Mary McFadden Pleated and Beaded Organza Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden Pleated and Beaded Organza Gown from the 1990's.
Mary McFadden Pleated and Beaded Organza Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden Pleated and Beaded Organza Gown from the 1990's.
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Sz 10 1980s Pink Pearl Beaded Pleated Evening Gown
By Mary McFadden, Mary Mc Fadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Highlights • Mary McFadden Couture, 1980s – rare and collectible • Vibrant pink hue that flatters year-round: fresh for spring/summer, luminous for fall/winter events • Bodice ful...
1980s Mary McFadden Royal Blue Fortuny Pleated Size 2 / 4 Mosaic Vintage Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1980s MARY MCFADDEN for NEIMAN MARCUS royal blue fortuny pleated evening gown !
1990s Mary McFadden Couture Size 2 / 4 Burgundy Sequin Pleated Vintage 90s Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful early 90s MARY MCFADDEN COUTURE burgundy / maroon and gold long sleeve cocktail dress ! Features signature fortune pleated bodice. Rhinestone, bead and sequin encrusted wai...
Mary McFadden Couture Size 6 Turquoise Dress S/S 1983 Beaded Sequin 1980s Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking and impeccably crafted vintage Mary McFadden Couture pleated dress from Spring/Summer 1983, showcasing her patented Marii pleating and the richly embellished beaded and se...
Morton Miles Fortuny Pleated Lavender Beaded Accents Chemise Dress size 8
By Morton Myles
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A very chic dress made by American, New York, designer Morton Myles for the Warrens. This beauty has resided in a Palm Springs Fashionistas closet since it was new. A gorgeous spring...
1980's Italian Designed Silver Micro Pleated Skirt with Beaded Top
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Inspired by Mary McFadden from her Fortuny era pleated gown.
Size: Small to Medium
Torso Creations Lavender Pleated Silk Caplet w Heavily Beaded & Embroidered Trim
By Torso Creations
Located in Gresham, OR
Torso Creations Lavender Pleated Silk Caplet w Heavily Beaded & Embroidered Appliques: This unique piece is fashioned from a vintage Mary McFadden gown by Torso Creations for a one-...
1980s Mary McFadden Couture Pleated Column Gown with Beaded Cage Bodice
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Done in Mary McFadden's iconic micropleats, this gorgeous white column gown features Egyptian revival-inspired beading in a cage pattern across the bodice and shoulders. The fitted b...
1980's Mary McFadden Beaded Black Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage evening gown from Mary McFadden dates to the 1980's. The bodice is fully covered with embroidery, sequins, and beads.
Mary McFadden Couture Strapless Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Strapless gown from Mary McFadden's couture line is made of peach pleated silk.
Mary McFadden Beige Beaded Bodice w/ Light Lavender Skirt
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Presented here is a Mary McFadden silk gown couture silk gown with beading and sequins.
Mary McFadden Gorgeous Fortuny-Style Gown w/ Beaded Detail
By Mary McFadden
Located in Gresham, OR
A gorgeous Mary McFadden grecian style Fortuny-esque pleated gown with incredibly detailed and beautiful beaded and sequined neck and sleeve details.
1980s Mary McFadden jewel tunic gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden jewel tunic gown & pleated skirt...Long sleeve tunic length top with beaded & sequin design, pull on style with with open neckline, side vents, closes at the neck back ...
Mary McFadden Couture Vintage 1980s Sequin Beaded Blue Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Sparks, NV
Blue beaded Mary MacFadden Couture label gown with bold shoulders and heavy 3/4 sleeves that are encrusted in tiny sequins and beads.
Mary McFadden Couture Black Silk Beaded & Embroidered Gown - 8 - 1980's
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden Couture Black Silk Beaded & Embroidered Gown - 8 - 1980's.
Mary McFadden Taupe & Black Gown w/ Black Beaded Drape, c 1980s
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an elegant gown from Mary McFadden. It is made of a taupe and black pleated polyester, with a heavy beaded drape around both shoulders.
Size: 6
Mary Mcfadden
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long vibrant gown with extensive bead work on halter bodice and open wide back.
The skirt is done in a bright aqua blue with Mcfadden's trademark pleats. Zip closure at back.
Mary Mcfadden Couture Sky-Blue Pleated Dress w/Beaded & Sequined Shoulders
By Mary McFadden
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Couture sky-blue pleated cocktail, midi length dress. The subtle princess sleeves are encrusted with beads and sequins and depict an eagle at the center. 100% p...
Size: 8 fits like a 4
1980s Mary McFadden Couture white cage back gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden Couture 1980s white Fortuny styled pleated gown with jeweled cage neck/back...Beautiful silver & white combination for holiday or summer...Heavily beaded bodice, straps...
Size: Size estimate: Medium
1970s Mary McFadden Beaded One Shoulder Pastel Sequin Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An accomplished designer, Mary McFadden studied in New York and Paris, worked at Dior, and served as the editor of Vogue South Africa among other positions and awards. She started he...
MARY MCFADDEN PEACH BEADED EVENING DRESS
Located in Alford, MA
Beautifully beaded bodice adds just the right amount of dazzle to this Mary McFadden couture dress from the 1980s. The skirt and elbow-length sleeves are made of her signature pleate...
