THE HYPE WHAT A DOLL! GENE 'LIVES' A LIFE MOST OF US CAN ONLY DREAM OF.

Gene Marshall is no ordinary star. Then again, she isn't human, either. She's a doll. Honest. But a doll with an illustrious Hollywood history and a new biography to boot.

A doll with a history? Yep. Designer Mel Odom created a life and career for her, like she was a real living doll, not just a collectible.

``Gene Marshall: Girl Star'' is the new book by the renowned illustrator and co-author Michael Sommers, which puts all those rumors about Gene's career and life to rest. It is the only authorized account of her life, including her discovery by German director Erik von Sternberg and her rise to the status of one of the greatest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. It features Gene in costumes based on Edith Head designs and Vogue patterns.

Odom began working on Gene's design in the early 1990s. ``In 1991, Barbie was the only game in town,'' he says. Gene met her public in 1995 at the International Toy Fair. For doll collectors, Gene is second only to Barbie in popularity.

Fans of Gene write constantly to her creator. Odom recalls receiving a letter asking him where to find a Gene Marshall film. However, despite her popularity as a collectible, Odom remains hopeful that one day Gene will gain other notoriety. ``My dream,'' he says, ``is that Gene's story be done in animation.''

The Gene Marshall doll is available at doll collectible shops and FAO Schwarz stores. Suggested retail prices range from $79 to $110. ``Gene Marshall: Girl Star'' is available at local book stores and retails for $29.95.

- Nancy Hewitt

EYE ON THE OSCARS

Getting geared up for Oscars

At Jaguar's Tribute to Style benefit Sunday at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, it was a star-studded tribute to red. Party hosts Catherine Zeta- Jones, Elizabeth Hurley, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson encouraged guests to place bids on all the red gowns donated by Chanel, Christian Dior, Escada, Gucci, Versace and others to raise money for the Entertainment Industry Foundation Arts and Education Fund, and also take a look at Jaguar's new Red Glamour X-Type sports car that wont' be available until August.

Other parties leading up to Oscar night included Randolph Duke's fashion presentation of red-carpet gowns shown at the Dawnridge estate of the late Tony Duquette in Beverly Hills. Rita Wilson and Sharon Stone were hosts, and it's a sure bet they'll be wearing Duke dresses.

PREPPING AND PRIMPING ...

AND PLUCKING: Eyebrow artist Anastasia will be holding her own pre-Oscar party at her salon in Beverly Hills and clients such as Oscar presenters Jennifer Lopez and Renee Zellweger, as well as Helen Hunt, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Capshaw and Rita Wilson have been invited. They get their brows plucked and polished and receive a pair of tweezers studded with Swarovski crystals.

TALK TO ME, HARRY: Marilyn Monroe helped make it clear in the movies that diamonds were a girl's best friend, and since 1944 jeweler Harry Winston has been making celebs shine.

This year, Winston is offering a string of chocolate-colored diamonds to Juliette Binoche, nominated for best actress for her role in ``Chocolat.''

And what will Julia Roberts wear?

The Best Actress nominee for ``Erin Brockovich'' has been loyal to the New York jewelry team Me & Ro, but she may go with L.A. designer Erica Courtney, who dressed her in diamonds for the Golden Globes.

Meanwhile the realErin Brockovich will be wearing diamonds by Harry Winston.

- Barbara De Witt

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo: (1 -- color) no caption (Gene Marshall - doll)

(2 -- color) MEL ODOM