Now On: The Story of the Supremes

If you missed ‘The Story of the Supremes’ at the V&A last year you could always catch the touring exhibition at its latest destination; the city of Bath.

 

Set against the elegant backdrop of the Assembly Rooms this exhibition offers an all-encompassing experience of time and place, plus plenty of sequins and showbiz glamour thrown in.

 

Image courtesy of Motown Records Archive

Former Supreme, and self-confessed hoarder, Mary Wilson has built up an incredible archive of material dating back to 1959 when the group originally formed as The Primettes. Long before the days of image consultants and personal stylists The Supremes, Mary, Diana and Flo, (and later Cindy, Jean, Lynda, Scherrie and Susaye) created their early outfits on the home sewing machine.

 

The trio started out wearing demure, conservative styles typical of the early 60s but as their popularity soared their look became more glitzy and flamboyant. Chiffon and velvet were replaced by skin tight sequined evening dresses to maximise their impact under strong studio lighting. And their trade-mark wigs were complemented by false eyelashes, big earrings and dramatic make-up.

 

Image courtesy of Motown Records Archive

Motown Records instituted a special ‘Artist Development’ programme similar to the Hollywood charm schools of the thirties and forties. Maxine Powell gave lessons on the proper way to dress, eat, sit, walk and how to appear on television. To hone dance and performance skills, legendary choreographer and dancer Cholly Atkins developed the slick routines that were the hallmark of Motown performances, and musician Maurice King handled music and on-stage patter.

 

As the Supremes became established Motown enlisted leading Hollywood designers such as Bob Mackie and Michael Travis to create their high glamour diva style. Other designers featured in the exhibition include Michael Nicola, Pat Campano and Stephen Burrows.

 

Frocks aside the exhibition combines original photographs, film footage, magazines, music and memorabilia to give that unique sense of time and place. In the midst of the American civil rights movement and the meteoric rise of Motown Records the Supremes became inspirational role models on many levels. Their influence on today’s performers is also examined with the inclusion of a set of costumes worn by Destiny’s Child and a specially commissioned video interview with the DJ Trevor Nelson.

 

Image courtesy of Motown Records Archive

The Story of the Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection runs until 31st August 2009 at The Assembly Rooms, Fashion Museum, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH. http://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/

 

Images courtesy of Motown Records Archive