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Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

American, b. 1938

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.

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Creator: Mary McFadden
Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden
Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden

Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament, attrib Mary McFadden

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Art to Wear Hammered Brass Body Ornament of 2 toned brass "links" woven with silk bias tubing in lilac and burgundy. There are unfinished brass links alternating with hammered brass links in a slightly different tone. Completely flexible like a massive metal centipede to wrap anywhere you like. Incredibly versatile body jewelry...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Brass

Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch
Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch

Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on Brooch

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

This wonderful gilded gold hardware "Scrab" by Mary McFadden optional clip-on brooch as well as a loop to hold in place your silk scarf when being worn is detailed with etchin...

Category

1980s American Egyptian Revival Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff
Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff

Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff

By Mary McFadden

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The Mary McFadden Tall Gold Cuff Bracelet is a stunning, statement-making piece of jewelry that reflects the designer's love of global influences, bold designs, and timeless elegance...

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip
Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mary McFadden Egyptian Brooch/Clip is wonderfully carved in details with the gold hardware base. This piece measures 2" in length, 1 1/2"...

Category

1980s American Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

MaryMcFadden TheMetCollected JewelrySeries GiltOpenwork Sculptural Brooch, c1970
MaryMcFadden TheMetCollected JewelrySeries GiltOpenwork Sculptural Brooch, c1970

MaryMcFadden TheMetCollected JewelrySeries GiltOpenwork Sculptural Brooch, c1970

By Mary McFadden

Located in Chicago, IL

Like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Hattie Carnegie, and Pauline Trigere, Mary McFadden produced jewelry in the 20th Century to compliment her own couture-clothing designs. Unlike those fashion designers, McFadden handcrafted her sculptural jewelry, whereby her studio designs in brass since...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

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Gold, Gilt Metal, Brass

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings
Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings

Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Earrings

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Mary McFadden Monumental Leaf Clip on Earrings would be a striking and bold statement piece of jewelry, combining McFadden's signature design style with the elegance of nature-inspir...

Category

Late 20th Century Regency Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Mary Mcfadden jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Mary McFadden jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using brass. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Mary McFadden jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Mary McFadden agate jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 8 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Joseff Hollywood, Martine, and R.J. Graziano. Prices for Mary McFadden jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $885 and tops out at $2,800, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $1,623.
Questions About Mary McFadden Jewelry & Watches
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.