Mary McFadden beaded Fortuny style pleated evening gown 1980s
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden beaded Fortuny style pleated evening gown from the 1980s.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Couture Dramatic Sleeves Beaded Bodice Ivory Pleated Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Made up of ivory Fortuny style pleats, this elegant, couture Mary McFadden gown begins with a jewel neckline and dramatic puff sleeves that reach the wrist.
Mary McFadden Couture Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This is Mary McFadden Couture dress is made up of fortuny style pleats. The color is a silver grey, (with out being metallic). The sleeves are long and can be worn scrunched up a...
Mary McFadden Couture Gold & White Beaded Bodice Halter Neck Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a lovely evening gown from Mary McFadden. It is made of her signature pleated poly fabric skirt, with a a gold tone and white beaded halter style bodice.
Size: 8 - 10
Mary McFadden Silk Gown with Beading and Sequins
By Mary McFadden
Located in Austin, TX
Mary McFadden red pleated gown with beaded and sequin around waist.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Couture Pink Pleated Beaded Waist Maxi Column Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Mary McFadden couture dress is unlined, has padded shoulders, and closes with a concealed side zip.
Art-Deco Inspired Mary McFadden Gown of Black Silk w Harlequin Beaded Bodice
By Mary McFadden
Located in Gresham, OR
Art-Deco Inspired Mary McFadden Gown of Black Silk w Harlequin Beaded Bodice: A simple black micro-pleated full-length skirt with slightly dropped waist in a classic McFadden pleate...
Size: 4 (Best Fits 4-6)
Cleopatra Style 1980's Mary McFadden Turquoise Goddess Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Atlanta, GA
Create a modern day Cleopatra look with this stunning Mary McFadden Couture goddess dress from the 1980's. The turquoise micro pleated fabric is a nod to the feminine designs of Ma...
Stunning 90s George F Couture Sz 8 / 10 Ivory Fortuny Pleated Grecian Gown Dress
By Lillie Rubin
Located in San Diego, CA
COUTURE for LILLIE RUBIN ivory and gold fortune pleated sequin and beaded Grecian gown! Features a flattering fortuney pleated fabric that has so much give.
Size: Unmarked (Best Fits 6-8)
Richilene Fuchsia Micro Pleat Beaded Evening Dress, 1980’s
By Richilene
Located in Atlanta, GA
The bright fuchsia color of this 1980’s Richilene evening dress is captivating though the phenomenal bead work on the sleeves is the real show stopper. Beautifully made with a micro...
Mary McFadden Couture 80s pleated beaded gown size 4.
By Mary McFadden
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mary McFadden Couture 80s pleated beaded gown size 4.
"Mary McFadden Couture "White Pleated Silk Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Mary McFadden column gown is done in a Fortuny-style pleated snow white silk.
Mary McFadden Couture White beaded Halter Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
The art of ancient civilizations in literally woven into her fabrics." White pleated Gown in absolutely pristine condition with intricate embroidery and beading in gold and silver b...
MARY McFADDEN COUTURE Vintage Beaded White Gown Sz 10
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Stunning Beaded White Gown from MARY McFADDEN COUTURE This lovely gown is made of McFadden's signature pleated fabric in a timeless shade of white that appears off-white in certai...
MARY McFADDEN COUTURE Sexy Beaded Burgundy Gown Sz 8
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Stunning Vintage Beaded Burgundy Gown from MARY McFADDEN COUTURE This lovely gown is made of McFadden's signature pleated fabric in a shade of burgundy.
Mary McFadden Couture Beaded Halter Apricot Evening Gown - Sz 4
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York City, NY
Mary McFadden Couture luxurious evening gown of beaded halter top and signature McFadden accordian pleated skirt.
Mary Mcfadden Couture Beaded Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Longsleeve beaded embroidered Bust with Pleated Silk Bottom.
Mary Mcfadden Elegant Pleated Jewel Green Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Mary Mcfadden Elegant Pleated Jewel Green Dress
Exquisite Fortuny style pleating, in a lovely swooping design, with beautifully embroidered beaded sleeves.
there is no ...
Mary McFadden White Gown with Open Back and Beading
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mary McFadden full length white gown, perma-pleated (fortuny-like pleating) all over.
Mary McFadden 1970's embellished Fortuny pleated dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Mary McFadden 1970's embellished Fortuny pleated dress. Exquisite green dress with sequins, beads, and embroidery using semi precious stones, and Swarovski Crystals. Tumbled Amethy...
1980's Mary McFadden Pleated Bodice & Embellished Skirt Mini Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in London, GB
This cocktail dress is long sleeved with a jewel shaped neck line. The bodice is intricately pleated with small zips at the end of the sleeves. The waistline and hem are heavily Mary...
1980's Mary McFadden Couture Pleated Silk Chiffon Party Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fanciful and flirty party dress from Mary McFadden is done in her signature Fortuny inspired pleated chiffon. Strapless bodice is trimmed in metallic gold cording, while the skirt he...
