1980S MARY MCFADDEN Multicolor Pastel Polyester Jacquard Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 54.5 in (138.43 cm)Marked Size: OS (US)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 42 in (106.68 cm)Hip: 50 in (127 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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 PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1910S White Embroidered Cotton Voile Edwardian Tea Dress With SleevesLocated in New York, NY1910S White Embroidered Cotton Voile Edwardian Tea Dress With SleevesCategory
1910s American Tea Gowns
- 1900S Beige Cotton Tulle Exquisite Edwardian Pintucked Dress With Heavy Lace TrLocated in New York, NY1900S Beige Cotton Tulle Exquisite Edwardian Pintucked Dress With Heavy Lace TrimCategory
Early 1900s American Tea Gowns
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Pink & Orange Silk Chiffon Butterfly Print Kaftan With ScarBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Pink & Orange Silk Chiffon Butterfly Print Kaftan With Scarf Belt MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique materials sourced...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Kaftans
- 1920S Ecru Silk Chiffon & Lace Drop-Waist Flapper Era Day DressLocated in New York, NY1920S Ecru Silk Chiffon & Lace Drop-Waist Flapper Era Day DressCategory
1920s Casual Dresses
- MORPHEW COLLECTION Style Psychedelic Cotton Peter Max Printed KaftanBy MorphewLocated in New York, NYMORPHEW COLLECTION Style Psychedelic Cotton Peter Max Printed Kaftan MORPHEW COLLECTION is made entirely by hand in our NYC Ateliér of rare antique mat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Kaftans
- 1920S Beige Handmade Lace & Silk Chiffon Dress With Long SleevesLocated in New York, NY1920S Beige Handmade Lace & Silk Chiffon Dress With Long SleevesCategory
1920s Casual Dresses
- Versace Spring 1996 dressBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful Gianni Versace Couture 60s inspired cream dress from Spring Summer 1996 collection. The dress is knee length, with thin adjustable belts including classic Versace...Category
1990s Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Tibet Tibetan 1997 Buddha Eyes Egypt Tattoo Optical DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Tibet Tibetan 1997 Buddha Eyes Stretch Egypt Tattoo Optical Illusion Maori Mesh Vintage T-shirt Top Tee Maxi Dress JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage 1997 dress...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier 1997 Fashion & Couture 90s Vintage Japanese Tattoo Maxi DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG 1997 Fashion & Couture Jean's 90s Vintage Japanese Tattoo Sheer Mesh Haut Robe Dress ICONIC Vintage piece from from ga...Category
1990s French Mini Dresses
- Moschino Jeans Pierre Lecomte painting art baroquet Corset Bustier Skirt SetBy Moschino, Moschino JeansLocated in PARIS, FRMoschino Jeans Vintage Pierre Lecomte paint painting baroque print top Corset Bustier Skirt Set Moschino vintage corset and skirt set with baroque print...Category
1990s French Mini Dresses
- Jean Varon 1970s Multi-Colored GownBy Jean VaronLocated in New York, NYJean Varon 70s Abstract Printed Chiffon Gown with Ruffle Detailing. This loose fitting dress with vibrant print and dramatic volume is sure to grab the attention of anyone in the roo...Category
1970s Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier Sailor Cone dress 1990'sBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GBMy Runway Archive presents this Iconic Jean Paul Gaultier 'Maille' dress that fuses two of Gaultier's most signature styles. Cones and sailor stripe...Category
1990s European Informal Dresses