1970 Mary McFadden Vintage Silk Pink Pastel Watercolor Tye Dye Maxi Skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Portland, OR
- Reference Number:
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: Beaverton, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Deadstock New w Tags Vintage Ralph Lauren Pink Floral 2 pc Dress Skirt & BlouseBy Ralph LaurenLocated in Portland, ORThis is a pretty vintage 2 piece dress outfit from Ralph Lauren in a pink floral cotton print. The outfit is new with original tags attached and...Category
1980s Hong Kong Day Dresses
- 1980s Norma Kamali Vintage Black & Red Plaid Vintage Skirt Jumper w SuspendersBy Norma KamaliLocated in Portland, ORNorma Kamali is one of our favorites so we really love this vintage 1980s red and black cotton plaid skirt with removable suspenders. You can wear this with a fun blouse or a simple ...Category
1980s American Skirts
- 1950s Pelux Guatemala Vintage Folk Blue Skirt Handwoven with White EmbroideryLocated in Portland, ORThis is a wonderful vintage mid century blue Folk skirt with gorgeous white embroidery that was made in Guatemala. We acquired this from one of an incredible estate that included outstanding hand embroidered clothing and accessories. The quality of this skirt is exceptional and it is truly a piece that will be treasured for years to come! The skirt has a Pelux label and a metal zipper. This is a lot prettier than many of the Guatemalan skirts...Category
1950s Guatemalan Skirts
- 1980s Thierry Mugler Black Bubble Skirt w Pink & Cream Geometric SquaresBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Portland, ORThis is such a unique design for Thierry Mugler! This black cotton bubble skirt has tiny squares in shades of pink and cream. The skirt has a fixed waist with snaps and a hidden zipp...Category
1980s French Bubble Skirts
- 1980s Escada Margaretha Ley Silk Animal Print Blouse & Brown Wrap Skirt w/ BeltBy Escada, Margaretha Ley EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThis is an incredible 2 piece Escada ensemble designed by Margaretha Ley in the 1980's. This outfit came from an estate of clothing we handled that included the best of the 1980's and many unique Escada pieces. This has a chocolate brown wool poly blend skirt that wraps to close with a button and an attached belt with a buckle. It is gently pleated and is labeled a size 34. The yellow and brown textured silk animal print blouse...Category
1980s German Blouses
- Chanel Spring Summer 2001 Black Wool Skirt With CC Logo Monogram Size 42By Chanel, Karl LagerfeldLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Chanel Spring / Summer 2001 black a-line wool skirt with subtle seams and oval CC logo plate sewn into the waistband. This skirt fits right into the modern aestheti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Skirts
- Emanuel Ungaro Floral Pleated SkirtBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Waterford, MIPink toned floral skirt. Pleated. Rear zipper closure. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— Waist: 28 ...Category
1980s Skirts
- Monique Lhuillier Pink Coral Lace SkirtBy Monique LhuillierLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMonique Lhuillier Pink Coral Lace Skirt - 6 This gorgeous lace skirt is in excellent condition. This flare skirt is fitted on top and opens up at the bott...Category
Early 2000s American Skirts
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Red & Blue Silk Lace Dress With Zippers Snakeskin DetailingBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Red & Blue Silk Lace Dress With Zippers Snakeskin Detailing MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced from a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary A-Line Skirts
- Alaia Vintage Two-Tone Barbie Pink Pleated Knit Sweater Mini SkirtBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Sparks, NVIncredible vintage Alaia skirt in two tone pink! Pleated detail with hand stitching on the reverse side of the knit. Front hook closure. Unlined. The fabric content is 70% wool, 22% ...Category
1990s French Pleated Skirts
- Emilio Pucci Leaf Print SkirtBy Emilio PucciLocated in New York, NYEmilio Pucci Leaf Print Skirt of lycra infused cotton poplin for stretch. Styled like a jean with zip front entry and side button closure. Sits on hips with great graphic pops of col...Category
Early 2000s Italian Skirts
- Andre Courreges Pink Crossover SkirtBy Courrèges, André CourrègesLocated in New York, NYCool Andre Courreges Pink Crossover Skirt from the 1980's. Unusual design with side pockets which stand away from slim cut skirt, back vent and side zip, 1980's France. Courreges siz...Category
1980s Peg Top Skirts