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What is Mary McFadden known for?
1 Answer

Mary McFadden is a fashion designer known for her kimono-shaped jackets and synthetic pleated charmeuse fabric. She drew inspiration for her designs from ancient cultures and traditions from around the world. Shop a variety of classic Mary McFadden clothing from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Mary McFadden Fashion on 1stDibs
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture 1980s Pink Fortuny Pleated Cocktail 80s Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Based on the measurements, I would describe this as approximately a modern US 8–10, with the pleated construction providing considerably more ease through the bust and especially the...
Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
Vintage 1990s Mary McFadden Yellow Metallic Brocade Skirt Suit
By Mary McFadden
Located in valatie, NY
1990s Collection by Mary McFadden iridescent yellow metallic brocade suit has a double breasted jacket and pleated skirt. The jacket has rhinestone encrusted gold flower buttons, wel...
Category
1990s American Skirt Suits
Evening skirt suit with sequin and rhinestone embroidered Mary Mc Fadden Couture
By Mary Mc Fadden, Mary McFadden
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening skirt suit with sequin ,rhinestone embroidered and gold threads.
Mary McFadden for Neiman Marcus
SIZE 38
Category
1980s American Skirt Suits
1980s Mary McFadden Beaded Silk Dickey Capelet Top with Matching Evening Bag Box
By Mary Mc Fadden, Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional 1980s Mary McFadden hand-beaded silk dickey with its matching beaded drawstring evening bag and original box. Made in India from 100% pure silk, this extraordinary set embodies Mary McFadden’s richly embellished, globally influenced approach to evening dressing.
The deep ruby-red to burgundy silk is covered with intricate tonal seed and bugle beadwork arranged in an organic scrolling pattern, with elaborate floral and foliate motifs concentrated around the neckline, shoulders and borders. The density of the hand-applied beadwork gives the piece the appearance of wearable jewelry.
Although this dickie can visually read as a cropped blouse, cape or capelet, the garment is technically a dickey. It consists of beautifully beaded front and back panels joined at the shoulders and neckline while remaining completely open at the sides. This unusual construction allows the piece to transform another garment without the weight and bulk of an entirely beaded blouse.
It is remarkably versatile. Wear it over a fitted black, ivory, burgundy or jewel-toned turtleneck for a dramatic layered evening look; over a silk blouse, camisole or bodysuit as a statement beaded top; or over a simple column dress to create the effect of an elaborately embellished bodice. It is particularly striking beneath an open tuxedo jacket, velvet blazer or evening coat, allowing the beaded dickey to function almost like an oversized jeweled collar.
For a more contemporary look, pair it with high-waisted ivory or cream trousers and a blazer, or juxtapose the ornate 1980s beadwork with streamlined tailoring. It can therefore be styled as a dickey, bib top, beaded blouse, capelet, short cape, cropped top or statement collar, depending on how it is layered.
The accompanying drawstring evening pouch is made from coordinating silk and repeats the same intricate beadwork, including densely worked botanical motifs. Twisted silk cords complete the design.
Especially desirable is the survival of the original Mary McFadden box, making this an unusually complete vintage set.
Condition: Brand new, unworn condition. The Mary McFadden dickey and matching evening bag are beautifully preserved. The original box is included and shows age-related wear and damage; the condition issues are confined to the box and do not affect the garments/accessories themselves.
Designer: Mary McFadden
Period: 1980s
Country of manufacture: Made in India
Shell: 100% pure silk
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Category
1980s Indian Collars
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Burgundy Long Sleeve Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful 90s Marcy Mcfadden Couture Burgundy Long Sleeve V neck gown with gold frog closures and embellished waist. LARGE size
Measurement :
Bust: 42...
Category
1980s American Wedding Dresses
Vintage Mary McFadden Light Pink ' Fan ' Print Ruffle Tiered Silk Dress w/ Belt
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Mary McFadden flapper style dress! Light pink silk, with fan prints throughout. Three tiered layers on the skirt, with a ruffled neck. Long corded belt can be wrapp...
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