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 Mary McFadden, vintage Mary McFadden, 1980s Mary McFadden, Mary McFadden dickey, beaded silk dickey, vintage beaded dickey, hand beaded capelet, beaded cape, beaded blouse, beaded top, bib top, statement collar, detachable beaded collar, silk evening top, hand beaded silk, Made in India, Indian beadwork, burgundy beaded top, ruby red beaded top, vintage eveningwear, matching evening bag, beaded drawstring bag...
