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108 SHE'S LOUISE EISEMAN THE BOMB B Y B I L LY F O N G A s this month's issue focuses on jewels, I thought: Why not have my Bomb Girl be one of Dallas' most precious gems. Louise Eiseman is my Hope Diamond. Her family's store, Eiseman Jewels in NorthPark Center, is nirvana for all who appreciate exquisite baubles and fi ne watches. Louise was one of the fi rst women I met when I moved to Texas to assume my post at the Dallas Museum of Art. The museum would coordinate trips as a benefi t for generous patrons like Louise, and I had the opportunity to travel with her. In fact, we had such a great time on that fi rst expedition to L.A., she always signed up for the excursions I would lead alongside one of our amazing curators. We became known around the offi ces of the DMA as Harold and Maude. Catching up with Louise in her well- appointed Preston Hollow residence was silly and fun. Like a modern-day robot, she playfully shared that she had all of her spare parts — hearing aid, glasses, and even a magnifying glass — and was ready for a walk down memory lane. We also had some serious conversations, including one about the recent tragic shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It hit close to home for Louise, since her mother grew up in that neighborhood. We commiserated that these are uncertain times. We also agreed that one of the greatest things about museums is that besides being the repositories of the treasures that defi ne cultures, they are also millennial Kunsthalles. They are places where people of all faiths, colors, nationalities, and political affi liations come together to share in joyous occasions as well as to mourn those affected by tragedy. Louise's devotion to the DMA dates back to the early days of her marriage to Richard Eiseman (founder of Eiseman Jewels). She was a dedicated docent and was always happiest when she would take children from underserved neighborhoods on tours of the museum's collection. Louise's taste and demeanor may seem to hearken back to a more refi ned and genteel time. However, she is one of the most progressive thinkers I have ever encountered. She worked tirelessly on former mayor Annette Strauss' mayoral campaign — Strauss was the fi rst elected Jewish woman mayor of Dallas. Louise was also an early adopter of androgynous fashion. She was the marketing guru and brand ambassador for Eiseman Jewels. When pop stars and professional athletes began to wear necklaces, earrings, rings, and, of course, bold watches she thought, "Let's sell just one earring and not a pair if a man wants to only have one in his right or left ear." With Louise's full backing, Eiseman Jewels also felt that it should cater to those in search of single-sex wedding bands. Louise's Bomb picture is beyond perfection. Might I suggest you put on Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever" while you read her answers. Approximate date of this photo. 1967. The occasion. Back in the day, the news outlets (like the Dallas Morning News) would do advance promotions of events or, in this case, benefi t fund-raisers. This was the era when the Dallas Museum of Art was still called the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts and was located in Fair Park. The ladies would dress in their fi nest to volunteer. The Museum's primary fund-raiser was the Beaux Arts Ball, and that year's theme was Arabian Nights. This image was an advance promotion of that event. This photo was taken in the middle of the day and Dick [Richard Eiseman] and I were all gussied up. We were hoping we would get a fl at tire driving around and that the world would see us in those outfi ts. What you were wearing. I don't remember the designer, but it was a long jumper with pleated white pants and a black panel over the front. I wasn't a gymnast, but here I am in a pose showing my leg dexterity. I don't recall, but I might have been holding on for dear life with my right hand on that bar, or else slip. I had on three separate strands of pearls worn together. A diamond and pearl pin and diamond and pearl earrings completed my en-suite look. Richard is behind me looking as dapper as ever in a tuxedo. What price fashion. We had the fi ne jewels department at Titches department store, so I imagine that the dress was purchased there. I fondly remember Adolfo. I had a zillion of his outfi ts. He made beautiful daytime suits and exquisite evening dresses. I gave many of those to Myra Walker, the former curator of the Texas fashion collection at UNT and also the Dallas Historical Society's Hall of State. Jewelry, of course, was my number-one favorite, but shoes were my next weakness. Dick didn't care how much I spent on clothing. He would often choose clothes that he thought would look good on me. He had excellent taste. Why this is a Bomb.com picture of you. I was interested in the museum for many years. I realize today I have been involved for close to 60 years. Also, I was always happy when I was in Dick's company — we were a great team. Richard & Louise Eiseman, 1967