Vintage Mary McFadden Dusky Lavender Golden Macrame Cut Out Back Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 58 in (147.32 cm)Marked Size: 8 (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73014001472
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: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1975 Gina Fratini Elizabeth Taylor Ombre Chiffon Wedding Dress DocumentedBy Gina FratiniLocated in Boca Raton, FLShe got married in a traditional white gown, modest flared suit, hooded green silk dress and a canary yellow babydoll, each of which was as spectacular as Elizabeth Taylor herself. B...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Missoni Vintage Sequin Chevron Open Shoulder Maxi DressBy MissoniLocated in Boca Raton, FLFamed for their iconic kaleidoscopic knits, Missoni crafts jersey fabric into comfortable, creative clothing. Since the conception of the brand in the 1950s, Missoni has mastered the art of pattern mixing and color combinations. From the early 2000’s, this exquisite Missoni maxi dress exudes a timeless, effortless chic. Done in a semi-transparent knit fabric that is covered in clear, iridescent sequins, the dress features a chevron pattern in shades of black, lavender, yellow, pale pink, and light turquoise. The cold shoulder bodice is introduced with a plunging V neckline framed by two black straps on clear Lucite loops, creating a striking visual contrast with the dramatic open shoulder...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Grey Floral Silk Maxi Dress, 1980sBy ChloéLocated in Boca Raton, FLKarl Lagerfeld is something of a fashion legend. Having worked for a panoply of notorious fashion houses, Lagerfeld designed for Chloé in the late 60s-80s and later in the 90s. His w...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1950s Hattie Carnegie Silk Floral Print Watercolor Nipped Waist DressBy Hattie CarnegieLocated in Boca Raton, FLFrom the early 1950s comes this heavenly silk dress by Hattie Carnegie. Its nipped-waist silhouette is the perfect canvas for the gorgeous watercolor print that unfolds upon it: a blanket of pretty peonies in shades of pink, gray, white, lavender and, of course, Carnegie blue. “My clothes are built to show off the woman who wears them,” the American designer once said. “I like them to be simple—complicated and simple—to move well, to move with the times and a little ahead of them.” Still stunning today, this vintage treasure is a reflection of her philosophy—and a ladylike option for so many occasions, from a springtime luncheon to a summertime wedding or garden party. Measurements Size estimate: XS/S Bust: 32 inches Waist: 24 inches Hips: 34 inches Length: 42 inches This vintage Hattie Carnegie dress...Category
1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Malcolm Starr Green Geometric Print Chiffon Pink Sash Dress, 1960sBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Boca Raton, FLMalcolm Starr was launched in the early 1960s as a dress line that features simple, easy-to-wear dresses. While the 1960s is famously painted as the Space Age decade, Malcolm Starr dresses showcase to other side of 60s style, one that is characterized by vivacity, optimism, and playful colors. Designed for Starr by Elinor Simmons, this 60s dress is done in a clover green...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Galanos Floral Dot print Billow Sleeve Cut-Out Silk Cocktail Dress, 1970sBy GalanosLocated in Boca Raton, FLThis is a stunning creation from James Galanos circa 1970. Done in an airy silk chiffon with a pattern of black dots, and playful florals in red, green and blue. From the round ne...Category
1970s American Day Dresses
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Sass & Bide Silk Crepe 3 Way Maxi Harness Bustier Dress AU 8 US 2Located in PUTNEY, NSWDress Crepe Embellished Contrasting trims SilkCategory
Early 2000s Australian Cocktail Dresses
- 2000s Diane Freis Monochrome Abstract Print Strapless Evening DressBy Diane FreisLocated in Hong Kong, HKThe Diane Freis Monochrome Abstract Print Dress in Black Silk is a chic and sophisticated piece that showcases a captivating abstract print. Crafte...Category
Early 2000s Chinese Evening Dresses
- Jacques Lelong 1980s White Leather Studded DressLocated in Scottsdale, AZStep into the glamour of the 1980s with our Jacques Lelong White Leather Studded Dress—a striking and captivating piece that effortlessly combines bold s...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Crane Day Hand Weaver 1990s Ombre Cocktail PonchoLocated in Scottsdale, AZA rare and jaw-dropping piece from the early 1990s! Designed by Crane Day Hand Weaver from Santa Fe, this poncho has a loose and breathable silhouette and fe...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- John Galliano grey checked Blanche Dubois bustled coat dress, ss 1988By John GallianoLocated in London, GBJohn Galliano London; grey Prince of Wales check coat dress. Bustled skirt falling in polonaise drapes, gathering into a band at the hem, can be button...Category
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns