gene Designers 2001. Both Love in Bloom and Torch Song went on to become special editions as Love in Louisville and
Ashton Drake “Torch Song” special edition Madra Lord 2002 Gene Marshall Convention centerpiece!
Here is Madra
But let us go back to the beginning… FAO Schwarz exclusive Gene … Spotted in the Park
The Perfect Gift
Above is a photo from a Piano City show. Love in Bloom is the first Gene to appear with Trent in advertising – quite an honor.
Well for now – Hasta luego, amigo. Bolero bids us for now.
Please note: if you are the photographer of any of the above photos (except Piano City shot) please let me know and advise me if I should remove your photograph. In the meantime, thank you.
dolls in paradise 