I kind of expected something like this as the Gene line had expanded & expanded & some of us decided enough is enough. I've also seen a great frequency of sales on Gene inventory as if dealers are tired of carrying her retinue. Sorry to hear about the "Gene team's fate", but not overly surprized. Will wait to here Gene's fate... Melissa

The message below concerning Gene and Ashton Drake was forwarded to me

today.

Since I know we all collect various and sundry dolls, I thought that those who may not have seen or heard the rumors concerning Gene might be

interested.

Suzanne

<< In an unexpected turn of events, Ashton Drake has disbanded the Gene team. All of the former Gene team with the exception of Borum Kim are now assigned to other departments. She told me, "Everything is set for this year, Joan and I are scrambling to make things happen for the rest of the year." However, Wendy does not know what the future holds for Gene except that AD apparently does plan to keep producing the doll, maybe as a smaller line. Wendy did not know how this would effect Mel or the designers or what their future relationship with AD would be. Joan will still be a director, but will work on other projects. Wendy said they are all "shell shocked" over this.

When she emailed me today with permission to tell you guys, this is what she said,

"I spoke with Kirk about the current state of events around here, and asked him if Joan was going to have any kind of official statement or press release done up. He told me that something would be released directly after our return from Toy Fair.

If you want to tell people about what I told you, I think that would be ok. But it just won't officially be announced to the public until next month." >>

Wow...that IS surprising!

I have only got 5 Gene dolls, but I REALLY love them!

I haven't heard of any of the people mentioned (except Mel, of course) and know nothing of the 'politics' involved with AD, but I had read a lot of complaints on VHOTN Fashion Bulletin Board regarding AD and Gene from the last convention.

I hope they continue to produce her...to me, she is the 'original' 15" Fashion Doll.

Elizabeth

--- SuzW397026@aol.com wrote:

The message below concerning Gene and Ashton Drake was forwarded to me today. Since I know we all collect various and sundry dolls, I thought that those who may not have seen or heard the rumors concerning Gene might be interested.

Suzanne

<< In an unexpected turn of events, Ashton Drake has disbanded the Gene team. All of the former Gene team with the exception of Borum Kim are now assigned to other departments. She told me, "Everything is set for this year, Joan and I are scrambling to make things happen for the rest of the year." However, Wendy does not know what the future holds for Gene except that AD apparently does plan to keep producing the doll, maybe as a smaller line. Wendy did not know how this would effect Mel or the designers or what their future relationship with AD would be. Joan will still be a director, but will work on other projects. Wendy said they are all "shell shocked" over this.

When she emailed me today with permission to tell you guys, this is what she said,

"I spoke with Kirk about the current state of events around here, and asked him if Joan was going to have any kind of official statement or press release done up. He told me that something would be released directly after our return from Toy Fair.

If you want to tell people about what I told you, I think that would be ok. But it just won't officially be announced to the public until next month." >>

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