Size: 6
Mary McFadden Circa 1980's
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Mary McFadden, circa 1980's, signature pleat dress with gold/silver bead work and side zipper.
Mary McFadden Couture Pleated Ivory Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage gown from Mary McFadden dates to the 1980's through early 1990's.
1970's Mary McFadden Couture Metallic Beaded Sky-Blue Pleated Silk Goddess Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Breathtaking Mary McFadden Couture sky-blue goddess gown dating back to the late 1970's.
Marvelous Mary McFadden Off Shoulder Gold Gown with Heavily Beaded Bodice
By Mary McFadden
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden's off-the-shoulder, capped sleeve gown is what true vintage is all about!
Mary McFadden Couture Vintage 1980's Purple Pleated Beaded Evening Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Mary McFadden Couture Vintage 1980's Lilac Pleated Beaded Evening Dress. This is just so pretty, please use the zoom feature to see details. Size 8 Bust 38" Waist 28" Hips 40" Lengt...
Mary McFadden Couture Turquoise Evening Dress with Beaded Sleeves NWT
By Mary McFadden
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Magnificent pleated evening dress from Mary McFadden Couture. Featuring a knot motif bust line in her signature pleated fabric, this has magnificent beading on the sleeves. Unworn ...
Beaded Mary McFadden Couture Black Dress w Gold Braid Sequins & Rhinestones
By Mary McFadden, Mary Mc Fadden
Located in Portland, OR
This Mary McFadden Couture Vintage black dress is beautifully pleated in Fortuny style with a heavily embellished bodice. The bodice has gold braid, thick metallic gold embroidery, b...
Mary McFadden Couture Gold beaded Bodice with Gold pleated Skirt Gown
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous Mary McFadden couture silk gown with embroidered top , beading and sequins.
1980s Pleated Silk Mary McFadden Couture Evening Gown W. Beaded Bodice
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This stunning 1980s Mary McFadden couture column dress features an embellished bodice and bright turquoise micro pleated silk skirt. The intricate beadwork & embroidery of the bodic...
Size: Estimated Size: UK 10-12/ US 6-8
George F Couture Black & Gold Fortuny Pleat Beaded Evening Gown, 1980s
By I. Magnin
Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire
George F Couture Black & Gold Fortuny Pleat Beaded Evening Gown, 1980s Estimated Size: UK 10-12/ US 6-8.
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top st...
Size: Small/Italy
Yves Saint Laurent Coco Brown Form-Fitting Lined Jersey Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent coco brown form-fitting lined jersey scoop-neck dress features a handkerchief hemline on both the dress's hem and also on the bell-sleeve's cuff. Detaile...
Thierry Mugler Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...
1990s Ralph Lauren Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Crystal Straps
By Ralph Lauren
Located in London, GB
This Y2K Ralph Lauren silk maxi dress is just about the closest design we have ever seen to the brand's custom made gown for Gwyneth Paltrow to attend the 71st Academy Awards where s...
Size: Small - Medium
Amazing Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley Leather Suede Color Block Bomber Jacket
By Escada Margaretha Ley, Escada
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage ESCADA by MARGARETHA LEY suede and leather color block bomber jacket! Features suede patches in vibrant colors of purple and blue, intertwined with soft gold leather....
John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...
1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s Diane Von Furstenberg green and white cotton strapless top! 3-D leaf print, with a trapeze/free flowing waist. Buttons at top back. Can easily be dressed day to night. ...
Randolph Duke 1990s Size 8 Black Jeweled Rhinestone Vintage 90s Gown Dress
By Randolph Duke
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful RANDOLPH DUKE 1990s black silk jersey and mesh 3/4 sleeves evening gown ! Features nude mesh on the back with hundreds of hand-sewn rhinestones. Hidden zipper up the side. ...
Size: 44 / US 10 - 12
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Ivory Dress Gown
By Versace
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Versace S/S 2005 Embellished Cutout Back Dress Gown Versace sleeveless gown featuring plunging neckline, beaded embellishments throughout, slit at high-low hem and concealed zip clo...
Early 1980s Bob Mackie Backless Halter Tie Black Satin Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This early 1980s Bob Mackie black satin evening gown features a backless halter tie design, a keyhole neckline, and draped waist detailing. Approximate measurements: Size - removed ...
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Givenchy Style: Princess Coat Color(s): Brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Cont...
Size: IT40 fits like an XS/S
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress
By Narciso Rodriguez
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Narciso Rodriguez 2018 Original Price $2,995 Special Capsule Collection for Barneys NY The most adorable softest baby pink color bordering on peach Pullover Lined 100% silk IT40 fits...
Two piece Wool Tweed Suit with Black Fox Fur Collar
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: 2-piece suit with a skirt and a jacket. Made from wool/tweed The black fox fur collar is non- detachable. Size f...
Dolce and Gabbana 2004 White Beaded Rhinestones Flapper Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare 2004 Dolce and Gabbana White Spaghetti Strap Beaded Rhinestones Dress with tassel beads. Flapper Dress. Perfect for Holiday cocktail Party. Measurement: Bust : 34” / Waist 28...
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.
With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.
In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.
Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy
Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.
Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.