Mary McFadden Soutache and Hand Hammered Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk Soutache, Hammered Metal
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU121014461408
Mary McFadden
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Olive Calf French Jeweled BeltLocated in New York, NYDeep olive calf belt from the late 1980's with leather self covered buckle and aurora Swarovski triangular crystals applied. Belt is cut on the round so it molds to waist and upper h...Category
1980s French Belts
- Ungaro Suede and Calf Knotted BeltBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in New York, NYUngaro black belt with a faux knot effect in front. Half the belt is black suede and half is black calf, all piped in silver metallic leather. Interesting contrast of textures. Adjus...Category
1980s French Belts
- Lisandro Sarasola Extravagant Pieced BeltLocated in New York, NYLisandro Sarasola Extravagant Pieced Belt composed of paisley motifs which are overbeaded with lame cording, lame and applique. Bronze gold leather t...Category
1980s American Belts
- Saks Fifth Avenue Novelty Travel Motif BeltBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in New York, NYNovelty travel motif belt 1950s of black kid leather, with gilt filigree wording of European cities including Lisbon, Venice, London, Rome, and Paris . 1950's USA. 24"-24.5" belt l...Category
1950s American Belts
- Givenchy Patent and Soutache BeltBy GivenchyLocated in New York, NYStriking Givenchy belt of black patent leather with vibrant purple soutache trim and large oval bakelite buckle. Slides and holds with no hoods or eyes...Category
1980s French Belts
- Mondi Star Studded BeltBy MondiLocated in New York, NYAttractive Mondi wide black leather belt, studded with chromed silver 5 point star motifs. Excellent Condition. 1990's W. Germany. Waist size...Category
1990s German Belts
- ALAÏA SS 1992 teal laser cut leather runway BeltBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHThis teal belt dating from SS 1992 runway is an ideal way to incorporate one of Alaïa’s key codes into your everyday wardrobe. It's made from smooth leather, w...Category
1990s French Belts
- Roberto Cavalli Belt Animal Print 90sLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLThis one-of-a kind animal print belt designed by Roberto Cavalli often feature his signature style, which includes elements like animal prints. Anima...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- DOLCE & GABBANA black patent leather Thin Belt 80By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Dolce & Gabbana belt in black patent leather with a silver-tone metal buckle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Comes with dust bag. Measurements Tag Size...Category
2010s Belts
- ALAIA black patent leather VIENNE WAVE CORSET WAIST Belt 80By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Alaïa 'Vienne Wave' perforated laser-cut waist belt in black patent-leather with one buckle closure in the middle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- ALAIA black PYTHON VIENNE WAVE CORSET WAIST Belt 85By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Alaïa perforated laser-cut waist belt in black python and leather with one buckle closure in the middle. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Measurements Ta...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- ALAIA black suede WHITE DOT DOUBLE STRAP WAISY Belt 75By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Alaïa double strap waist belt in black suede leather with white cut-out dots. The design features gunmetal buckles. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Meas...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts