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.
Mary McFadden Pleated Lilac Robe or Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New Hope, PA
This ultra feminine pleated lilac robe from Mary McFadden is just stunning.
Mary McFadden Signature Pleated 2 Toned Cocktail Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Mary McFadden Pleated 2 Toned Cocktail Dress from the 1980's.
Mary McFadden COUTURE Iconic Pleated Black Chiffon Skirt Size 6
By Mary McFadden
Located in Palm Desert, CA
If you want one piece of collectible fashion from this amazing female trailblazer fashion desgner, something done with her iconic pleated is just the thing to own. Done for the Mary ...
Mary McFadden Jet Encrusted Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden's cafe and black pleated cocktail dress with large gathered sleeves and a jet embellished "harness" which wraps around the shoulders.
Vintage Mary McFadden Purple & Gold Pleated Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mary McFadden Vintage Purple Pleated Dress is an iconic piece that embodies the designer’s signature blend of Grecian-inspired elegance and modern luxury.
1990S MARY MCFADDEN White & Gold Polyester Pleated Goddess Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
1990S MARY MCFADDEN White & Gold Polyester Pleated Goddess Gown Relaxed Measurements Shoulder across: 38" Bust across: 32 1/2" High waist: 25" Hip & Waist across: 33"
1990s Mary McFadden Black Pleated Grecian Dress
By Mary McFadden, Mary Mc Fadden
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990s Mary McFadden Elegant Black pleated one shoulder Gown.
Mary McFadden Couture Green Pleated Sculpted Short Sleeve Dress, 1980s
By Marry Mcfadden, Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mary McFadden couture green fortuny pleat dress.
Mary McFadden Couture 1990s Burgundy Size 4 Pleated Wide Leg Palazzo 90s Pants
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s MARY MCFADDEN burgundy / maroon high waisted wide leg palazzo trousers !
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 !
Mary McFadden Couture Silk Dress 1980s
By Mary McFadden
Located in Water Mill, NY
A pretty rose pink silk dress with her signature micro pleating from Mary McFadden's Couture line. It has a V neckline, a crossing front bodice and back and short sleeves with a ruf...
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 !
1980S MARY MCFADDEN White & Pastels Silk Jersey Signature Pleated Gown With Bea
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
1980S MARY MCFADDEN White & Pastels Silk Jersey Signature Pleated Gown With Beaded Embellishment
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Sz 10 1980s Pink Pearl Beaded Pleated Evening Gown
By Mary Mc Fadden, Mary McFadden
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...
$1,395
Size: Small - Small Medium
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Turquoise Blue Wide Palazzo Leg Pants + Belt
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage MARY MCFADDEN turquoise blue fortuny pleated high waisted wide leg trousers and sash belt !
Mary McFadden Couture Size 6 Turquoise Dress S/S 1983 Beaded Sequin 1980s Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Color is vibrant with no visible flaws. ⸻ Mary McFadden Couture, 1983 Mary McFadden, turquoise pleated dress, beaded dress, sequin dress, beaded neckline dress, multicolor beaded...
1980's Italian Designed Silver Micro Pleated Skirt with Beaded Top
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Italian evening set with multi colored sequin and beaded top and micro pleated silver mid calf skirt. Inspired by Mary McFadden from her Fortuny era pleated gown.
Mary McFadden Plaid Skirt with Side Pockets, 1980s
By Mary McFadden
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mary McFadden Signature Collection 1980s plaid pleated skirt with side pockets vintage size 10 but fits a modern size 6 ( please see and use measurements).
Mary McFadden 2 Tone Pleated
By Mary McFadden
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is made of a dark & light coral pleated polyester, with heavy gold stone accent on each shoulder. Measurements: Sleeves 35" from shoulder seam to edge Shoulders: 15" from s...
Unavailable
Mary McFadden Black Pleated Cocktail Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural cocktail dress from Mary McFadden is made out of black pleated polyester.
Mary McFadden Couture One-Shouldered Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage one-shouldered, pleated cocktail dress from Mary McFadden Couture.
Mary McFadden nude draped sleeve pleated dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Thud nude Mary McFadden has a drop waist and long slit sleeves and a boat neck. It is in fairly good condition with a few snags to fabric. it has a double side zipper and is missin...
Mary McFadden Silk Pleated Muted Chartreuse Sheath Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Henrico, VA
This vintage Mary McFadden sheath dress is made from beautiful pleated Chartreuse silk and is finished with an iridescent sheen to enhance the pleating technique.
Vintage MARY MCFADDEN 1980's 'Marii' pleated swirl dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Vintage MARY MCFADDEN 1980's era signature 'Marii' pleated dress.
Mary McFadden 1980s Pleated Black Evening Cocktail Dress Size 4.
By Mary McFadden
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Mary McFadden 1980s black pleated layered cocktail dress size 4.
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.
Mary McFadden Couture Vintage Dress Blue Fortuny Style Pleats in Size 4
By Mary McFadden
Located in Portland, OR
This is a vintage Mary McFadden Couture dress in a beautiful shade of blue.
