Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/880229
96 SHE'S JO MARIE LILLY THE BOMB B Y B I L LY F O N G I f you who don't recognize the words below as the theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, perhaps this month's column isn't for you. I vividly recall my parents watching Mary Richard's exploits every week as an independent (not married) career woman. The fashion set credits Mary with being one of the chicest women of the 20th century — and I've found Dallas' version of the seminal character in Jo Marie Lilly. I met Lilly several times over the past few years by way of her current chapter as art-world philanthropist and globetrotter. I search for her at every event for the Dallas Contemporary (where she's a longtime board member), as I know I will find her with a smile that turns the world on. Lilly grew up in Fort Worth, where her family owned a clothing store that was the place for ladies to buy chic frocks. She was an Assembly debutante and observed how her mother always bathed before dinner and put on pearls to accompany her impeccable dinner-table settings. When Lilly had emergency surgery during her college years at Baylor, her mother brought pearls so she would look presentable for hospital guests. Lilly embraces her influence; her mother was no shrinking violet, and Lilly credits her confidence all to her. Lilly's path was rooted in hard work, resulting in a retail career that lasted more than 30 years, ranging from Horchow to Neiman Marcus. She paid her dues in the early years, arriving hours before her colleagues to get reports done and delivered early. When asked by a male supervisor why she had such an attention to detail, she answered, "Because one day I want to have your job." She has oodles of stories, including one Halloween night in NYC, when she and a colleague stood in line for hours to gain access to the Ghost runway show. The new fashion label was incredibly hyped, and like every fashion-world denizen, she needed to see it in person. I delighted in her details about meeting some of the world's greatest designers — Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Rucci, and Isaac Mizrahi. When she decided it was time to retire, within 48 hours of her going-away party, she was standing alongside the pyramids in Giza. Now, she's devoted to many organizations, including the Dallas Contemporary, Aging Mind Foundation, and REAL School Gardens. I shared my own philosophy that everyone needs a James Bond-like theme song to provide confidence and sass when entering a room. Lilly replied that Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" would have been hers. She did, after all, rise through the corporate ranks at a time when women found discrimination at every turn. We pored through dozens of pictures, and I knew this was the one. The past, present, and future of fashion are all about a great jumpsuit. Obviously, Lilly was an early adopter. Approximate date of this photograph. Remember to not be too specific or — perish the thought! — give away age. 1972 or 1973. The occasion. Ready to go out on the town with friends in North Carolina. What were you wearing? A red jumpsuit that I thought was terribly chic. Actually, I think that it was. I purchased it at Montaldo's — a very chic NC institu- tion at the time. What price fashion? I bought two Geoffrey Beene pieces that year from Montaldo's. Could that be one of those? Uncertain of the price point, but under $100. Seemed like a fortune at the time. As a teenager, I found a red wool suit that I wanted very much. Probably around 1958. It had two extra tags: "Made in America" and "Featured in Vogue." The price was over $150. I negotiated with my grandmother. She said she would buy it if I promised to wear it for 10 years. I took my commitment very seriously, and I wore it proudly for 15. I learned that if it is a great piece, it is timeless, and you can be proud of it for years to come. Why is this a Bomb.com picture of you? It captures my spirit at the time. Ready to enjoy my friends and create memories. Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day, And suddenly make it all seem worthwhile … You can have it all. Why don't you take it? Jo Marie Lilly, early 1970s — From The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song