Yesterday, I was invited to a small private luncheon in the Blue Lounge at the Experience Music Project to meet Mary Wilson of The Supremes. I ran into friend and ZINO Society member, John Otter, in the parking lot on the way into EMP and we made our way to the elevator leading to the Blue Lounge. As we stepped off the elevator, we were greeted by Tina Orr-Cahall, CEO of EMP, Jasen Emmons , EMP Curator, Patty Isaacson Sabee, EMP Deputy Director and the lady of the hour herself, Mary Wilson. Other guests who joined us and also attended the small luncheon were Ann & Rick Yoder, owners of the fantastic Wild Ginger, Lorna Kneeland, Executive Director of PONCHO and Tom Rasmussen of the Seattle City Council. See photos above of John, Lorna, Tom and me each pictured with Mary Wilson. Also pictured in the bottom photo are John, Lorna, Ann & Rick with Mary as she shows us the exhibit.
Mary was a delight to be with; so warm and friendly and interested in other’s stories as well as sharing her own. She is in town for the installation of her exhibition Reflections: The Mary Wilson Supreme Legacy Collection featuring many of the distinctive gowns originally worn by The Supremes. The vestiges of their allure are evidenced here in Mary Wilson's stunning collection of gowns. Reflections: The Mary Wilson Supreme Legacy Collection features more than 50 Supremes costumes and rare memorabilia. The collection includes the first gowns purchased by Mary, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard when they were still known as the Primettes; a set of black velvet Bob Mackie gowns worn on the GIT on Broadway television special in 1969; outfits worn on the Supremes' television specials and featured on album covers; and those from their 1977 Farewell Performance.
After an excellent buffet lunch paired with a local rose wine and advise and consultation from the women on where Mary should shop in the next couple of days while in Seattle, Mary took us on a tour of her stunning gown collection. Mary is so animated and friendly, that in no time, we were being followed by dozens of fans, all of whom were clamoring for photos with Mary which she graciously agreed to pose for with each. Mary showed us that several of the gowns weighed more than 35 pounds
because they were so embellished with bugle beads and there was even a maternity gown that she had worn when she was pregnant and performing.
Following the tour, John and I stopped in the EMP gift shop and I purchased Mary’s book entitled “Dreamgirl & Supreme Faith: My Life As a Supreme” which I look forward to reading! It was a very special day with a generous and very special lady that I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet!
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