Mary McFadden Couture Evening Gown - Fortuny
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mary McFadden's micro pleated fabric is a tribute to Mario Fortuny.
Mary McFadden dusty pink and gold velvet dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
The velvet print looks like gold red autumn leaves. Mary McFadden's micro pleated fabric is a tribute to Mario Fortuny.
Mary McFadden Beige Beaded Bodice w/ Light Lavender Skirt
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The fabulous bead and sequin work throughout the gown, coupled with the breathtakingly gorgeous fabric of the gown, make this dress a fashion work of art. Mary McFadden's micro pleat...
Late 1970s Mary McFadden Pleated Tomato Red Long Evening Gown Balloon Sleeves 6
By Mary McFadden
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Here's an early micro-pleated evening gown by Mary McFadden that we're estimating at a late 70s production.
Mary McFadden Couture Vintage 1980s Sequin Beaded Blue Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Sparks, NV
Iconic Mary McFadden pleated silky blue fabric, elasticized waist and back zip closure.
Italian pink Crush Pleat Linen Skirt by 120% Lino Size 10
Located in Palm Desert, CA
They use the same teqhnique as Fortuny and Mary McFadden pleating. Purchased in Italy. Never worn.
1980's Mary McFadden Pastel Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Lovely Mary Mcfadden dress from the 1980's featuring a v-neck, spaghetti straps, and a pleated bodice.
Sold
Mary Mcfadden
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mary Mcfadden fuchsia pleated gown with lettuce edge hem.
1970S MARY MCFADDEN Peach Beaded Permanently Pleated Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
1970S MARY MCFADDEN Peach Beaded Permanently Pleated Gown
Mary Mcfadden One Shoulder 2 Piece Pleated Ensemble
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden 2 piece, 2 toned, pleated, one shoulder "delphos" with a braided belt.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Red Fortuny Pleated Maxi Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Made up of Fortuny style pleats, this gorgeous crimson Mary McFadden dress is an elegant study of color and texture.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Red Fortuny Pleated Maxi Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Made up of Fortuny style pleats, this gorgeous crimson Mary McFadden dress is an elegant study of color and texture.
Mary McFadden Vintage Red Tiered Pleat Avant Garde Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Sparks, NV
Unique red pleated silk dress by Mary McFadden. Tiered pleated avant garde sleeves and scoop neck.
Mary McFadden White Long Sleeve Pleated Dress, c 1980s
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a tea length long sleeve cocktail dress from Mary McFadden. It is made of a white pleated fabric that is draped in a criss-cross pattern on the front and back of the bodice.
1970s Mary McFadden One-Shoulder Ecru Silk Pleated Column Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Mary McFadden one-shoulder ecru silk pleated column gown with asymmetrical black midsection.
Mary McFadden 70s Pleated Peach & Lilac Silk One-Shoulder Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Gresham, OR
Mary McFadden 70s wonderful one-shoulder Fortuny-style pleated silk dress with asymmetrical dropped waist and matching chain fabric shoulder drape.
1980's Mary McFadden Green Micro Pleated Dress and Bolero
By Mary McFadden
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The entire dress is comprised of two layers of the iconic Mary McFadden 'Marii' micro pleats. Deep V front and back and empire waist.
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.
1970S Mary Mcfadden Blush Pink & Silver Silk Beaded Bodice Pleated Skirt Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
1970S Mary Mcfadden Blush Pink & Silver Silk Beaded Bodice Pleated Skirt Gown
Sold
Size: US Size 6 Vintage Appears small
Mary McFadden Lavender Delphos Pleated Backless Gown for Neiman Marcus c 1990
By Mary McFadden
Located in University City, MO
Mary McFadden Lavender pleated backless gown c 1990s The exquisite pale lavender delphos pleated gown has a statuesque silhouette.
Mary McFadden one shoulder Grecian gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden, one shoulder Fourtuny style pleated gown...simply elegant...lavender/silver & mauvey/lavender.
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 Mauve Pleated Long Sleeve Gown w/ Rope Belt, c. 1970's 10
By Mary McFadden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a scoop neck tunic dress from Mary McFadden. It is made of a lilac purple pleated fabric and cinches at the waist with a long wrap belt.
Mary McFadden Off White Tiered Fortuny Pleated Evening Dress 1980s
By Mary McFadden, Mary Mc Fadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden Fortuny style pleated tiered evening dress from the 1980s.
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 Fortuny style gown with gold macrame
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden Fortuny style pleated gown with gold macrame yoke and waist band...In the colour of the winter sky, silvery, blue gray...Renaissance style gown with yoke and waist of g...
Mary McFadden Couture Pleated and Painted Evening gown
By Mary Mc Fadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden Couture, pleated and painted evening gown in light and dark silver blue grey, the long pleated skirt has a modernist flower and vine dow the right side, the flowers hav...
Mary McFadden Gold Metallic Jacquard Pleated Tiered Maxi dress 1970s
By Mary Mc Fadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden gold metallic jacquard pleated, tiered maxi dress from the 1970s.
Mary McFadden melon pleated plunge gown
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mary McFadden melon colour pleated gown…Alluring deep V front plunge…which could also be worn to the back…long sleeves…welted waist…side zipper closure…long fluid skirt...Measurement...
