Nobody Did Glamour Like Mary Wilson and the Supremes
Today, the world lost another icon: Mary Wilson, a founding member of the Supremes, has died at age 75. Over her impressive, decades-spanning career, the late singer made music history. Not only was she in one of the most successful Black acts of all time, but her iconic stage look also continues to be one that is often imitated, but never replicated.
Wilson grew up in the Brewster-Douglass Projects in Detroit. In 1959, when she was just 15-years-old, she was invited to join a group called the Primettes with fellow members Diana Ross and Florence Ballard. The trio changed their name to the Supremes in 1962, and were signed to a record deal. From there, the group was catapulted into global fame, enjoying five consecutive number-one hits for songs such as “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In The Name of Love.”
Onstage, Wilson, Ross, and Ballard famously wore matching ensembles, a direction that later was adopted by modern-day groups such as Destiny’s Child. Their inimitable fashion choices always came armed with a sense of otherworldly glamour, complete with the most fabulous beaded or crystal-covered gowns. While the aesthetic was all about unison, each star shined in her own right.
The Supremes managed to capture the hearts of audiences during a time when America was particularly divided, and the civil rights movement was ramping up. Equally as impressive, the Supremes also defined what a whole era of women wanted to dress like. They defined the Motown era. “Our glamour changed things,” Wilson said in 2019 of their group style. “We were role models. What we wore mattered. We were so in demand—we needed an endless supply of great high fashion. Stores would stay open late just for us so we could shop privately.”
Early on in their career, the trio often bought garments off the rack or made things themselves. But later on, designers like Bob Mackie, who also outfitted Cher, began crafting special looks for their performances. Mackie made the matching bronze beaded, sequin, and feathered column gowns he made for their On Broadway television special in 1969. The lesser-known designer Michael Travis, who worked for Pierre Balmain at one point, also often collaborated with the Supremes on their looks, and has created many of their dazzling creations.
Even long after the group dismantled, Wilson’s own style on the red carpet remained true to this glamorous spirit. No one does evening wear quite like a former Supreme: Just last year she wore a chic, one-shouldered LBD to a Grammys after-party. In 2019, she appeared on Dancing With the Stars, and her love of theatrical fashion returned once again when she danced the foxtrot in a heavenly white beaded number.
Wilson leaves behind more than a legacy of music, then she will forever be remembered as an OG fashion plate who showcased what innate and effortless glamour truly is.
Below, some of Wilson’s best fashion moments with the Supremes.
Photo: Getty Images1/15
Photo: Getty Images2/15
