By Darlene House
This month, the Modern Day Griots series encourages you to take a closer look at an innovative book and the exhibit it inspired that is on display through April 30, 2009. Read our publication in subsequent months for more articles spotlighting people creatively sharing historical insights in distinctive ways.
Productions Plus Talent Management Agency Owner and CEO Margery Krevsky takes people on a journey that transcends decades of auto show history. Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models allows readers to discover enlightening insights about the evolution of some key human attractions from “plaster to poster person” to product specialists of both genders. In modern times, they are capable of enticing customers with facts and vehicle comparisons instead of just their good looks.
“The models really had to become the ambassadors of their brand,” Krevsky explained. “The talent at auto shows throughout the past century have actually gone through as much of an evolution as the cars themselves.”
Krevsky has also survived changing times. Her company, launched in 1981 and headquartered in Bingham Farms, became a nationally-recognized resource. Assistance was provided for auto shows, trade shows, conventions, automotive marketing, rides and drives, dealership meetings, promotions and product demonstrations.
With Sirens of Chrome, Krevsky treats readers to page after page of captivating photographs and fascinating data. The end product is an entertaining but highly informative book. Insights include important industry trends and terrific trivia. Did you know that 1938 Miss America Marilyn Meseke posed for publicity photos announcing a driver’s education campaign for high school students?
“The exhibition, inspired by Krevsky’s book, is an interesting retrospective offering a fascinating look at how models and movie stars plus modern day product specialists are juxtaposed in ways showcasing cars and our environment,” acknowledged Detroit Public Library Media Specialist Conrad Welsing.
During a stroll through the exhibition, vivid photos featuring movie stars attracted my attention. A sign informed me that the debonair Cary Grant posed with a 1955 BMW Isetta after completing publicity efforts for Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief.” Marlene Dietrich, the “sultry-voiced” actress and singer of “Falling in Love Again,” appeared in a few photos including one where she was “cast as a siren” for Detroit Auto Show held at Cobo Hall in 1960.
Both book and exhibition also succinctly share information about aspects of automotive advertising you might have wondered about previously. For example, Krevsky uncovered insights about the links between Greek mythology and car names or automotive advertising images.
The Sirens of Chrome book is available at select Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores plus online at Amazon.com and MomentumBooks.com. For additional information about the related exhibition, contact its host Detroit Public Library Rose & Robert Skillman Branch site at 313.628.2750. While there, check out the National Automotive History Collection featuring thousands of archival materials and collectibles related to one of the world’s major industries. All of the materials mentioned in this article prove that, in the hands of Modern Day Griots, books and exhibitions can provide exciting ways to read and learn about history-linked topics.