Mary McFadden Vintage Purple Pleated Plunging Neck Maxi Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Sparks, NV
Daring Mary McFadden pleated maxi dress in the most beautiful shade of muted purple.
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.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Silver Gray Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Made up of Fortuny style pleats, this Mary McFadden dress is an elegant study of color and texture.
Mary McFadden
By Mary McFadden
Located in Austin, TX
Mary McFadden Couture crinkle pleated 1980s gown.
Vintage Mary McFadden Black & Ivory pleated Gown-4
By Mary McFadden
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Mary McFadden Fine Pleated Black & Ivory gown with Gold/Pearl detailing and big front taffeta bow.
1980's Mary McFadden Black Marii Pleated Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's black silk chiffon Mary McFadden gown with micro pleats that are known as 'Marii pleats'.
Mary McFadden Signature Burgundy Pleated Body-Hugging Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden wonderfully elegant signature pleated body-hugging gown in burgundy is accented with long slim ties on both sleeve's cuffs measuring 12 1/4" in length.
1980s Mary McFadden White Jewel Trimmed Micro Pleated Gown
By Mary McFadden
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980s fabulous white micro pleated Mary McFadden gown. Long sleeves with fitted bodice and straight skirt.
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Black + White Fortuny Pleated Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage Mary McFadden black and white fortuny pleated dress!
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.
Mary McFadden Vintage One - Shoulder Fortuny Pleated Black Grecian Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage MARY MCFADDEN fortuny pleated black one-shoulder dress!
Vintage Mary McFadden Silk Fortuny Pleated Scalloped Ivory Blouse Jacket
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Mary McFadden fortuny pleated open blouse! Perfect ivory color.
Vintage Mary McFadden Couture Turquoise Blue Silk Fortuny Pleated Palazzo Pants
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 1980s / 80s MARY MCFADDEN COUTURE turquoise / teal blue silk Fortuny pleated wide leg palazzo trousers!
Mary McFadden Saks Fifth Avenue Purple Peplum Strapless Pleated Top, 1990s
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mary McFadden Couture for Saks Fifth Avenue early 1990s purple strapless signature pleat top with peplum bottom.
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 Vintage Fortuny Pleated Burgundy Silk Flowy Flirty Dress
By Mary McFadden
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage MARY MCFADDEN COUTURE long sleeve dress! Rich burgundy/maroon color.
Vintage Mary Mcfadden Couture Pink Pleated Beaded Waist Maxi Column 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.
Mary McFadden Gown with Stones
By Mary McFadden
Located in Austin, TX
Mary McFadden pink pleated gown with green stones on shoulders.
$1,195
Size: Small - Medium
1970s Vintage Yellow Cotton Voile + Lace Off - Shoulder Peasant Boho Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Breathtakingly beautiful 70s pale yellow soft cotton voile and lace maxi dress! Features an incredible amount of craftsmanship, with heavy attention to detail. Gives off just the rig...
Hermes 1970s Dress with Lace up Back
By Hermès
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black polished cotton dress from Hermes. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, button front closure to the waist, hip pockets, and a cut out back with adjustable lacing ...
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...
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...
$395
Size: Best fits 2/4, see measurements
Geoffrey Beene 1990s Textured Silk Apricot Beige Strapless Evening Gown
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in San Francisco, CA
Geoffrey Beene textured silk strapless empire waist long evening dress. Amazing warm apricot color, and beautiful texturing of the silk. Back center slit. Built in boned structuring ...
$290Sale Price|34% Off
Exotic Oyster Silk Embroidered Gown from India for Bonwit Teller c 1970
Located in University City, MO
Exotic oyster silk embroidered gown from India for Bonwit Teller c 1970 The elegant vintage silk gown is embellished with elaborate floral embroidery that circles the hemline The i...
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XS - Medium
1970s Bill Blass Brown White One Shoulder Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 70s BILL BLASS chocolate brown and white one shoulder swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a sloped with stripe at waistband, and above the bust. Built in interior support at bust. Gr...
$5,752
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 ...
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 6
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...
$549Sale Price|51% Off
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...
NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress
Located in Leonardo, NJ
The Danes Vintage Black 100% silk Extra long Pullover Sheer mesh back Size USA 8 NWT's, Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: length 66, pit to pit 16 to 18, smallest of waist...
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Marc Jacobs Late 90s Sz 8 Gold Metal Link Column Evening Gown Runway Dress Gown
By Marc Jacobs
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare late 1990s–early 2000s Marc Jacobs gold metal-link vintage evening gown featuring a fluid cowl neckline and long, slinky column silhouette that skims the body like liquid metal....
CARMEN MARC VALVO 90's Vintage Silver Beaded Evening Gown Bridal Wedding Dress
By Carmen Marc Valvo
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Carmen Marc Valvo Vintage 1990's Silver / Grey / Icy cool toned Delicate floral beaded pattern Looks like liquid silk, but it's not silk Sexy square neckline Size USA 12 - easily tai...
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...
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.