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.
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...
Louis Vuitton Inclusion Monogram Bangle Bracelet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Amsterdam, NH
Louis Vuitton Inclusion Monogram Bangle Bracelet Beautiful Louis Vuitton Inclusion monogram bangle bracelet in brown. In great condition without any flaws, comes with the original b...
Angela Cummings Studios Vintage 18k Large Cuff Braclet
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1984 Angela Cummings Studios 18k yellow Gold Cross over Design Cuff Bracelet, measuring 2 3/4 inches in length, 2 3/4 inches wide and weighing 55.3 Grams. inside measurement of...
18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 2.80 carats. Signed by Bvlgari Size 7 inches Comes with its warranty card and orig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet circa vintage
By Taxco Mexico
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet is a stunning example of artisanal craftsmanship, featuring a rich, ...
Vintage Scandinavian Modernist Natural Amber Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Large Scandinavian Modernist natural cabochon Baltic amber and sterling silver cuff bracelet, maker's mark WK 20th Century Centered by a stunning natural oval amber cabochon measurin...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Moissanite woman's bracelets 925 Silver woman's designer bracelets
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite woman's bracelets Designer Women's bracelets 925 Silver 925 Sterling Silver Color:Rosegold Plating: Rosegold Plated Material: Sterling Silver Size: 18 cm (Inn...
Silver, Sterling Silver
David Webb 18k Hammered Violin Scroll Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite David Webb 1970's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fluted Hammered Scroll Vintage Cuff Bracelet, a true embodiment of elegance and artistry. This remarkable piece is crafted with...
Yellow Gold
David Yurman Sterling Silver Hinged Wide Cuff
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This distinctive David Yurman sterling silver wide hinged cuff showcases the brand’s iconic sculptural craftsmanship and artistic use of gemstones. The bracelet features a bold lineu...
Amethyst, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Moissanite woman's bracelets 925 Silver woman's clover bracelets
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite clover woman's bracelets 925 Silver 925 Sterling Silver Color: Gold; Rosegold Plating: Gold Plated; Rosegold Plated Material: Sterling Silver Size: 18 cm (Inner...
Silver, Sterling Silver
John Hardy Classic Chain Bracelet with Black Sapphire in Sterling Silver
By John Hardy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: John Hardy Metal: Sterling Silver Metal Purity: AG 925 Bracelet Width: 6.45 mm wide Bracelet Length: 7.5" Gemstone: Black S...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Butterfly Moissanite woman's bracelets 925 Silver woman's lbracelets
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite butterfly woman's bracelets 925 Silver Enamel bracelets 925 Sterling Silver Color: Gold; Rosegold Plating: Gold Plated; Rosegold Plated Material: Sterling Silver ...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sunburst Bracelet Pave Diamond Cuff Bracelet 925 Silver Bangle Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
Sunburst Bracelet Pave Diamond Cuff Bracelet 925 Silver Diamond Bangle Jewelry Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, un...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Mary McFadden Silk Knot Cuff
By Mary McFadden
Located in New York, NY
Mary McFadden's dramatic hammered gilt cuff with black silk Chinese knot decoration. An interesting companion piece for her Fortuny pleated gowns. 1980's USA. Signed. Excellent cond...
Gilt Metal