As mentioned in previous posts, there are few places in London I love more than The Victoria & Albert Museum (or the "V&A" for short). Since moving to London from New York City, I've developed a deep and abiding respect for this institution and its particularly dynamic curators who never cease to amaze with the breadth of their vision. No where is this dynamism more evident than in the V&A's fashion and costume department. The same institution that brought us The Golden Age Of Couture last fall now offer us The Story Of The Supremes From The Mary Wilson Collection.
As the name suggests, the exhibit involves the display of performance costumes worn by The Supremes, one of the most successful and influential singing groups of the 1960's. The exhibit traces the evolution of the group's sartorial style from their humble inner-city beginnings in Detroit to the glamorous designer attire that eventually became their trademark. It also explores the use of fashion and stage costumes to shape the group's image and enhance their cross-over appeal at a time in American history when African American recording artists were all but absent from mainstream popular culture. The exhibit opens on May 13 and runs until October 19, 2008. The exhibit kicks off with a special event featuring original group member Mary Wilson. "Mary Wilson - In Conversation" will take place on Tuesday May 13 at 7:00 p.m. (V&A Lecture Theatre). For more information, please visit the V&A Website.
Photographic Reference:
The Supremes being presented to the Queen Mother following a Royal Variety Performance, London, circa 1968. Photo courtesy of The Victoria & Albert Museum.
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