Gowns, archival footage focus of Supremes exhibit [photos]
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Mary Wilson wore this Sequined emerald-green chiffon maternity gown on the Merv Griffin Show in 1974. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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A new exhibit at the African American Museum features more than 30 gowns worn by The Supremes. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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One of the Supremes' most famous dresses is the Black Butterfly, a black velveteen gown featuring voluminous gold brocade bishop sleeves embroidered with gold-work paisleys. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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The Supremes' shimmery look was created with sequins and glass beads. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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These gowns, called Tropical Lilac, appeared on the record sleeve of the single "Automatically Sunshine. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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Called butterfly gowns because of the large winglike capes attached to the arms, these are among the most recognized costumes of The Supremes. This one was designed by Michael Travis in 1968. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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A beaded dress worn when The Supremes met the Queen Mother of England in 1968 weighed about 30 pounds. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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Sullivan's Delight, a hot pink empire dress with bejeweled braided trim, was designed for a segment of the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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Mary Wilson wore this Sequined emerald-green chiffon maternity gown on the Merv Griffin Show in 1974. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
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<p>Mary Wilson talks about her life as one of The Supremes during a press preview of the new exhibit at the African American Museum, where more than 30 gowns worn by the trio are on display. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)</p>
Primette Pristine, Three Creme de Menthe, Black Net Mermaid — the names are as lovely as the dresses themselves.
Those and more are on display now at Philadelphia’s African American Museum as part of the “Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes” collection.
And though the gowns will be there for all to see, Wilson herself wants everyone to know the exhibit is about much more.
Wilson, who was a guest on Radio Times earlier this week, attended the opening festivities Thursday for the collection that’s meant to tell the story of Civil Rights and women’s empowerment.
Wilson is one of the original members of the Supremes. The female vocal group dominated the charts between 1963 and 1969 with 10 No. 1 hits, including “Where Did Our Love Go?”
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