Mary McFadden Huge Gilded Gold Pendant
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Length: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Gilded gold hardware
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU1312302471528
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.
- Trifari Huge SIlver Rhinestone BroochBy TrifariLocated in New York, NYTrifari huge brooch measuring 1 3/4" in diameter is detailed with multi-shaped glass rhinestones. Gilded silver hardware frame.Category
1970s American Other
- 18K Florentine Finish Bee Accented with Coral BroochLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully elegant and whimsical bee of 18K with coral has 6.1 grams of 18K. The brooch measures 1 1/2" in width, from wing-tip to wing-tip. Coral is approx. 11.6 mm x 8.25...Category
1980s Unknown Other
- Napier "Signed" Lacquer and Enamel NecklaceBy NapierLocated in New York, NYNapier necklace of lacquer with black and red enamel is finished with gold hardware. Necklace is signed on the back and also on the clasp. Necklace measures 18" in length. The pe...Category
1970s American Other
- Napier Gilded & Brushed Gold NecklaceBy NapierLocated in New York, NYNapier combination of gilded polished and brushed gold makes for a elegant necklace. Necklace measures 16 1/2" in length and 1/2" in width.Category
1970s American Other
- Heavy Gilded Gold with Coral and Rhinestones Brooch & PendantLocated in New York, NYThis heavily polished gilded gold hardware brooch and pendant is superbly embellished with richly faux coral and rhinestones in detail. Brooch/Pendant measures 1 5/8" in diameter...Category
1980s French Other
- Givenchy Gilded Gold Signature Logo EarringsBy GivenchyLocated in New York, NYGivenchy's gilded gold clip-on earrings has his signature logo. Earrings measures 3/4" x 3/4".Category
1970s French Other
- Chanel 24k Gold Plated Quilted CC Logo Earrings 47ck825sBy ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: 2 6 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 1.2" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Hardware: Minor Marks ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other
- Cartier Size 4.5 18k White Gold Love Ring 863531By CartierLocated in Dix hills, NYEXCELLENT CONDITION (9/10 or A) Serial No : M45761 Ring Size : JPN 8, US 4 1/2 Material : White Gold Purity : 18k Gross Weight : 6.36 g / 0.224 oz SKU : 863531Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other
- Cartier Size 4.5 18k White Gold Love Ring 863540By CartierLocated in Dix hills, NYGOOD+ CONDITION (7.25/10 or B+) Ring Size : JPN 8, US 4 1/2 Material : White Gold Purity : 18k Gross Weight : 6.96 g / 0.245 oz Minor scuffed mark on the surfac Main Color : White g...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other
- Gucci Mauve Leather Reversible Blooms Tote Clochette Bag Charm 37gz413sBy GucciLocated in Dix hills, NYGucci Mauve Leather Reversible Blooms Tote Clochette Bag Charm 37gz413s Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 2.4" Width: .1" Height: 3.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9" OVERALL VERY G...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other
- Dior Brass Logo Padlock and Key Bag Charm Lock Set 3DR1104Located in Dix hills, NYMeasurements: Length: .75 " Width: .25 " Height: 1.25 " OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Hardware: Minor Marks, Minor Tarnish and Minor Scratches SKU : ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other
- Chanel 94p 24k Gold Plated CC Cross Brooch Pin 39cc722sBy ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: 04 P Made In: France Measurements: Length: 1.2" Width: .1" Height: 1.75" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 8.5/10 or A- ) Signs of Wear: Hardware: ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Other