Mel Odom and Mark Esposito signing my "Destiny" certificates and cards.

The big "Gene" star that was high atop of the exhibit.

Mel taking a video of exhibit to send to his mom.

"Sparkling Seduction" and "Daughter of the Nile"

"Destiny" and "Bird of Paradise"

"Rain Song" - "Midnight Gambler" - "Smart Set"

"Champagne Supper" - "Hello Hollywood, Hello"

"Ransom in Red" - "Midnight Gambler" - "African Safari" - "Rain Song"

Closer shots of "Ransom in Red", "Midnight Gambler" and "African Safari"

"Hello Hollywood, Hello"

Some non-award winning but lovely Gene dolls that were designed by the Young Designers of America.

Robert Tonner being nice enought to pose for me.

The lovely 1998 Tonner Models on display.

Imagine the thrill of being a high school student and seeing your semester project discovered by a worldwide corporation...being commercially marketed and produced nationwide...and being in the spotlight at a gala reception and autograph signing at FAO Schwarz's New York City flagship store during Toy Fair. Well this is exactly what happened to 17-year Mark Esposito, designer of "DESTINY", and the big winner in Ashton-Drake Galleries'Young Designers of America Award.

Mark is having the thrill of seeing his winning design commercially produced by The Ashton-Drake Galleries as a special edition doll in this years Gene line, and will collect professional designer royalities for his work.

What makes Mark's achievement even more exceptional is that he has been severely hearing-impaired since birth, a fact that was unknown to the judges until they called his name and no one stepped forward. Excited classmates had to sign to Mark to let him know that he had won. He is living proof that a handicap does not stop anyone from attaining their dream. With the royalties he will be receiving from his design, Mark's next dream - to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology - can now also be realized. Mark is currently a junior at the New York High School of Fashion Industries.

Mark joined Gene creator Mel Odom at a private champagne reception at the Plaza on February 12, and again at a special autograph signing for the first 200 "Destiny" dolls at FAO Schwarz on 5th avenue, New York City on Saturday, February 14. Also featured at this public signing event was the new FAO Exclusive Gene Doll, "On The Avenue."