Star of Motown talks fashion at Northumbria University

The Motown singer was at Northumbria’s School of Design ahead of the launch of a new exhibition at the Shipley Art Gallery.

The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection features more than 50 stunning performance costumes worn by The Supremes and charts the changing image of the group, from their dresses in their early days as The Primettes, to the glamorous Hollywood designs worn at the height of their fame.

At the School of Design, Mary Wilson spoke with Senior Lecturer Chris Hodge about how the singers’ love of fashion helped Motown Records to market them to a broad audience.

She said: “Fashion elevated us to another level. Our fashion was such a statement. We were inspired by actresses from the 40s, 50s and 60s and loved glamour. When we went to Motown Records they saw how stylish we were.

“At first we sewed the dresses ourselves on our mum’s sewing machines but on television shows they would have their designers who would make costumes for us to wear.”

Advising the students to work hard at their chosen profession, she added: “No matter what industry you go into it’s really important that you dare to dream, no matter what you’re up against. It’s not going to be easy but if you’re doing something that you feel passionately about, you will be happy.”

Established over 50 years ago, Fashion at Northumbria’s School of Design is internationally recognised for producing innovative and hands on designers.

Fashion course leader Chris Hodge said: “Mary Wilson and The Supremes are a huge pop cultural symbol of the Motown era so it was a pleasure to speak with her about her own cultural influences and impact.

"The style of The Supremes has inspired many designers in the fashion world and her visit to our Fashion students at the School of Design was very insightful.”

In addition to the costumes, the exhibition features the group’s music, album covers and archive performance footage as well as new video interviews with Wilson and Maxine Powell, Motown’s in-house artist development director.

The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection will be on display at the Shipley Art Gallery from 24 October 2009 – 24 January 2010. Entry is free. A V&A exhibition in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Sponsored by Jesmond Dene House Hotel & Restaurant and Potts Printing and Packaging.