Mary McFadden Soutache and Hand Hammered Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk Soutache, Hammered Metal
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU121014461408
Mary McFadden
Less could have been expected from a well-bred society girl like Mary McFadden, who stepped out of the safe confines of the haut monde to create iconic designs for evening dresses, jackets, skirts and other items inspired by ancient and ethnic cultures and traditions. Fashion, in fact, was not initially on her agenda.
“I fell into it backwards,” she told the New York Times in 1979.
Born in New York but raised on a cotton plantation in Memphis, Tennessee, McFadden spent a few months at the Traphagen School of Fashion in 1956 and moved on to study sociology and anthropology at Columbia University. Afterward, she spent a short period of time in public relations at Christian Dior during the early 1960s, but she was unsure exactly what would lie ahead for her. McFadden decided to relocate to South Africa with her first husband, who oversaw production of the De Beers mines. While there, she began to design her own clothing — tunics that featured African prints, made of silk she’d found in Madagascar — because she couldn’t find anything that suited her.
In 1970, following two divorces, McFadden returned to her native New York City and was offered a job as an editor at Vogue magazine. Her colleagues admired the sophisticated garments she made in South Africa and had been wearing to work, and the magazine staffers pleaded to feature her designs, which meant she’d need to go into business in order to make them available to readers. So, in 1973, McFadden took the jump, soon becoming known for refreshing kimono-shaped jackets and richly colored pleated dresses that evoke the freedom of a Greek chiton — a far cry from the dull routine office attire for working women at the time. A collection of jewelry followed, and in 1977, McFadden patented her “marii” fabric, a pleated synthetic charmeuse that fell “like liquid gold on the body, like Chinese silk.”
In 1976, McFadden won her first Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award, and a few years later, she entered the Coty Award Hall of Fame. While her business shuttered in the early 2000s, the beloved designer’s timeless styles endure.
Shop vintage Mary McFadden day dresses, accessories and jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Tiktiner Belt with Mesh Hip SwagBy TiktinerLocated in New York, NYFun 80's belt by Tiktiner, Paris in black leather with enamel mesh swag. 1980's France. 2" Width. Fits 26-30". Excellent condition.Category
1980s French Belts
- Kerr Sterling Victorian Angel BuckleBy KerrLocated in New York, NYCharming Kerr Sterling Victorian Angel Buckle from the late 19th Century. High repousee angels motifs in scrollwork frames.. Signed with Kerr hallmark, Sterling. USA 1880's. 4" x 1.5".Category
1870s American Belts
- Piel Freres Peacock Eye Egyptian Revival BuckleBy Piel FrèresLocated in New York, NYArt Nouveau Piel Freres Peacock Eye Egyptian Revival Buckle from the 1920's France. Silverplated brass with Egyptian Lotus motifs set with sapphire poured...Category
1920s French Belts
- Saks Fifth Avenue Novelty Travel Motif BeltBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in New York, NYNovelty travel motif belt 1950s of black kid leather, with gilt filigree wording of European cities including Lisbon, Venice, London, Rome, and Paris . 1950's USA. 24"-24.5" belt l...Category
1950s American Belts
- Lisandro Sarasola Extravagant Pieced BeltLocated in New York, NYLisandro Sarasola Extravagant Pieced Belt composed of paisley motifs which are overbeaded with lame cording, lame and applique. Bronze gold leather t...Category
1980s American Belts
- Ungaro Suede and Calf Knotted BeltBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in New York, NYUngaro black belt with a faux knot effect in front. Half the belt is black suede and half is black calf, all piped in silver metallic leather. Interesting contrast of textures. Adjus...Category
1980s French Belts
- Dolce & Gabbana Logo BeltBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Scottsdale, AZCirca 2000s, this Dolce & Gabbana belt is a staple for your closet! Made from smooth black leather, this belt features a gun metal D&G buckle with a peg closure. Perfect to wear with...Category
Early 2000s Italian Belts
- Dolce & Gabbana Dark Brown Braided Leather Chain Belt 80CMBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Statement accessories are always worth the buy and this belt from Dolce & Gabbana is one such creation that is sure to add oodles of style to your wardrobe! The dark brown belt...Category
2010s Italian Belts
- Lanvin Crystal Plastic Fabric Two Tone Gold Chain BeltLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Add the luxury touch to your accessory collection with this belt. It comes made from quality materials and is designed with polished hardware. Grab it right away!Category
2010s Andorran Belts
- Dolce & Gabbana Black/Silver Fabric and Patent Leather Wide Waist Belt 75CMBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A classic add-on to your collection of belts, this Dolce & Gabbana belt has been crafted from patent leather and elasticised fabric in Italy. It has a lovely black shade and a square...Category
2010s Italian Belts
- Hermes Black/Gold Epsom and Chamonix Leather Belt Strap 90CMBy HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The classic and one of the iconic styles from the house of Hermes is their belts which give this luxurious piece a multi-utility and versatile look. Crafted from leather, this belt s...Category
2010s French Belts
- Gucci Black Leather Wide Waist BeltBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Accessorize like a fashionista using this amazing belt by Gucci. The piece is crafted from leather in a black hue and completed with a gold-tone plate attached.Category
2010s Italian Belts